Bathrooms tend to be warm places where water continuously flows. If you’re not careful to keep your bathrooms dry and thoroughly ventilated, you might find yourself battling mold. What is mold, and how does it spread? This article will discuss how it forms, why you should care about preventing mold growth in your bathroom, and what the solutions are.
What is Mold?
Mold is a kind of fungus that is found everywhere in nature, including your home. Mold tends to grow in moist, humid places. Bathrooms are the perfect environment for mold growth because moisture stays trapped in the area.
Mold can occur as a result of leaky faucets, pipes or flooding.
Why You Should Care
Aside from being unsightly and possibly having a foul odor, mold can be extremely dangerous for your health. Some people are allergic to it, and research has found a link between mold and asthma attacks, other respiratory problems, headaches, fatigue, sore throats, watery eyes, and even depression. It is also particularly dangerous for pets and children.
What Can You Do About Mold?
If you notice small amounts of mold growing in your home, you may be able to get rid of it before it gets out of hand. Considering the health risks, if you notice a substantial amount of mold somewhere in your home, it’s best to leave it to a professional.
If you don’t have a mold growth problem, you’re in luck! However, you should take steps to prevent future growth.
First and foremost, air circulation is crucial. When you get out of the shower, is the room filled with steam? Do you see condensation dripping down the mirror and walls? As cozy as it might feel, this is the perfect breeding ground for mold. Leave the bathroom door and windows open after you shower, and make sure the ventilation fan is working properly.
What about the grout? Grout is the material between tile. With the constant moisture and direct water it’s exposed to, it deteriorates and wears away over time. This leads to cracks and chips in the tile, making it more susceptible to mold growth. Make sure you schedule a routine check of your grout twice a year, to see if it needs to be repaired.
Last but not least, you should also make a point of checking the plumbing in your house once every few months to ensure there are no leaks, particularly under the sinks. Even a minor drip can lead to a nasty mold problem. Having a whole home plumbing inspection ensures your pipes are in good shape.
Investing in your home means it will remain in top condition for many years to come. When it comes to your plumbing, contact the Las Vegas plumbers you can trust: Pure Plumbing. Call (702) 710-7388 to schedule an appointment!