Mold Moves Fast: What to Do (and Not Do) When You Discover Mold After Water Damage

Mold is one of the most dangerous and costly consequences of water damage—and it doesn’t wait long to take hold. In as little as 24 to 48 hours, mold can begin growing in moist areas of your home or business. If you’ve recently experienced a plumbing leak, flood, or even minor water intrusion, understanding how to respond can protect your health, your property, and your wallet.

At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, we’ve helped countless Southern California residents safely recover from mold outbreaks caused by water damage. In this blog, we’ll cover the essential dos and don’ts of mold exposure so you can act quickly and correctly in a high-risk situation.

Why Mold Growth Is So Serious

Mold is more than just unsightly—it can cause serious health problems, especially for:

• Children
• Seniors
• People with asthma or allergies
• Anyone with compromised immune systems

Breathing in mold spores can lead to coughing, wheezing, skin irritation, sinus congestion, and in more severe cases, long-term respiratory complications. It can also cause structural damage by eating away at drywall, wood, and insulation behind the scenes. That’s why taking action right away is key.

What to Do if You Suspect Mold

• DO stay out of the affected area. Limit exposure by avoiding contact with the space entirely. The less time you spend in the area, the lower your risk of inhaling spores or disturbing the growth.
• DO turn off your HVAC system. Mold spores can travel through your home’s ventilation system and spread to other areas. Shut down your heating or cooling system and avoid using fans until the area has been professionally treated.
• DO call a certified mold remediation expert. Mold isn’t something to DIY. Call 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration at 866-437-0205 to schedule a mold inspection and remediation. Our trained technicians will contain, remove, and sanitize the affected space safely and thoroughly.
• DO document the damage. Before our team arrives, take photos of the suspected mold (from a safe distance). This documentation can help with insurance claims and create a timeline of events.

What NOT to Do Around Mold

• DON’T touch or disturb the mold. Even a small swipe can release spores into the air and cause further contamination. Avoid brushing, wiping, or poking mold growth on walls, ceilings, or surfaces.
• DON’T try to dry out the area with fans. Fans can worsen the situation by blowing mold spores into clean parts of your home. Drying is essential—but only after the mold has been properly contained.
• DON’T attempt a DIY cleanup. Household cleaners and bleach may seem like a quick fix, but they rarely penetrate porous materials where mold thrives. Worse, bleach can agitate the spores, making them airborne and increasing exposure risks.
• DON’T delay remediation. Every hour you wait gives mold more time to grow and damage more of your home. Calling a professional team like 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration ensures a fast, safe, and thorough response.

Our Proven Mold Remediation Process

At 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration, our mold remediation team follows industry-approved procedures to ensure your space is safe and mold-free. We:

• Assess the source of moisture or water intrusion
• Isolate and contain the affected area
• Remove damaged materials if necessary
• Apply safe antimicrobial treatments
• Thoroughly dry and dehumidify the space to prevent future growth
• Conduct a final inspection to confirm successful remediation

Because we’re also licensed plumbers, we don’t just remove the mold—we identify and repair the root cause of the water damage so the issue doesn’t return.

Don’t Risk Your Health—Act Fast

Mold is one of the most preventable complications of water damage—if you act quickly. If you’ve had a leak, flood, or unexplained moisture in your home, trust 1st Choice Plumbing, Flood & Restoration to assess the situation and restore your property the right way. Call us today at 866-437-0205 for a mold inspection or emergency water damage service. We’re here 24/7 to keep your family safe, your space clean, and your peace of mind intact.