Living in a dry desert environment, most Arizona residents don’t realize that mold can actually form in their homes and present health problems for their families. But mold can quickly grow inside your home wherever there are water intrusions, lingering humidity and water leaks.
Mold has a nasty reputation for growing in dark, moist, hidden spaces in the home. It sends out spores into the air, which can cause respiratory problems and illness in those who breathe them in.
In extreme cases, residents of mold-infested homes have actually been found to have mold growing inside their own lungs! This can be very dangerous, so it’s important for homeowners to recognize the health hazards created by mold infestation in Phoenix AZ.
Have You Checked Under Your Sink Lately?
Many homeowners keep their kitchen and bathroom sink vanities well-stocked with an assortment of old rags and sponges, spray cans and bottles filled with glass cleaning solutions, tile cleaners and bug spray.
But when was the last time you pulled all those items out and inspected the pipes and wood surface areas underneath your sink? Your sink’s p-trap – that little curved pipe that connects to the drain – could have developed a leak without you even realizing it. It’s not uncommon for slow leaks to go unnoticed for months at a time.
Reach down there and run your hand along the bottom of the pipe and all the joints to feel for moisture. Then inspect the back wall and wood base of the vanity cabinet and look for signs of water damage: swelling, cracks, discoloration and mold.
What to Do If You Find Mold or Water Damage
If you do have a leaky pipe, you’ll need to locate the exact point where the leak is occurring and replace those parts and reseal the joint. It’s a repair job that handy homeowners can actually do themselves. If there’s wood or drywall rot, then the entire vanity might need to be replaced along with sections of the drywall behind it.
As for the mold itself, you’ll need to thoroughly clean and sanitize the entire area, along with all the contents that were inside the vanity in order to kill not only the visible mold infestation but also the invisible spores that are likely covering every inch of that space.
When to Call in the Professionals
In 2017 we discussed with ABC15 News how local homeowners are often surprised at the extensive mold damage that can occur here in Arizona. If the area under your sink looks anything like the homes we featured in that news segment, then you’ll definitely want to call for professional mold removal.
If you’ve found mold growing under your kitchen sink or bathroom sink, or if you suspect that mold might be growing in those moist environments, don’t hesitate to call Rocky Mountain Restoration. Our team of licensed professionals can perform a thorough inspection and eliminate any moldy health hazards hiding in your home.
