Causes of Black Mold in Sink Drain

Contact Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. to remove all clogs and unwanted mold from your drains! 

Imagine taking a closer look at your kitchen or bathroom sink, peering down the drain, and finding nasty black sludge stuck inside. This situation is messy and impacts your health if you continue to let mold and bacteria grow. But what causes black mold in sink drains?

This guide answers that question and reiterates the importance of regular drain cleaning. If you need drain cleaning experts in Elgin to inspect your sink and remove harmful residue, Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. is the team you can count on. Discover how you can avoid this problem and what to do if black mold infiltrates your sink drain. 

Warning Signs of Mold

If mold starts to grow in the depths of your drain, you may not realize it’s there until it starts to spread to the rest of your sink and even along your walls. Pay attention to the following signs that indicate there’s mold within your sink drain:

• Seeing black or green spots around your drain
• Smelling musty odors coming from the drain
• Experiencing allergy symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing

If you suspect there’s mold within your drain, or you notice visible spots within your sink, spring into action. Call a drain cleaning company for help removing the mold, and don’t assume that wiping the spots off the ring of your sink drain will solve the problem. The mold is growing from deeper inside the plumbing system and will likely return to your sink until you take steps to eliminate the bacteria within the drain. 

Moisture Means Mold Growth

Think of the most common places where you may find spores of mold growing. Typical mold-prone spaces include basements, shaded rooftops, and showers, but what do all of these spaces have in common? They take on more moisture than other locations and don’t always dry effectively. 

The bacteria that turns into mold thrives in dark, damp places, which makes your sink drain the ideal spot for growth. Consider how many gallons of water flow down your drains daily when you think about what causes black mold in sink drains. Moisture accumulation is dangerous because it’s the perfect breeding ground for bacteria that can lead to mold and mildew. Drains that have a constant source of water flowing through them can retain this moisture and quickly become a site for rapid mold growth. 

Clogged Drains Increase the Chance of Mold Growth

A clogged drain isn’t just inconvenient; it’s also a health hazard. Clogged drains increase your risk of black mold growing within your sink because they block wastewater from flowing freely and therefore lead to more moisture accumulation. If the clog is made up of grease, food residue, or other natural materials, the bacteria can feed off of these substances and become difficult to control. 

It’s essential to remove all clogs as quickly as possible to prevent mold from growing. The longer the clog blocks the drain pipe, the more you risk mold spreading through the sink and even to your walls. Mold exposure is detrimental to your health and can cause breathing issues and dangerous infections, so it’s important to address a problem quickly.

How To Remove Mold and Clogs From Drains

Although moisture and clogs are primarily what causes black mold In sink drains, there are different ways that you can solve the issue, depending on the source of the problem. For example, if your drain sprouts mold because you experience clogs a lot, you need to address the clog first and foremost. 

Many natural clogs will disintegrate with a commercial drain cleaner, while plumbing tools like a plunger and auger are also effective at removing blockages. To remove the clog without damaging the pipe, it’s best to call a professional plumber who knows how to use these tools safely. A licensed plumber can inspect the severity of the clog and use advanced techniques like hydro jetting to fully clear the pipes of any natural mineral build-up and clogs. 

If you don’t have a clog but are dealing with mold growing in your sink drain, put on some rubber gloves, grab a strong cleaning solution, and scrub the ring around the drain. You can also invest in a natural enzymatic drain cleaner which will eat away any mold and bacteria as soon as you pour it down the drain.

How To Prevent Mold Growth in Sink Drains

Now that you know what causes black mold in sink drains and how to remove it, let’s discuss ways you can prevent this from happening. Experts recommend the following tips for squeaky-clean drains that are free of nasty clogs and harmful black mold:

• Use a drain stopper: You’ll limit the amount of food, hair, and residue that travels down your drain and supports future mold growth. Be sure to clean your stopper regularly with a soft-bristle brush and an anti-bacterial cleaning solution. 
• Regularly clean the drain: Whether you use a home remedy or invest in professional drain cleaning services, make sure to tend to your drains every so often. This eliminates all residue that could lead to mold. 
• Keep the area as dry as possible: If your bathroom sink is prone to mold growth because the drain can’t dry, leave a fan on to help reduce the total moisture within the area. 

Reach Out to Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. Today

Now that you know what causes black mold in sink drains take appropriate action to prevent this from occurring. If you need professional assistance removing all mold and foreign materials from your drain system, count on Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. We are the area’s number-one drain cleaning company and will improve your plumbing with our expertise and cleaning equipment. By partnering with us, you know the job will be done right.

Call Advantage Plumbing & Sewer Co. at (847) 716-2261 to get your drains free of black sludge, mold, and other unwanted substances.