Have you noticed that your bathroom is looking old and run down with spots of mold everywhere? You might not even be able to see the mold, but you can easily detect the moldy, musty odor as soon as you walk into the room. If that is the case, you should understand that the mold and mildew are unsightly, but they can also contribute to health issues and allergic reactions like itchy red eyes and breathing difficulties. And you need to determine the cause of the mold to correct it and successfully eliminate the problem.

Lack Of Ventilation

When you shower, it is likely that the bathroom door is closed and traps all of the steam inside the room. And while this helps create a warm and pleasant space after you bathe, it can also be the cause of mildew and mold growth. Opening a window slightly or leaving the door open a bit can help reduce the moisture buildup in the room and reduce the potential for mold growth. The best solution, however, is an exhaust fan. It removes the moisture more quickly and will not drop the room temperature as much as an open window during the winter months.

Too Many Wet Spot

You might not think about all the moist areas in the bathroom after you bathe, but there are several. The tub or shower is wet, any towels or bathmats are wet, and water could be on the floor. All of these provide the moisture that mold and mildew need to survive. Cleaning up drips of water, hanging towels to dry, and wiping down the shower all help eliminate the bathroom’s added moisture.

Old Grout

If your shower or tub has tile, you also have a significant grout that keeps the area watertight. Over time, that grout begins to deteriorate and wear away. And when that occurs, water begins to seep into the walls around your shower. Soon, there is enough moisture in the walls and floor to promote extensive mold growth. You might even begin to see mold growing between the tiles and around the top of your bathtub. The solution for this mold infestation is fresh grout every six months. But before you add new grout, be sure to use bleach or another disinfectant to kill the existing mold.  

Water Leaks

There are numerous places that you could have tiny water leaks in your bathroom that are providing the moisture that mold requires to grow. From a tiny drip at the valve under your toilet to a leaking water supply line or drain under the sink. All of these small issues are easily overlooked during your normal daily routine.

The best way to discover and correct any water leaks in your bathroom and other areas of your home is through regular inspections. It only takes a few minutes to walk around and look under all of the sinks for moisture or drips. Also, check at the base of the faucets and around the toilet. Locating minor issues is the best way to avoid more significant and costly problems in the future.

Be sure to include appliances on your inspection tour. It is easy to forget about the water hose supplying your washer, dishwasher, and water dispenser on the fridge. But all of these will eventually age and become brittle, which increases the potential for cracks and water leaks.

If you find any leaks or unexplained moist areas, call (701) 402-6442 for a professional inspection. The licensed plumbers at Total Care Plumbing have decades of experience locating and correcting residential water leaks in the area.