Mold can develop any time there is exposure to water and moisture. Burst pipes are one of the most common causes of water leaks in residential properties. When they occur, they cause serious mold problems that negatively affect your home and your health. When water damage is left untreated, mold grows in as little as 24 hours. This is just one of the many reasons why you should look into calling a water damage restoration company as soon as possible after experiencing a pipe leak behind your walls. 

Top Cause of Water Damage Behind Walls

Water damage that occurs inside walls is usually caused by an old plumbing problem or other plumbing-related issues such as proper caulking. In most homes, plumbing pipes are hidden within the walls to prevent damage. While this measure is certainly preventative, it can spell big trouble if they burst. 

When a plumbing pipe bursts, the water contained inside of it will have to go somewhere. Unfortunately, this means behind the exterior of your walls. 

What Causes Burst Pipes?

A plumbing pipe can burst for several reasons. Here are the most common: 

• Corrosion
• Exposure to freezing temperatures
• Weak and/or aging plumbing pipes 

These are just a few of the most common causes of burst pipes, but the damage they can cause is significant. 

How to Get Rid of Mold 

If you experience a water leak that affects your walls, the first thing you should do is try to dry it and remove any excess moisture from the air. You can do this by opening up windows to get a cross breeze, plugging in a fan, or using a dehumidifier. 

Next, scrub the mold off the walls as best you can. Mix three parts of water and one part bleach together and scrub the affected area until any black, moldy spots have disappeared. 

Treating water damage and mold growth from behind the walls takes the tools and experience of a professional. Depending on the extent of the water damage, the specialist will have to cut into the wall to either make repairs or replace the existing piping system. Furthermore, once the wall is cut into, the drywall needs to be dried to prevent further mold growth. 

Sometimes mold growth is so severe that it requires the assistance of a mold restoration company to come in and get the home back to its previous state. Unfortunately, in the case of minor plumbing leaks, homeowners may not realize they have a mold problem until it’s already out of control. Likewise, prolonged water leakage can severely damage the integrity of your home. 

Call California Steam Clean to Handle Your Water Leak Today

When this happens, you need the trusted aid of a water damage restoration company. At California Steam Clean, our technicians know how serious a water leak in your home can be. That’s why we offer everything from water extraction to drying to mold removal. Give us a call today at 707-236-8798.