Any sort of water leak is a serious plumbing problem. A leak under or around your home’s slab is especially dangerous. Slab leaks cause water to leak into your home causing water damage to your flooring, carpets, drywall, and even your furniture if the leak is severe enough.
But the damage to your home’s structure is not the only danger of a slab leak. One of the most significant dangers is mold growth in the areas affected by the leak. Below, experienced plumbers in Waco offer information about how slab leaks can lead to mold problems and why it is important to have a professional remediate the situation as soon as possible.
What is a Slab Leak?
A slab leak is a leak in the pipes that run below your home’s foundation. These leaks are difficult to locate since they run through the concrete and underground. Over time, even a small slab leak can turn into a major problem.
How do Slab Leaks Lead to Mold Problems?
Slab leaks can spread from your home’s foundation to the subflooring, flooring, and even drywall. Drywall soaks up water, which makes it a prime environment for mold growth. Because pipes, wood, and drywall are covered by furniture, trim, and paint, it can be difficult to tell that mold is a problem until it becomes a horrible problem.
If you notice signs of a slab leak or a plumber has told you that you have a slab leak, check your home for signs of mold. Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish mold from dirt or other stains. You can tell if it is mold by taking note of the following:
- There are stains on the ceiling or walls
- There is a musty or damp smell in your home, especially in lower areas
- There is warping, cracking, or peeling of paint or surfaces that have staining
- There is moisture and not much light in the area where the stain is
- Bleach lightens the stain within a couple of minutes
- The stained area grows over time (dirt and stains won’t grow or spread, but mold will)
How Dangerous is Mold?
Mold doesn’t make everyone sick, but it is a problem that should be taken care of. Not only does it have the potential to make you or others sick, but if left unchecked, it can do damage to your home and cause it to smell bad.
For people who are allergic to mold or are sensitive to allergens, mold can be dangerous. It can cause the following symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Cough and congestion
- Eye irritation
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Headache
- Lung irritation or wheezing
How to Get Rid of Mold
The first step in getting rid of mold is fixing the problem that caused it. In the case of a slab leak, that means having a plumbing and locating specialist assess your leak and repair it. Once your slab leak is repaired, you can get rid of mold by thoroughly cleaning the area with bleach or soap and water. You should always wear eye protection and an N-95 face respirator when working around mold. Also, you should only clean or remove mold in a well-ventilated area.
If mold is severe enough, you may have to call in a professional remediation team who can do tests and collect samples throughout the remediation process to make sure your home is safe.
Contact a Plumbing Professional
If you suspect that you have a slab leak, contact a plumber immediately. They can help find and repair the leak before it does significant damage to your home and health.
