Is it safe for my husband to continue working on our leaking bathroom given the risk of mold exposure, especially since we are new homeowners trying to save on costs?
Asked by Alan Van Iterson 
4 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
We’ve been dealing with a leak in our upstairs bathroom for a while now, and my husband is currently investigating where it might be coming from. However, when he removed the vanity, he discovered the situation is worse than we thought. I’m concerned about the potential for mold and exposure now that everything is exposed. Since this is our first home and we’re trying to save money by doing things ourselves, I want to make sure he’s safe while working on it.
Our experience wasn’t nearly as severe, but I did have hallucinations and trouble breathing. The hallucinations were intense – I was convinced that the lights were trying to harm me. Definitely the craziest thing I’ve had to explain to my wife!
Chances are, the valves will need replacement.
Absolutely not safe to be around.
Now that you’ve opened up the can of worms, make sure to thoroughly investigate until you reach dry framing. ‘t stress too much about getting sick, but it’s still a good idea to wear gloves and an n95 mask.
I personally handled mold remediation, conducting tests before and after. It’s crucial to be extremely meticulous throughout the whole process. Here’s a brief overview: Seal off the room, remove all mold-infested sheetrock, treat the debris as a biohazard, and use concrobium on the studs. Avoid using vinegar or bleach. Search online for more specific instructions.
Hey , do you know where we can purchase concrobium? Maybe at Lowe’s?
Hey , you can find that at hardware stores or on Amazon.
Hey , thanks a bunch!
Absolutely right. Concrobium is definitely the best option.
You could also try using TSP along with sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. TSP has a pH of 12 which helps neutralize mold, while sodium bicarbonate helps dry it out. You can create your own solution for about $12 instead of spending $40 on a bottle.
Thanks a lot! Appreciate the info, but could you tell me more about TSP and where I can purchase it?
Hey , you can find trisodium phosphate at lowes, home depot, menards, or any hardware store near the paint section. The mixture should be 5% TSP, 1% Sodium bicarbonate in 1 gallon of water, so breakdown is 6 oz of TSP, 1.25 oz of sodium bicarbonate in the gallon.
Hey , did you remember to wear Tyvek and a respirator?
Wow, , that’s awesome! Thank you so much!
Jealous
Put on a mask. Use either ammonia or vinegar to eliminate the mold. Remove and clean the wood or any other material behind it.
Hey , peroxide is the most effective at killing mold.
Hey , that’s right, especially if you opt for the stronger version and use it correctly..
Before you start tearing into drywall, it’s a good idea to grab one of these respirators.
When you’re ready to tackle a bathroom with mold, make sure to suit up in a respirator, spray vinegar and a mold remedy, let it dry, reapply the remedy, and then get to work. I’ve done this countless times over 45 years without getting sick, so don’t panic.
Here’s a great resource that reveals the truths and myths about toxic black mold: https://www.moldmedics.com/toxic-black-mold-truths-and-myths/?cn-reloaded=1
Hey , it’s definitely true! But it can sometimes be misleading for a DIY project. Just remember, unless you’re planning on getting it tested, always treat it as dangerous! Taking a few simple steps can make all the difference between no harm and irreparable harm!!
I understand, I own a remodeling business as well, and 80% of my work involves bathrooms. However, the risk of bathroom mold being dangerous is quite low. It wouldn’t hurt to wear a mask for allergies or potential lung irritation, but there’s no need to be overly cautious. I recently removed 900 sq ft of flooring and insulation due to old water damage, replumbed the entire house by myself, and just used standard masks.
I also have a remodeling business, and at 62, I am teaching my son to take over due to severe respiratory issues caused by Mold. When in doubt, always treat it as hazardous! Especially for DIYers! My lung function has decreased by 40% in just 3 years.
If I end up getting anything, it will most likely be from sheetrock and sawdust. I blow that stuff out every day when I’m done.
We’re just a bunch of stubborn folks!!😎
I work in mold remediation. As recommended, wear a mask, but personally, I would soak it with hydrogen peroxide a few times and then take it out. Bag it up before exiting the area
Stop it and throw it away. Use peroxide on the studs multiple times. Locate the leak
Could you give your insurance company a call so they can take care of it? A few years back, we had a big leak in our bathroom that led to a major renovation. We had to stay elsewhere for 6 weeks while they removed everything, dried it out, and put it all back together.
Most insurance companies refuse to cover repairs for pre-existing leaks. I can spot decayed wood and I can confirm from personal experience that State Farm denies coverage for that kind of damage. When we had a leaky ice maker, I mentioned the possibility of rotten wood to State Farm (even though there wasn’t any) and that resulted in a two-month dispute to get them to pay for the repairs. I’ve been a State Farm policyholder for 45 years for both my home and auto. I’ve probably paid them over $100,000 in premiums over the years with only two minor claims. They were determined to cover the cost of fixing my kitchen no matter what
I had Progressive at the time and they mentioned that the issue had been ongoing for a while, but I wouldn’t have realized it until the water started leaking from behind the bathroom wall into the basement. That’s when we found the leak. They covered the cost of the demo and repair. State Farm is the worst. I was with them for 12 years and had so many problems. I eventually switched to Progressive. Then I switched to National General because Progressive kept increasing their rates every year. I highly recommend ditching State Farm
Acting like a friendly neighbor?
Acting like a friendly neighbor?
I’ve been with State Farm Auto for a solid 30 years and Home for two decades (all through the same agent). They decided not to renew my policy unless I replaced the roof.
Honestly, the roof did need replacing, but with 4 layers of shingles (🤣🤣🤣), we never had a leak. Denying a renewal after 30 years of premiums and only one auto claim 25 years ago? I said goodbye to State Farm.
Mycotoxins have been released now. Check it out, it’s something that can hurt you. Avoid using bleach. Try doing a detox as well. Dealing with mold has caused me a lot of health problems, it’s really not enjoyable.
Oh my goodness, that’s mold! ‘t worry about what others are saying, just wear a mask, treat it with hydrogen peroxide, remove it, bag it up, and throw it away. ‘t let the fear mongering get to you!
To tackle mold, simply spray it with Concrobium to get rid of it, then replace the affected areas. Super easy!
If you’re dealing with mold, check out these mold clean-up guidelines from the University of Florida: https://www.ehs.ufl.edu/departments/occupational-safety-risk/industrial-hygiene-occupational-safety/indoor-air-quality/mold-clean-up-guidelines/
I can’t believe it’s been leaking for so long.
It’s important to focus on chronic exposure, not just occasional.
Remember to put on a mask.
Looks like you’re in for some major mold remediation work.
‘t forget to wear a mask when using mold remediation spray. Make sure to spray it and let it dry before removing the plate to assess the damage. Remember, insurance may not cover leaks that have been ongoing for a long time.
Hey, thanks to everyone for all the advice on how to deal with this. We’re actually getting a professional to check it out today.
Contact your homeowners insurance and act like you’re unaware. Just mention the leak and mold, and your remediation company should handle the rest. Look into Clean Team of KC.