How to Avoid Mold and Mildew in Your Bathroom Pipes

Mold and mildew are pretty common bathroom irritants, but with the instances of moisture and heat around, they tend to form easily. If this goes unnoticed, they can further cause odors, respiratory health, and even problems to your plumbing system. Keeping in mind a few maintenance tips will help you avoid a great chance of mold and mildew growth in your bathroom pipes. Following is a breakdown of the steps to keep the bathroom and its pipes clean, dry, and healthy:.

Understand the Causes of Mold and Mildew Growth

Warm, moist places with poor ventilation are what mold and mildew like most; therefore, the bathroom can readily become their ideal site. From the showering area to the sink and minute leakage in pipes, water keeps on accumulating and creates a warm place that is ideal for their breeding. Understanding this very well helps you know what areas need the most attention. This mostly happens in places that rarely have air passing through, like under sink cabinets or even inside piping. Targeting such problem areas while still early will help avoid further issues in the future.

Repair Leaks Immediately

Not a big deal, you may think, but small leaks are substantial enough to keep your living room damp enough to invite mold and mildew. Water spots, dampness, moldy smells-each one of these surely acts like a hint about pipe and fixture leaks somewhere in the bathroom. And if you happen to find one, then get it fixed sooner rather than later. That can be as basic as tightening a connection or changing out a bad washer, but if you are not sure, you'll be calling a plumber so that it's done right. Quick repairs of leaks besides preventing mold also prevent further water damage that may be costly.

Improve Bathroom Ventilation

The best one can do to prevent mold and mildew buildup is to improve ventilation within his or her bathroom. Keep a window open or install a ventilation fan that you run every time you shower or use the sink. It should have a sufficient amount of suction power to eliminate the steam and moisture from the bathroom and, preferably, should stay on for several minutes afterward. Good ventilation cuts down the level of humidity; therefore, moisture will not condense on surfaces or within pipes. Opening the bathroom window periodically may be all it takes for mold and mildew to dissipate, provided it allows for airflow and helps to dry out the room.

Clean Drains and Pipes Regularly

Your bathroom drains and pipes house debris, soap scum, and hair, which are organic materials that mold and mildew feed on. Cleaning of these areas should be done regularly. Mix baking soda and vinegar down the drain; let it stand for about 15 minutes, then rinse it down with hot water. This is a natural way of cleaning, which will help in dissolving any kind of buildup that might be harmful to the pipes. This helps in keeping mold-attracting trash out of your pipes if done every few weeks.

Use Mold-Resistant Products

You may also want to consider mold-resistant paint and silicone caulking to help with molds. These products are treated specifically to withstand moisture and prevent mold and mildew from forming. Replace old caulking around tubs, sinks, and showers; the worn spot or break in the sealant allows water to gain access behind walls and into flooring. Mold-resistant products are an easy, proactive way to protect areas where exposure to water is inevitable and help to keep mold and mildew at bay.

Keep Humidity Low

It is very important to keep the level of humidity in your bathroom low. A dehumidifier will keep off moisture, especially if you don't have adequate ventilation. This should be below 50% to avoid creating conditions that mold and mildew love. Many of these dehumidifiers have integral sensors that measure humidity and can switch on or off automatically without much monitoring.

Clean Regularly and Be Aware

The best attack weapons against mold and mildew are regular cleaning and attention. Clean your bathroom once a week, giving special time to the shower area, the area underneath the sink, and all around the drains-all prime areas for moisture to build up. Be especially aware of musty odors or dark spots on tiles, walls, or around fixtures that could presage early mold growth. You'll catch small issues before they turn into larger ones by being vigilant.

This would go a long way in keeping your bathroom pipes mold-free. Simple maintenance routines and quick fixes may save you from larger mold-related problems down the line.