How Black Mold in Your Home’s Walls Could be a Sign of Plumbing Leaks

Most of the time, home repairs are fairly obvious, whether it’s a broken appliance, flooring that needs replacement, or a broken light fixture. But, hidden behind the walls, there may be a problem that you can’t see: leaking pipes. MoldTech regularly helps homeowners with this common problem through mold removal in Toronto. Hidden plumbing leaks, condensation, or other moisture problems can create the perfect environment for mold growth. Black mold removal is a safe and effective way to eliminate mold growth and reduce your exposure to harmful spores. 

How Plumbing Leaks Lead to Black Mold Growth

Out of sight, out of mind — when it comes to indoor plumbing, most of us don’t know where pipes are or what’s happening around them. We assume everything is going well — until it’s not. Pipes move water all around our homes, and sudden problems or everyday wear and tear can quickly lead to basement or attic mold removal. 

Common causes of plumbing leaks that MoldTech sees include:

• Old cast iron pipes that wear out. 
• Leaks at joints. 
• Condensation from exposure to changing temperatures. 
• Poor installation. 
• Frozen or burst piping. 

Mold thrives in dark, undisturbed environments, which makes the inside of walls, floors, and ceiling perfect spaces. Unfortunately, a leak doesn’t need to be gushing to create mold issues. Even a single regular drip is all it can take when the conditions are ripe. 

Signs of Hidden Plumbing Leaks and Mold Growth

While it isn’t easy to peek behind the walls or up into the attic, some signs indicate you may have a plumbing leak causing mold growth. We recommend our clients watch for: 

• Discolouration on walls or ceilings. 
• Peeling paint or wallpaper. 
• Musty odours. 
• Allergic reactions like sneezing, headaches, or itchy eyes. 
• Soft drywall or unexplained watermarks. 

Why Black Mold Requires Professional Remediation

Mold growth should never be a DIY project! While it’s (thankfully) not like the events pictured in The Last of Us, mould is a living fungus that needs to be treated using specific methods that ensure health and safety. 

DIY mold remediations risk accidentally spreading spores to new spaces and incomplete removal. Most over-the-counter mold removal products are ineffective at best and dangerous at worst and may cause additional damage. 

For many people, spores cause annoying allergic reactions like sneezing or headaches, but some types, like black mold, create toxic particles that have a far more sinister effect. These serious side effects are why safety is at the core of every MoldTech remediation. 

After safety, one of the most important parts of any home or attic mold removal is identifying the cause of the infestation. When it comes to plumbing, this might include mapping pipes, using small cameras to look for visible sweating or leaks, and using professional-grade moisture-measuring equipment to identify areas that need attention. 

Professional mold removal is an investment in long-term safety and prevention. Our team will ensure that any mold colonies are contained and safely removed and that your home is left clean and mold-free. When it comes to black mold removal, your health and wellness are our top priority. 

Preventing Mold Growth From Plumbing Leaks

There are a few things you can do today to prevent mold growth from plumbing leaks. The first thing we always recommend is to do regular visual checks. You don’t need to be a plumber to recognize visual changes around pipes, sinks, or drains. Strange colours, changes to wall texture or any of the other signs we’ve shared mean that you should contact us for a mold inspection. 

Regular maintenance or inspections can help spot areas at risk of leaks. For example: pipes running along exterior basement walls are often at risk of condensation; by adding some insulation, you can avoid excess water sparking a mold infestation. 

Solutions for Mold Growth 

Mold can be a complex problem to solve! While many homes may never experience serious mold growth, once it sets in, mold can be challenging to eradicate without professional experience. With over a decade of on-the-job experience and industry education in mold removal in Toronto, the MoldTech team is one of the GTA’s top-rated mold remediation specialists for a reason. Let us help you eradicate hidden mold infestations; contact our team to book a free visual inspection. 

CALL NOW!