I just discovered a black mold-like spot on an upstairs wall by a ceiling vent, and I'm concerned since it's the first time I've encountered something like this in my house. The spot appeared out of nowhere and it seems to have spread quickly. Here are some details: this is on the first floor under a bathroom, and while I can't see any active leaks, I want to know how to find out what's causing it. Should I stay in the house until it's checked out? Who should I contact first? I'm really hoping to get some advice from anyone who has dealt with a similar issue.
2 Answers
It's really tough to say without knowing what's behind that wall, but usually, if there's a bathroom above, that's where the problem likely originates. Water has a sneaky way of traveling, and it could be due to anything from a cracked pipe to a wax seal issue on the toilet. I'd recommend moving any furniture away from the area. If you're feeling adventurous and it makes financial sense, consider opening up the wall yourself to see if you can spot something. Otherwise, calling a plumber is a smart move. Just keep in mind that home insurance may not cover damage from what they call 'wear and tear', like consistent leaks that happened before you found it.
Definitely open it up, if you can! It's better to know what's going on rather than wait. Once you have a visual on it, you can make a more informed call to a professional. Even if you don’t see water dripping, mold could still be forming due to hidden leaks. You'll want to get the source fixed and then deal with the cleanup after. Just don't panic—it's manageable once you know what you're dealing with!