Mold that grows after a burst pipe should be treated as a health concern and removed, whatever its color. Mold can trigger allergies, asthma and other breathing problems, and it can be more serious for babies, older people and anyone with a weak immune system. "Black mold" is a common name, but color alone does not tell you how risky a mold is. Fix the moisture, remove the growth. Need help? Call (413) 603-1274.
What "black mold" usually means
People often use "black mold" for Stachybotrys chartarum, a dark mold that grows on materials that stay wet for a long time, like drywall paper after a leak. Many other molds are dark too. You cannot tell the type by looking, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advises removing any indoor mold growth rather than worrying about the species.
Health effects
- Stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and skin
- Asthma flare-ups
- In some people, more serious lung reactions
- Higher risk for people with weak immune systems
If anyone in the home has symptoms, talk to a doctor. This page is general information, not medical advice.
What to do
- Find and stop the moisture, then dry the area fully. Without that, mold comes back. See structural drying.
- Keep people with breathing problems away from the area.
- Do not scrub or dry-brush large patches. That spreads spores.
- Small spots on hard surfaces can be cleaned with detergent and water, wearing gloves and a mask.
- Larger areas, or mold inside walls and ceilings, should be removed with containment.
See mold remediation after water damage and how to check for mold after a leak.
Black mold or just a stain?
Not every dark mark after a leak is mold. Water stains on drywall and wood are usually brown or yellow with a ring at the edge, are flat, and do not change. Mold usually looks fuzzy, spotted or speckled, can be black, green, white or gray, and often grows or spreads over days. It often has a musty smell. If a dark area is getting bigger, smells musty, or appears where the wall stayed damp, treat it as mold. A professional can confirm it, but the fix is the same: dry the area and remove the growth.
Protecting your family during removal
- Keep children, older relatives and anyone with asthma away from the work area
- Close doors and cover HVAC vents in the area so spores do not travel
- Do not run the forced-air heat or air conditioning through the work area during removal
- Bag moldy materials before carrying them through the house
- Clean and dry the area before rebuilding
How fast mold grows after a leak
Mold spores are always in the air. They need moisture, something to feed on and time. Wet drywall paper, wood and cardboard are ideal food. Growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours and become visible within days, faster in a warm room. That is why drying the same day matters more than any cleaning product.
Questions
Should I test the mold?
If it is visible, testing usually does not change the fix. Testing helps when you smell it but cannot find it.
Do I need to leave the house?
Usually not for a contained area. Vulnerable family members may want to stay elsewhere while it is removed.
Mold after a leak? Call now
Call (413) 603-1274 now. Locally owned in Chicopee.