Check for moisture

There are two areas in your home that are prone to mould. 

Be on the lookout for mould where ever moisture has intruded, and do something about it before it becomes a health risk. 

Kitchen

It is easy to overlook the warning signs of excess moisture and impending water damage. Learn to keep an eye out for these all-too-common sources of moisture damage.

Under the Kitchen Sink

Under the sink is not just for storage and the trash can. It is often the starting point for many water-related problems. Dampness and musty odours are common signs of a leak.

Is a drip in the trap under the sink going unnoticed? It’s a warning sign of potentially serious drain problems.

Is a steady drip at a faucet going unnoticed? Recommend that it be repaired promptly.

Are there damp or stained areas in or under the wall where the plumbing pipes penetrate?

Are there large holes in the wall with smaller pipes coming through? These holes should be filled with appropriate foams, caulks and sealants.

Is the floor beneath the plumbing penetrations soft or stained?

Around the Kitchen Sink

The kitchen sink is a high-traffic zone that sees more action than almost any other place in the home. 

Is the backsplash cracked? Are the sink seals cracked or lose?

Is the countertop tile or grout cracked, broken or missing?  Although it may appear to be only a minor cosmetic issue, it’s not a minor issue when it comes to moisture control.

Under the Dishwasher

This workhorse appliance is often overlooked as a water damage risk.

Most inspectors turn on and operate the dishwasher in order to look for failures in operation. 

If the dishwasher backs up or overflows into the sink, there may be a clogged drain line.  The drain line should be cleaned regularly.

If the dishwasher fails to completely empty after use, the main filter and drain may be clogged.

Find a small leak in the dishwasher water supply hose? It needs to be replaced immediately.

Behind the Refrigerator

We rarely inspect behind the refrigerator.  But a check-up may prevent messy problems. If the refrigerator has an icemaker, check for damage or disconnection of the supply line.

Moisture behind the refrigerator is a big red flag.  Even if you can diagnose the source of the problem, call out for a professional.  Don’t ignore even a slight leak or kink in the icemaker supply line.

If unidentifiable mouldy objects are growing underneath the refrigerator, call them out.  There shouldn’t be any moisture under the refrigerator.

If the model has a drain pan, check the pan for cleanliness, bacterial and other growths.

Beneath the Cooking Range

Open the bottom drawer to inspect underneath the stove. You may see signs of moisture or mould.

Kitchen Exhaust Fans and Filters

Fans and filters are small items that play a big role in moisture and mould management. Some fans merely filter and re-circulate air, which does not reduce moisture produced from cooking.

Is the range exhaust filter caked and dirty?

Is the exhaust fan covered with dust?

If there are down-vented indoor grills, check them. They should be clean to ensure the free flow of air.

Bathroom Problems.

What to Look For

Plumbing

Most plumbing is hidden in the walls, and serious problems can begin "invisibly." 

Listen for tiny drips in the wall.

If a wall is damp to the touch or discolored, there is moisture damage in progress.

Any visible leaks under the sink or around the toilet need to be fixed before they lead to more serious and expensive moisture damage.

Signs of water damage in flooring in the bathroom, or on the ceilings of rooms below a bathroom, are a red flag of a possible water leak.

Exhaust Fan

One of the most important tools for moisture management in the bathroom is the exhaust fan.

A non-functioning exhaust fan overloads the bathroom with damp air.

If the exhaust fan doesn’t come on automatically when the bathroom light is turned on, consider recommending a wiring or switch change so that the fan will activate simultaneously with the light.  A switch can also be installed that turns on the fan when the bathroom humidity is high, or that uses a timer switch that will operate the fan for 30 to 40 minutes after a shower.

Be certain that the bathroom exhaust fan vents to the outdoors, and not into the house or attic. 

Toilet

The toilet has critical inlet and outlet functions that need to be sealed so that they're leak-free.

Make sure there are no leaks in the water line.

Check for signs of staining and water damage on the floor.  If present, immediately check the toilet rim seal and tank seal. If the toilet rocks back and forth when pushed slightly (using your leg), the floor drain may not be sealed properly to the toilet.

If the floor around the toilet seems soft or seems to give, structural damage may be occurring.

Windows

Bathroom windows need to perform properly in a wide range of humidity and temperature conditions.

Check to see if there are any obvious breaks in the weatherstripping or seals.

Are there stains or flaking on the painted surfaces?

Showers and Bathtubs

Areas that are exposed to this much water need close inspection.

Is the caulking cracked, stiff or loose in spots?

Are there cracked tiles or missing grout that may channel water to vulnerable areas?

If some water remains in the bathtub after draining, it may be a warning sign of possible structural weakening and settlement in the floor beneath the tub.

Used with permission: InterNACHI