Can Mold Grow Within Water Pipes?

Mold grows anywhere that is habitable, which means infestations can develop in the basement, inside appliances, and even within water pipes. All the spores need to flourish are darkness, dampness, and an organic food source. It is important to understand how mold growth can form within the plumbing system. Call a restoration  professional, when you find mold.

What does mold need to survive?

A prevalent fungus, mold thrives in places that are rich in moisture, offer organic materials, and provide constant darkness. Organic materials inside a typical home that the spores feed upon include drywall, clothing stored in the back of closets, and wooden structural materials.

The water pipes, surprisingly, also contain organic materials that nourish the mold spores. Dead skin cells, hair, and food remnants pass through the drains and offer an abundant supply of food for mold. When the pipes are high in oxygen, they are a habitable spot for mold.

How mold is found in the water pipes?

Mold can find its way into water pipes through various sources, often due to the presence of moisture and organic matter. Here are some common ways mold can infiltrate water pipes:

• Leaks and Moisture: Water leaks in the plumbing system can lead to a damp environment that encourages the growth of mold. These leaks can be caused by a range of issues, including damaged pipes, cracks or loose fittings.
• High Humidity: Areas with high humidity levels create favorable conditions for mold growth. Moisture in the air can condense inside the pipes, especially in poorly ventilated spaces such as basements or crawl spaces. Over time, this moisture can lead to mold formation on the inner surfaces of the pipes.
• Water Supply: Mold spores present in the surrounding environment can enter water pipes through openings or cracks in the plumbing system. This can occur if the pipes are located in areas where mold growth is prevalent, such as damp basements, crawl spaces, or areas with poor ventilation.
• Backflow: Backflow, the reverse flow of water in a plumbing system, can introduce contaminants, including mold spores, into the pipes. Backflow may occur due to changes in water pressure, faulty valves, or cross-connections with contaminated water sources.
• Organic Material: Organic matter, such as debris, sediment, or even biofilm, can accumulate inside water pipes. These organic substances serve as nutrients for mold spores, promoting their growth and proliferation. As water flows through the pipes, it can dislodge these particles, carrying them along and providing a source of food for mold.

 How do you know if you have mold in your water pipes?

Seeing dark splotches of mold is an easy way to tell if an infestation has developed. But it’s difficult to look down a drain and into the pipes without a drain camera. However, homeowners can rely on their sense of smell to locate mold instead of using only their visual senses.

Mold gives off a musty odor that some liken to wet, dirty socks. Or mold can exude an earthy smell. When standing near the sink, a musty or earthy odor wafting out of it is likely an indication that mold has taken hold in the pipes.

It’s also possible to see mold in areas near the water pipes, such as the shower, sink or toilet. Mold in the pipes can cause a buildup on the sides of the shower wall or appear as dirt-like particles on the sides or bottom of the toilet. Essentially, mold growth in the pipes causes infestations elsewhere in the home.

How long does it take for mold to grow in the pipes?

Mold is notorious for multiplying rapidly in ideal conditions. The constant dampness of the water pipes spurs mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. However, during this early stage, the tiny spores are not visible to the eye. Usually, after 18 to 21 days, the growth becomes apparent.

As the mold colonies spread, they release airborne spores into the air. This allows the spores to contaminate other nearby areas that are exposed to consistent moisture, such as the shower walls or the sides of the toilet. Immediate action is critical to preventing a widespread infestation.

How do you get rid of mold in the water pipes?

Colonies flourishing in the water pipes may be successfully eliminated but is best done with professional help due to the complexity involved. First, determine the source of the problem, such as a leak, damage to the plumbing system, or an issue with the local water supply.

Next, take steps to fix the leak or damage. If the area remains consistently damp, increase the ventilation. A home with high humidity levels requires a dehumidifier. Discouraging mold growth can be achieved by setting the relative humidity to below 50 percent.

Determine the extent of the mold infestation and the type inhabiting the pipes by having the water tested by a professional laboratory. Different types of mold, such as aspergillus, Cladosporium, penicillium, fusarium, and stachybotrys (a toxic black mold), can grow in water.

Identifying the mold leads to formulating the appropriate cleanup plan. Once the mold is removed from the pipes, disinfect the water system to eliminate any remaining spores. Chlorine tablets, a bleach solution, and other disinfectants are recommended for the eradication of lingering mold.

How do you prevent mold growth in the water pipes?

Regular maintenance is key to preventing mold colonies from overtaking the plumbing system. Household staples, like bleach, vinegar, and baking soda help control the mold. Once per month, follow these DIY steps to keep mold out of the pipes and the colonies from spreading.

• Start by pouring a half cup of bleach down the pipes, allowing it to sit for an hour. Then pour two cups of boiling water down the drain. Run the hot water tap for several minutes to effectively flush it out.
• Pour a quarter-cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of vinegar and let it sit for 15 minutes. This time frame allows the combination of baking soda and vinegar to adequately kill the mold. Finish by pouring two cups of boiling water into the drain. Cleaning the pipes using this method reduces the risk of mold growth and exposure.

Other mold preventive measures, you can take are:

• Get your  plumbing system checked regularly for leaks and repair any damaged pipes, fittings, or seals to prevent moisture buildup.
• Maintain and control the humidity levels of you home, especially in enclosed spaces, such as basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms.
• Insulate your pipes by installing a foam tube. This can maintain the temperature within the pipes.
• When installing or replacing plumbing components, consider using mold-resistant materials, such as PVC or PEX pipes, they are less attracted to mold.
• Periodically flush water lines to remove stagnant water and prevent the buildup of sediment or organic matter.
• Install water filtration systems to remove impurities, sediment, and microorganisms from the water supply.

Found Mold? Get Help With Remediation

Mold growth in pipes poses a significant danger as it contaminates the water supply. Moreover, such infestations can compromise the integrity of the plumbing system, potentially resulting in additional leaks and extensive water damage. To eliminate household mold, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a mold remediation professional.

A reputable mold remediation company possesses substantial experience in mold removal. Highly skilled technicians are trained to utilize the latest equipment to detect mold, even in concealed areas such as behind walls, under carpets, and inside water pipes. Upon assessing the mold growth in your property, they contain the affected areas and operate air filtration systems to prevent cross-contamination. Technicians clean the mold and remove moldy items such as drywall and carpets. A thorough disinfection process is then carried out to eliminate any remaining spores, followed by drying the area.

Schedule a consultation with our experts at RestorationMaster today. Get Free Estimate.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.