Learn the 25 steps for safe and effective mold remediation.
Sewage Leaks and Mold
        Q. I think there is a serious mold problem in the house we are renting. There has been water / sewage leak under the house. I don't know how long this has been happening but there was a substantial amount of sewage / water building up under the house. As soon as the problem was discovered, we notified the landlord and within a couple of days a plumber came to the house and fixed the broken pipe. However, he did not clean up any of the existing sewage / contaminated water. There is a very distinct musty / damp odor in the house and just recently my infant son has become sick. I am not sure if there is a connection or not but for my peace of mind, I would like to find out how much it would cost for testing and when it could be performed. [July 2, 2003]

       A. Use do it yourself mold test kits from a large hardware, home improvement, or safety store to mold test the sewage-contaminated area beneath your house, plus mold test every room of your house, the attic, and the air flow out of heating/air conditioning ducts. What you are testing for is the possible presence of elevated levels of airborne mold spores, a sure sign that you are living in mold contamination. The sewage line breaks beneath your house will have caused massive mold growth that may be eating its way into the floors and walls above. Moreover, broken sewer pipes will cause severe biological contamination of your home. Your best bet is to move as soon as possible to a safe place to live. Most landlords will not spend any money for effective mold inspection, testing, and remediation. Learn about Landlord Mold Liability and Landlord-Tenant Mold Problems.