Did you detect a strange, musty smell coming from your water tank? If you have, it may be a sign that is inside it. Tank mold is a form of fungus that can develop inside along with on the top of water tanks. If left unchecked, it can be very damaging. Following this guide from Young Mould, a mold removal company, will be extremely priceless. They describe how it starts, what makes it flourish and what you can do to eradicate it.
Tank mold typically grows when there is excess moisture in the water tank. Mold requires a few things to grow: the mold needs water, air, and some organic material, such as dirt or plant matter. Moisture may enter from a variety of different pathways, including humidity that's entering from the air, condensation from the changing temperature of the tank, or the tank itself. Dripping or pooling water leaves a wet surface that can serve as a landing strip for mold spores and a breeding ground. Dirt and debris that can gather inside the tank is organic matter, which delivers needed vitamins for mold to flourish.
Tank mold can grow for a variety of reasons. A big part of the reason is that the tank area may not have enough air circulation to dry everything. If the air under the tank is moist, this can lead to ideal conditions for the mold to thrive. There are other problems as well, from inadequate insulation to leaks or water seeping into the tank, contributing to the moisture issue. The risks of mold growth increase significantly when there is excess moisture.
In order to prevent the formation of tank mold, it is also critical that everything is well-cleaned and maintained. The water tank and the area surrounding it should be cleaned at a consistent basis to help rid of mold. It is also recommended to keep the tank area as dry as possible and provide good air circulation. This may help prevent mold from establishing itself. It is also important to repair any leaks or areas where water comes in. This keeps moisture from accumulating, which is important to avoid mold development.
If you suspect that there is tank mold in your water tank, it is important to identify the obvious signs of an infestation. The first thing that you will probably notice is the presence of black, brown, green or yellow spots inside the water tank. In some cases, the exterior of the tank might appear stained, too. An additional symptom to look out for is a dank or moldy odor coming from the tank or the water itself. You can also have other symptoms, including skin irritation, breathing problems, headaches, and allergies in the presence of mold.
The initial process of handling tank mold is to drain and wash the water tank properly. That means you’ll need to clean out all the dirt, debris, and any gunk that has built up inside the tank. Then you should kill any remaining mold with a solution of bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Make sure you have protection, like gloves and a mask, when you’re cleaning. It will also help avoid skin irritation or other health-related problems while cleaning.
After cleaning the tank, it is crucial to address any leakage or seepage issues. This will help maintain low moisture levels, which is needed in order to control the return of mold. It is also important to improve ventilation in the tank area. You can instead invest in a dehumidifier in the tank area to help combat your humidity problem. This can really work to stop the mold growing.