Rising Dampness and Mould? Don’t Ignore the Signs

by Lucas | Aug 20, 2021

Modern work-from-home arrangements and the recent pandemic have encouraged families to spend more time at home. With this trend, many are also taking interest in home improvement projects, or noticing issues that could often be missed when we’re out at the office or school day in day out.

One such issue is rising dampness. While it might not seem to be a great concern at first, it can be a sign for something more serious and should not be ignored. Rising dampness can be noticed by:

Musty smells
Mould and wet patches on walls
Flaky or bubbling plaster
Swollen floorboards, door frames, and skirting
Coughing and sneezing more than usual
Water lying around under home when preparing for a renovation project

Can you leave Rising Dampness untreated?

Just because it’s not causing immediate problems, doesn’t mean that it would go away on its own. In fact, if left untreated, it can cause extensive damage to the structure of your property. Moisture can cause timber to rot and attract termites, affect the concrete foundation, and even crumble brick and mortar as ground salts erode the binding.

In addition, dampness and mould can affect your immune system. Compromising the health of your family, and cause respiratory infections, allergies, or trigger asthma attacks.

Who can help with Rising Dampness?

First, it’s important to determine the cause of the unusual moisture. The dampness and mould may be caused by a hidden leak within walls or underground. While you can try to figure out its location, realistically it is highly unlikely as water travels far and wide. Unless you’re prepared to destroy your garden or put holes in your walls, the more efficient and economical option is to engage a professional plumber specialising in leak detection and rising dampness.

What can be done?

Depending on the cause of the rising dampness, there are various ways to treat the issue. Hidden leaks can be located via specialised equipment such as the CCTV drain cameras and be repaired or replaced. However, it may be that you noticed the rising damp when planning a renovation, which is related to the property design and drainage system.

Recently, the Wild Water Plumbing team came across a property in which the basement of the home is 1m into the ground, with water pooling behind the house making the lower level mouldy. We were able to provide a solution by digging down to the footing of the building, then installing trenches and AGI piping with positive fall into the stone on which the foundation is rested. This required expert knowledge and specialist skills, which Wild Water Plumbing is proud to possess, being the only plumber who was able to come up with a viable and successful solution.

It is important that you engage the services of a specialist plumber. Wild Water Plumbing is the only plumber in Sydney who specialises in rising dampness and mould. Servicing the Northern Beaches and North Shore community, we provide efficient, reliable, and affordable solutions for rising dampness and mould issues in your home. Get in touch today.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Stormwater Drainage

What causes backyard flooding after heavy rain on the Northern Beaches?

Backyard flooding can be caused by blocked stormwater pits, leaves, sand, tree roots, damaged pipes, or a drainage system that is not directing water away from the property properly. If you suspect blocked drains Northern Beaches or a blocked drain Northern Beaches issue, a plumber Northern Beaches can inspect the system and identify the cause.

Can a plumber Manly help if my stormwater drain keeps overflowing?

Yes. A plumber Manly or affordable plumber Manly can inspect outdoor drains, gutters, downpipes, and underground pipes to work out why water is backing up. If the flooding is urgent or causing damage, an emergency plumber Northern Beaches or northern beaches emergency plumber can help assess the issue quickly.

How do I know if tree roots are damaging my stormwater pipes?

Tree roots can enter small cracks in older pipes and gradually restrict water flow. Signs include recurring blockages, slow drainage, soggy patches in the yard, and overflowing drains after rain. A plumber North Shore, plumber Turramurra, or plumber Killara can use CCTV inspection equipment to check for root intrusion. If pipe damage is found, pipe relining Sydney may be recommended as a repair option.

Who should I call if my yard is flooding in Brookvale, Narrabeen, or Mona Vale?

Wild Water Plumbing can assist homeowners looking for a plumber Brookvale, plumber Narrabeen, or plumber Mona Vale. The team can inspect blocked stormwater drains, clear debris, and identify broken or undersized pipework. For urgent flooding, emergency plumbing Northern Beaches services may be required to help limit damage to your home and garden.

Can stormwater drainage problems affect the inside of my home?

Yes. Poor drainage can cause water to collect around foundations, walls, and outdoor areas. Over time, this may contribute to dampness, peeling paint, musty smells, and mould growth. A plumber Mosman, plumber North Sydney, or team experienced in plumbing North Sydney can assess the cause. Depending on the issue, you may also need mould removal Sydney services after the moisture problem has been resolved.

Can a Central Coast plumber help if my yard floods every time it rains?

Yes. A Central Coast plumber can inspect your stormwater drains, pits, downpipes, and underground pipework to identify the cause of repeated flooding. Wild Water Plumbing provides plumbing Central Coast NSW services for homes affected by blocked drains, tree roots, broken pipes, and drainage systems that struggle during heavy rainfall.

Do you provide stormwater drainage inspections in Terrigal, Erina, and Umina?

Yes. Homeowners looking for a plumber Terrigal, plumber Erina, or plumber Umina can contact Wild Water Plumbing for stormwater drainage inspections and repairs. Terrigal plumbers and Erina plumbers can help identify sand build up, leaf litter, blocked pits, and pipe damage that may cause water to pool around the property.

Can the same Central Coast plumbing team help with other plumbing or gas issues?

Yes. In addition to stormwater drainage services, Central Coast plumbers NSW can assist with general plumbing maintenance, leaks, hot water issues, and gas fitting. If you also need a gas fitter Central Coast, Wild Water Plumbing can help assess your plumbing needs and arrange the appropriate service.