Just about every homeowner probably knows that mold is an opportunist, ready to move in wherever it can find a dark and damp spot that goes undisturbed for long enough. A hard-to-reach corner in the basement, maybe, or nestled in your home's insulation. But mold has another secret hideaway that you may not think to check: the plumbing.
While you're more likely to find mold in drywall or leaky attics, mold can also accumulate in pipes, particularly in homes that have been unused for long periods of time. In continuously occupied homes, the plumbing is less hospitable to mold, thanks to the frequent high-pressure flow of hot and cold water that is often treated with chlorine. But leaks and blockages can still occur in regularly used plumbing, and when they do, mold is certain to follow.
Signs to look for include:
* Mold around sinks, facets, and drains
* Slow-draining sinks and tubs
* A musty smell after showering or around your hot water heater
* Mold growth around tile grout or bathtub caulking
* Unexplained respiratory symptoms
Use a mold-killing cleaner such as diluted bleach to remove mold from surfaces. To clean mold from drains, pour about half a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by half a cup of vinegar, let it sit for a few minutes, then pour at least two cups of boiling water down the drain. Contact a licensed plumber to inspect your plumbing, identify mold-causing leaks, and perform any necessary repairs.
