Plumbers deal with wet surfaces daily, whether it’s fixing a leaky or burst pipe or dealing with drain clog issues. Because of this, plumbers are the most likely home repair technicians to discover mold. But discovering mold turns a routine job into anything but. Mold can be very hazardous, and it’s important for anyone, be they a homeowner or home fixer, to know the proper information about mold remediation. If you do find mold while working, keep these things in mind as you move forward.
Safety Comes First
It may seem tempting to just quickly try to dispose of any mold you come across. However, most molds are very toxic, and some can cause infection just by coming into contact with your skin. If you do find mold, no matter how small an area it may be, it’s important to stop what you are doing and take immediate safety precautions to protect yourself from harm.
Always wear the proper gloves and masks when handling mold, and don’t disrupt it without proper identification first. If you aren’t certified or trained to remove mold, don’t try to remove it yourself. Always call in a professional from your company who can deal with it. If no one in your company is qualified to remove mold, then offer some mold remediation companies to the homeowner before you continue your work.
Mold Causes Different Damages
Removing mold is usually only step one of the process. Mold can cause additional damage to surfaces, and certain molds can even cause structural damage if not dealt with quickly enough. Because mold thrives in moist environments, you have to consider the additional damages water can cause as well.
If you do discover mold, it’s always a good idea to suggest the homeowners get an inspection of the area. If you are not certified and qualified to do so, contact someone from your company who is, or help the homeowner find a home inspector to check the damages after you’re done.
Mold Spreads
Mold likes to grow and spread and often does so quite quickly. If you find mold spores in one area of the house, chances are there’s mold nearby as well. Because mold can travel in the air, the visible fungus growths may not always be directly next to each other. It’s always a good idea to have the home thoroughly inspected for mold to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Finding mold while doing plumbing work is a fairly common event. Because mold grows in wet places, any sort of plumbing issue creates the perfect environment for it. If you do find mold, stop immediately and take the proper safety precautions before continuing your work. Unless you are a qualified mold remediation specialist, contact HS Restoration and Cleaning Services at 609-534-5874. Our certified and trained technicians are available 24/7 to take your call and help swiftly and efficiently remove the mold so you can continue your job.
