There are many ways that water can leak into your home. Burst pipes, overflowing sinks, stopped up toilets and holes in the roof are just a few of the most common culprits. The problem with water leaks isn’t just the exhausting cleanup routine that is required thereafter. Water damage creates a major issue: mould growth. Mould thrives in damp environments. Once established, it can both damage surfaces and impact indoor air quality.
To prevent significant health concerns for you and your family, it’s super important to prevent mould growth in your home after a water leak.
Dry the area as quickly as you can.
Mould can rear its ugly head in as little as 24 to 48 hours in a damp environment. Therefore, the faster you dry a damp area, the better! As soon as you notice the leak, be sure to turn off the water supply. This will prevent further flooding if the leak is plumbing-related. Then, it’s important to begin drying the area with towels, mops and even a wet/dry vacuum. The key is to remove as much standing water as possible.
You should also use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. This will be especially important in enclosed areas that aren’t well ventilated. Finally, open up as many doors and windows as you can to promote air circulation. As long as it doesn’t make the home too cold, this step will help to improve ventilation and make moisture evaporate faster. Also, disinfect the area after it’s dry. Lingering mould spores can still develop into mould over time.
Control the home’s humidity levels.
As mentioned, mould can still develop even after water has been cleaned up and the area is dry. This is because mould just loves humidity. By keeping the home’s humidity level between 30 and 50 percent, you can discourage mould from developing. You know that dehumidifier we recommended for drying purposes? Keep using it for a few more days after the water leak has occurred. This can stave off mould in basements and other poorly ventilated rooms.
Keep your bathroom exhaust fans on. Running them continuously can help to pull more moisture out of the air. You may even want to make use of a hygrometer. This is an instrument that measures the humidity or amount of moisture in the air. A hygrometer doesn’t prevent mould growth, but certainly provides you with an early warning system. If your home’s humidity level is too high, this device will let you know.
Get rid of your damaged items.
It’s awful to have to dispose of treasured items. However, if you have materials that are significantly damaged, it’s best to replace them and avoid the possibility of health issues. Particularly absorbent materials like carpets, drywall, insulation and upholstered furniture are most often prime spots for mould growth. This is because they tend to hold on to moisture. In many cases, it’s just best to remove and replace heavily soaked materials.
If your home is carpeted, be sure to check the padding. The top level may feel dry. However, the padding underneath may be retaining water. In the event you have sentimental items that have gotten wet, you probably won’t want to part with them. Consult a restoration professional to see if they can be salvaged.
Call in the pros.
At 2 Bro’s Plumbing, we’re always here to help! Not only can we locate and fix the source of leaks, but we can also provide guidance on proper drying techniques. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 905-556-0790 or email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca.
