When your house springs a leak, your first instinct should be to fix it up or call a plumber. Unfortunately, not every homeowner will take a water leak seriously or make it a priority, especially if it seems small. If you don’t address a water leak though, it can have some potentially dangerous consequences—and mold growth is one of the most serious (and likely) possibilities.
Nobody likes the idea of a fungus growing unchecked in their home. But it’s important to recognize when your house is telling you it has a mold problem, so you can get it taken care of ASAP.
Here are a few of the biggest red flags to look for:
Odor
A persistent musty or earthy smell is a dead giveaway that mold is growing somewhere in your home. The worse the smell, the more severe the mold is. So, if you’re constantly wrinkling your nose, you should call in a specialist sooner rather than later.
Moisture Damage
Mold thrives in excessively moist conditions. That means if you notice water damage in your home, mold is either already growing or soon to follow. Watch for signs of water damage such as peeling or bubbling paint and wallpaper, warped wood or drywall, and rust.
Health Issues
Prolonged exposure to mold will have a noticeable negative impact on your health. If you or other household members have allergy-like symptoms that won’t go away, you need to schedule a mold inspection. Common symptoms of mold exposure include itchy/watery eyes, sore throat, congestion, coughing, flared asthma, and skin rash.
Visible Mold
Of course, the most obvious sign of mold growth in your home is catching a glimpse of the culprit itself. Small stains on the carpet, in between grout, in the shower, or other places where moisture and condensation tend to form, that appear to get bigger over time are almost certainly mold spores. Look for black, white, gray-green, or gray-brown spots and splotches, or white-threadlike substance.
The best way to prevent mold growth in your home is to take action as soon as you suspect a water leak. If you live in or around the Riverside, CA area, Inland Empire Leak Detection can come out to your property and perform a free water leak inspection. If we discover a leak and repairs are needed, we can proceed with non-invasive and cost-effective options for fixing the problem.
Give us a call at 951-442-5339 to learn more about our free leak detection services!
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