Mold beneath the sink is a prevalent issue among homeowners, often signaling severe water damage. Ignoring this problem can lead to structural damage, due to mold growth, which disseminates mold spores and brings health risks from allergens and irritants it produces. Regrettably, many lack the knowledge to spot or prevent mold growth until it becomes glaringly apparent.
In this article, we'll tackle the causes of sink mold and methods to prevent recurrence. We'll guide you on eradicating mold from your home using effective prevention strategies. Lastly, we'll introduce professional water damage restoration services, a potent weapon against any existing mold predicaments beneath your sink.
How To Identify Mold Under The Sink
Mold under the sink can typically be identified either by smell or by sight. Here's what you should be looking for:
- Leaking pipes
- Black or brown staining on surfaces, especially near the base of the pipes
- Water stains
If there are water stains, odds are high that mold exists behind or beneath the stained material, particularly if it's still wet.
Depending on the extent of the mold underneath the sink, it's likely that you'll need professional mold removal and remediation. If the damaged material can be easily replaced, such as the bottom surface of the cabinet itself, professional remediation may not be necessary. But if the damage extends past the bottom of the cabinet and into the floor beneath or into the wall and surrounding cabinets, you need a professional.
Long Term Solutions For Preventing Future Mold Proliferation Under The Sink
Inspect for plumbing damage once a week under the sink and in the area of your dishwasher, which can also become a victim to mold dpores and it's subsequent growth. Most water intrusion in the kitchen sink comes from two sources. A dishwasher and the sink itself. This includes the plumbing, faucets, hoses, fittings, and gaskets.
It's great to do a quick visual inspection of these locations, but putting your hands on these areas tells you if there is a slow leak that may be causing damage you're unaware of.
Put A Water Alarm Under Your Sink
A water alarm is exactly what it sounds like: a device that alerts you to the presence of water where it shouldn't be. They're quite small and should be placed anywhere a source of water is, such as behind a toilet, under a sink, on the floor close to a water heater, etc. Some people use them for their garage to let them know if water intrudes there due to weather.
They can either send out loud alarm or they can send you a notification via your phone, which is useful if you're often not at home. They're fairly inexpensive to purchase and are available on Amazon in packs of 2 or more. If you want something a bit higher end, you can purchase an active water monitor and shut off that you can use to shut off your home's entire water supply remotely, such as the Flo Smart Water Monitor by Moen.
Use A Waterproof Liner To Protect The Bottom Of The Cabinet
You can now purchase under sink mats for less than $40 that will keep the bottom of your sink dry and protected from damage as long as they're used properly. Here's an example below of an under sink mat that can hold up to 2 gallons of water and has a convenient drain in the center of the mold under the kitchen in front so you can easily let the water into a bucket or other container without making a huge mess.
You can purchase cleaning products for this in two different sizes, but there are various types of mats like this on Amazon that can fit your needs. Simply search for “under sink mat”.
Regularly Inspect Under Your Sink
Inspect areas around your sinks for signs of water damage or dampness, and check underneath cabinets regularly for signs of standing water that may have accumulated due to slow-draining pipes. These are often early indicators of potential problems with plumbing fixtures that may eventually lead to black mold if left unchecked long enough.
Replace Worn Out And Leaky Plumbing
Sometimes a leak doesn't look like it's big enough to worry about and we place a bucket beneath the pipe and forget about how much black mold is in it until it's too late. It's incredibly important to deal with leaks as soon as they happen, or you'll end up with hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage before you know it's happened.
Use Mildew Resistant Paint Or Sealants On Surfaces
This can be useful even if you're using a waterproof under-sink mat. Applying mildew-resistant paint or sealant on surfaces around your sinks can help protect them from black mold growth by creating a barrier between them and any potential sources of moisture. Be sure to use products specifically designed for this purpose so they don't break down over time, allowing water to seep into porous materials like wood, leading to further damage if not addressed quickly enough.
FAQs
How Do I Get Rid Of Mold Under My Sink?
Home mold growth can be a serious issue, and removing it as soon as possible is important. To remove mold under your kitchen sink, identify the moisture source causing mold growth. This could be due to a plumbing leak or condensation from pipes. Once this has been determined, you should clean up any visible mold with vinegar and water before addressing the underlying cause of excess moisture.
Can Mold Under Your Kitchen Sink Make You Sick?
Yes, mold growing under the kitchen sink can make you sick. Mold spores in the air can cause many different health issues:
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Shortness of breath
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
It's especially because toxic mold is bad for children. The sad part is that mold is rarely held, and it is suspected for its damage to children and pets alike. Here's a prime example. When it comes to the question, does black mold cause diarrhea? The answer is affirmative. Black mold, also known as Stachybotrys chartarum, produces mycotoxins that can lead to gastrointestinal issues from fungal toxins, including diarrhea. Consulting a healthcare professional is highly recommended if diarrhea or other symptoms persist.
What Causes Mold Under Sink?
Mold growth under sinks is typically caused by moisture from plumbing leaks or high humidity levels. Moisture helps create an ideal environment for mold to grow and thrive, especially removing mold is in dark, damp areas like underneath sinks.
How Common Is Mold Under Sink?
Mold growth under sinks is common, especially in areas with high humidity and poor ventilation. Moisture from leaks or condensation can accumulate in dark, damp places like underneath the sink, creating an ideal environment for mold to grow.
Conclusion
Mold under the sink can be a serious problem, but with proper prevention and removal techniques, it doesn't have to become an issue. Taking steps such as keeping the area dry, using mold-resistant materials and cleaning solutions, and regularly checking for signs of mold growth are all important in preventing future issues.
Professional water damage restoration and mold remediation services can help eliminate the problem quickly and effectively if you are dealing with a mold infestation under your sink.
Don't let mold under your sink become a bigger issue than it needs to be – take proactive steps today to prevent future problems!
Damage Control 911 water damage restoration and mold remediation & testing services in Orlando, Florida, can help solve the issue. Our team of certified professionals will assess the situation, safely remove the affected materials, restore any structural damage caused by moisture or flooding, and eliminate existing mold growth. Contact us today for fast and effective solutions to keep your home safe from dangerous molds that can cause health risks.
