Can Mold Grow in Water Pipes?

Stellar Plumbing, Elk Grove Village’s most trusted plumbing company, will cover all you need to know in this post.

Mold in Water Pipes

You turn on your showerhead one day, and you notice that the water has a musty smell. So, you stand there wondering, “Can mold grow in water pipes?” In a word, yes. Your water pipes may not have enough oxygen, but the environment inside is dark and constantly moist, making it perfect for mold growth.

Keep in mind that the mold might not be growing in the showerhead or the shower line. In many cases, the mold grows somewhere further down the clean water supply line.

If your water comes from a well, there’s a high chance you’ll find mold growing in your pipes if you have a broken well cap. Similarly, root damage in your pipe can cause significant mold growth around the damaged site. The flowing water will transport the mold down to you when you open a faucet.

For pipes transferring wastewater away from your home, there’s a higher chance of mold growth because they have higher oxygen levels and a steady food source (dead skin cells and hair for bathroom pipes and food scraps in kitchen pipes).

What Are the Signs of Mold in Water Pipes?

Some of the most common signs of mold in water pipes include the following:

• Visible mold growth. Can you see mold when you look through your sink or bathtub drain? How about around your showerheads or in the washing machine? If you can, there’s a high chance you have mold in your pipes. Be sure to avoid mistaking calcium deposits for mold, though.
• Moldy smell when using fixtures. Can you perceive a moldy or musty smell when you’re using a faucet or showerhead? It’s another clear sign of mold in your pipes.
• Gritty dirt-like substance in your toilet tank. It could be debris in your water, but it may also point toward a mold problem.
• You can see mold growth around your home. Mold spores spread quickly. So, if you have a mold problem around your home, there’s a high chance your pipes are also affected.

The Dangers of Mold in Your Pipes

Mold in your pipes can make them weaker, increasing the chances of cracks and leaks. The speed of the damage will come down to your home’s pipe material.

However, the shorter-term danger is the risk to your health. Some of the common health problems that might follow due to mold in your water system include the following:

• Respiratory issues. Inhaling or ingesting mold spores can cause coughing, wheezing, and other types of breathing difficulties. It can also exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like bronchitis and asthma.
• Allergic reactions. Mold exposure can cause various allergic reactions such as sneezing, itchy eyes, running nose, skin rash, and more.
• Physiological damage. Some types of mold, like Stachybotrys, can produce mycotoxins that may cause life-threatening hemorrhage.

What Should You Do When You Find Mold in Your Pipes?

What you do after you see the signs of mold in your pipes depends on the affected pipe. If the mold growth is in your clean water supply line, the easiest approach is to run your faucets and showerheads for 30-45 minutes and wait for the water flow to wash off the mold.

If you have access to the main water source, you can introduce vinegar to the system before flushing the pipes. The vinegar can help kill the mold spores.

Don’t forget to flush any water-connected appliances, including our washing machine and water heater.

For the wastewater pipes, clearing the mold is more straightforward. Pour household cleaning solutions down there and then flush with clean water after about half an hour. Vinegar and baking soda in hot water is enough to do the trick in most cases.

Avoid adding bleach to the mix as it may cause damage to the pipe.

Get Expert Help From Stellar Plumbing

Can mold grow in water pipes? Yes. However, it’s possible to clear out the mold and ensure your pipes are squeaky clean again. Do you have a severe mold problem? Are you looking for a good plumber to help clean the pipes? Our expert team can help.

Call Stellar Plumbing in Elk Grove Village, IL, today to book an appointment.

Call Now (773) 908-9375

Author Bio:
Steve Prodanov
President at Stellar Plumbing Inc. With more than 17 years of hands-on experience, Stellar Plumbing is your trusted partner in Elk Grove Village and the surrounding Northwest suburbs.