How to spot signs of mould

Look out for damp

• Keep an eye out for damp patches on walls or ceilings, look for a tea stain appearance and if you find one, check outside for leaking pipes, gutters etc
• Check around pipework of toilets and sinks for leaks
• Follow your nose – pay attention to unmistakeable damp smells
• Look out for peeling wallpaper, or walls that feel damp to touch
• Check that seals around baths, sinks and showers are watertight

Outside issues to look out for

• Missing or loose roof tiles, blocked or leaking gutters, damaged or loose lead flashings
• Leaking or broken external pipes such as waste pipes
• Missing vents or covers such as extractor fan covers
• Cracks or gaps around doors and window frames, inside and out
• Open jointed brickwork, damp/wet brickwork especially at low level below dampproof course (DPC)
• Broken or cloudy double glazing
• Blocked or overflowing gullies and inspection chambers

Safety in the home

• Fire safety – Check and test your smoke detector every month
• Gas safety – Check carbon monoxide detectors regularly
• Windows and doors – Check for draughts, and make sure all locks operate securely

Plumbing

• Monitor your water pressure and notice if it runs too hot or too cold
• Look out for corrosion to copper pipework or leaking joints to plastic waste pipes
• If your radiators aren’t coming on, take a look at the pressure gauge on your boiler

Drains

• Check for leaks or blockages in drains and pipes
• Don’t use more than the recommended washing powder dose in a laundry load – too much can cause blocked drains
• Only flush toilet paper and bin everything else to avoid blockages