That drip drip drip of the faucet is more than an annoyance; it's the harbinger of things to come. Nasty things. It what starts out as a tiny, nearly imperceptible leak provides the perfect environment for mold to thrive. After all, what's more attractive to mold spores than moist drywall or soggy carpets?



The problem with small leaks is that they go undetected for so long that mold has plenty of time to take hold. In fact, you may not even be aware of the leak until a musty odor creeps in and fills your home. Depending on where the leak originates, you may not know for months. For example, imagine a tiny leak in the basement. The moisture and dark environment make for the perfect mold breeding ground. But, how often do you find yourself down below? Weeks? Months? Years? When you do descend into the depths of your home, that telltale smell announces the presence of mold - and it all began with a tiny little leak.

What's the big deal about a little leak and a lot of mold? At its worst, mold can be toxic. People with allergies and weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to health problems related to mold exposure. Respiratory ailments, allergies, headaches, and other symptoms adversely affect those living in the mold-infested home.

In addition to the health effects, mold is unsightly and unpleasant. It is also destructive. For example, as a living organism, mold requires a food source and guess what it consumes? Mold consumes and damages drywall, wallpaper, carpet fibers, upholstery, paint, ceiling tiles, building materials, and any other materials that it grows upon.

This leads to unsightly discoloration and real damage. When mold growth is severe enough, these materials must be removed and replaced, often at great expense. Imagine the hassles involved in removing all of the drywall, flooring, baseboards, and wallpaper in a single bathroom. In addition to the removal and repairs involved extensive cleaning, deodorizing, and mold inhibitor treatment applications usually take place.

Mold is gross, unhealthy, structurally damaging, and difficult to deal with. While insurance companies may pay for repairs, it's not a given. In fact, mold may be specifically excluded from your policy. Clearly, preventing mold is preferable to dealing with its aftermath. Since mold can start from the tiniest leaks, the first order of business is to detect all leaks and plug them, no matter how small.

Go from room to room on a mission. Your mission: thoroughly inspect for leaks. On the first run through, your only tool should be a pencil and pad. This way, you won't become distracted with repairs and postpone inspecting the rest of the house. In each room, check the plumbing as well as areas where water typically collects including: Under sinks ,Around appliances (dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, air conditioners) ,Water lines (don't forget the refrigerator's ice maker line) ,Around windows and doors ,Toilets ,Showers and tubs ,Basement: windows, utility sinks, exposed pipes, walls (check for seepage) ,Foundations (look for cracks and seepage) and Roof (look for signs of leaks, loose tiles, cluttered gutters)

As you're inspecting the home, use your nose. If a room smells musty, this is a signal that a water leak is present. Once you've noted all leaks, no matter how small, formulate a plan for repairing them. If you're the do-it-yourself type, a quick trip to the hardware store is in order followed by repairs. If you're not, call a handyman or plumber and give them the list. For those who want the ultimate assurance, hire a leak detection company to come in and find hidden water leaks, such as those in the walls or under slab foundations.