Signs Your Florida Home Might Have Mold, and 4 Ways to Rule out Leaks as the Culprit

3/24/2023 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO professional peels back a wall, exposing mold and mildew infestation.

We all know it—the incessant sound of the “drip drip drip” of a leaking pipe. But did you know that this noise could be an indicator of something much more sinister, on top of already being an annoyance to your ears?

That’s because leaking pipes, whether they are big or small, can cause a myriad of problems for the average homeowner. In fact, one of the most common problems that property owners can sustain is water damage. And, broken and leaky pipes rank second in both frequency and severity, according to the yearly total of claims resulting in water damage.

And repeated moisture in your residence, especially in more humid states such as Florida, could be a primary culprit for an infestation of mold. Luckily, there are a few steps to take to quickly identify this issue and preventative measures to maintain a mold-free home.

1.) Location, location, location

As stated before, leaking pipes are the top indicator of a future mold infestation. However, there are a few other locations that provide the perfect dark, damp atmosphere for mold. This includes places that have repeated and undetected leaks, primarily from other cases of water damage. Be sure to also check behind walls, your ceiling, and even flooring for moisture build-up. These instances could also lead to overall product deterioration, and oftentimes, mold and mildew—which make for an almost perfect pairing.

 2.) Timing is key.

Mold can grow on almost any surface in your home that remains wet or in an area with excess moisture within 48 to 72 hours. Often, this happens even after repairs are made. This is why it is imperative to call a SERVPRO expert even if the leak seems innocently small or has created little damage.

 3.) Make emergency repairs.

While this seems like a no-brainer, the truth is when a leak is not repaired properly, water can and will continue to pool. This water is now creating the perfect hang-out for mold and mildew. And, if it is in an area without proper airflow (i.e., a basement, attic, etc.) the mold damage can be extensively worse. This is because mold is notorious for being good at hiding, and can end up in areas that may not be detected for months.

Consider turning your water off. This will make repairing the water pipe leak much easier. Make sure to regularly check the area for at least a few weeks. If the water does show up again, call one of our SERVPRO professionals sooner than later. They will not only be able to quickly identify the underlying cause but take the proper steps to remediate the damage from start-to-finish.

 4.) What’s that smell?

Another good indicator that there might be mold still lingering in your household is the smell. Have you noticed a damp smell or musty odor in your home? This is often another sign of water damage and is usually the strongest around the area where the water damage occurred. 

 If you think that your northeastern Florida home has a leak or signs of water damage, your local SERVPRO professional is here to help. Our highly trained technicians can mitigate and dry out the excess moisture quickly before the structural integrity of your home becomes at risk for secondary damages and mold growth. Acting quickly and avoiding any delays when dealing with water damage and excess moisture not only save your home's structural integrity but lessens the amount of time needed to get your home back to normal, but the timely response can also aid in keeping overall costs down. Call us at 904-429-4457 to schedule a FREE estimate, or for emergency services 24/7/365!