Kelowna Plumbing Services: Preventing Mould in Bathrooms

Rooms with high humidity levels are more vulnerable to mould. Of course, this means the bathroom is the most likely to develop this fungus. A moist environment, leaky faucets and burst pipes all contribute to mould growth. If the problem progresses without interference, you’ll need remediation and plumbing services in Kelowna.

The effects aren’t limited to your home’s structure, as mould spores are harmful to your health. Living with mould can lead to respiratory problems, skin rashes and a runny nose.

Fortunately, there are ways to spot mould early and even prevent it in the first place. Follow these tips to keep your bathroom fungus-free.

Check for Mould

You should regularly check for mould in your bathroom, even if you take other steps to lower the risk of infestation. Catching this fungus early means a quicker and cheaper cleanup, so make mould inspection a habit. In fact, it’s a good idea to look for signs every time you clean the bathroom:

• Musty odour

• Dark discolouration

• Water damage

• Sponginess in drywall or wood

Certain spots are more likely to breed mould, so make sure you’re extra thorough when inspecting them:

• Grout

• Base of toilet

• Shower fixtures

• Under-sink pipes

If you find mould, contact remediation specialists immediately, as there may be more you can’t see.

Clean Up After Showers

One of the best ways to prevent mould is cleaning up excess water after a shower, bath or using the sink. You can wipe down countertops, tiled surfaces and tubs with a towel. If your shower has a glass door, wipe it down with a squeegee. Shower liners are also vulnerable to mould, so wipe them down if possible. If you notice mould growing on your liner, replace it immediately.

Wet towels can also grow mould if left for too long. Make sure to hang damp towels so they can properly air-dry, and launder them at least once a week.

Grout is notorious for mould, so pay careful attention to your flooring if you have tile. Mopping with a disinfectant kills germs and keeps your grout mould-free. Bathroom rugs are another great way to prevent moisture from accumulating and can even reduce slipping. Like towels, they must be laundered regularly.

Sealant is another useful tool in the fight against mould. Sinks and toilets have seals to prevent leaks, but the sealant gets less effective over time. Replacing old sealant means less moisture to clean up.

If you notice a lot of condensation on the walls after a shower, you should look into moisture-resistant paint. This type of paint creates a barrier between the air and your drywall, protecting it from airborne moisture.

Increase Ventilation

Even if you wipe up spills, moisture in the air can still lead to mould growth, so ventilation is essential in a bathroom. One of the best ways to boost ventilation is to run the bathroom fan during and after a hot shower. The fan draws humid air into the HVAC system, which then strips it of moisture before recirculating it.

If you don’t have a bathroom fan, leave the window and door open to ensure the steam doesn’t get trapped. Should you still struggle with excessive humidity, you can run a dehumidifier. These appliances start around $50, and many are portable, allowing you to utilize them wherever necessary.

Handyman Connection is happy to help you find ventilation solutions for your bathroom. We can assist with a variety of renovations and even offer plumbing repair services. We’re dedicated to delivering the highest quality results, no matter the project.

Are you interested in an estimate? If so, use our online form to send a request or talk to a customer representative.