Since showers experience constant water use, they are one of the most common areas where you might find mold in your home. There are thousands of different strains of mold, some more dangerous than others, but most people want to keep their homes free of mold, musty odors, and health risks associated with it. To help you prevent black mold, we have created an outline of the main causes of growth and ways to respond.
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What is Black Mold?
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a toxic type of mold that can seriously impact the health of people and pets in your household. Constant respiratory symptoms may be an indication that black mold is growing in your home.
Other types of mold, like red, green, or white, can still be dangerous to your health, especially if you already have allergies. These types of mold can also lead to asthma and other respiratory problems. Prolonged exposure can also cause dizziness, headaches, rashes, and nausea.
Top Reasons Why Black Mold May Be Present in Your Shower
Black mold is a common type found in showers, for several reasons. If left untreated, this mold can spread to other rooms, so it should be addressed by mold remediation professionals right away.
Here are a few things that can cause black mold in the shower:
1. Leaky Shower Head
Leaky shower heads mean constant moisture, so you should check them frequently to avoid moisture buildup.
2. Buried Wall Leaks
Pipes run behind the walls of your bathroom, so pipe leaks in this area can easily go unnoticed until you see black mold on the walls near your shower. By the time this happens, a significant amount of water and mold have likely already accumulated within the walls.
3. Inadequate Ventilation
All bathrooms should have a ventilation system to carry excess moisture from the air like a window, or ideally, an exhaust fan. Some older homes may not have a ventilation system, which causes moisture from shower heads and sinks to gather on the walls and floor.
4. Shower Surface
Showers constantly have water, soap, and body oils on the tiles from frequent use, and when mixed with humidity, that environment is the perfect breeding ground for mold.
Read More: 7 Tips for Preventing Water Damage in Your Bathroom
5. Clogged Drains
Hair, soap, and oils can build up in your pipes and cause clogged drains. When water is sitting in a dark, damp drain for long periods, mold is almost guaranteed to grow.
What is the Best Way to Combat Black Mold Growth?
If you are trying to find a way to rid your home of mold, you might come across a recommendation to use a bleach and water mixture, but this will not kill off the mold spores, even if you can’t see them anymore. Additionally, the black mold you can see might only be a fraction of the mold growing in your shower and bathroom. This is why it’s essential to bring in a professional mold remediation team for mold removal.
An experienced team will first conduct an inspection to locate all sources of mold and moisture and contain the areas to prevent mold from spreading or cross-contaminating unaffected areas. To kill mold and clean the affected areas, a professional will use commercial-grade mold inhibitors and broad-spectrum cleaners like antimicrobials, fungicides, and disinfectants.
What Method Can Be Used to Remove Mold Spores in the Air?
Mold spores need to be removed from the air as well, so mold remediation specialists will use HEPA filtration systems to restore indoor air quality. Finally, they will use heavy-duty water extraction tools and dehumidifiers to remove any remaining water and humidity, which is a key step in preventing mold from coming back.
Professional Water Damage Mitigation and Mold Remediation Services
At Dry Force, our IICRC-certified technicians follow a thorough, industry-leading mold removal process, including containment, removal of unsalvageable materials, water damage cleanup, water removal, and complete restoration.
Our technicians have been providing superior water damage remediation services in Austin, TX and the surrounding areas for over 20 years. We also offer support in Dallas, Houston, Farmers Branch, and other locations.
If you are dealing with black mold in your shower or any other water-related issues, contact us to receive a detailed water damage inspection along with an effective response plan. Give our professionals a call at (877) 589-7504 to receive support with water damage in your shower and bathroom.
