What to do if…
you notice mushrooms or fungal growth appearing indoors after a water leak

What to do now

1. Make the area safe first. If water is near outlets, appliances, wiring, or the electrical panel, stay out of the area. Shut off power only if you can do it safely. If a ceiling is bulging, sagging, or dripping near electricity, keep people away and use appropriate emergency or repair services.

2. Stop the leak at the source. Shut off the water supply if needed and safe. Arrange the repair that matches the source, such as plumbing, roof, appliance, window, foundation, or property maintenance.

3. Limit exposure and spreading. Close doors to the affected room if you can. Keep children and pets out. If you must enter briefly, avoid touching or disturbing the growth; use gloves, eye protection, and a well-fitting N95 respirator if available.

4. Start drying what can be dried safely.

   • Wipe up standing clean water if it is safe to reach.
   • Ventilate to the outside when weather and safety allow.
   • Use dehumidifiers and air conditioning to lower humidity.
   • Move dry, unaffected items away from the wet area.
   • Remove wet rugs, cardboard, bedding, and other movable porous items if you can do so without spreading debris through clean areas.
   • Bag or wrap moldy movable items before carrying them through the home.

5. Do not disturb hidden mold unless you have the right help. Mushrooms or visible fungal growth after a leak can mean moisture is inside drywall, carpet padding, ceiling cavities, insulation, or wood. If the leak soaked building materials, the area smells musty after drying, or the growth keeps returning, ask for professional water-damage drying or mold remediation.

6. Document before moving or discarding items when safe. Take photos or video of the leak source, wet materials, visible growth, and any damaged belongings. Write down dates, what was wet, what you did to dry it, and who you contacted. Keep repair, drying, lodging, and cleanup receipts.

7. If you rent, notify the landlord or property manager in writing now. Say there was a leak and visible fungal growth has appeared indoors. Ask for prompt repair of the water source and drying, removal, or replacement of wet materials, not just surface cleaning. Keep copies of messages, photos, and work orders.

8. Get professional help promptly if any higher-risk condition applies.

   • Growth covers a large area or appears in more than one room.
   • Drywall, insulation, ceilings, subflooring, or carpet padding were soaked.
   • The water may contain sewage, floodwater, or storm runoff.
   • There is a persistent musty smell after drying attempts.
   • Anyone has worsening asthma, trouble breathing, severe allergy symptoms, chest tightness, or a weakened immune system.
   • You are unsure whether electrical, structural, asbestos, or lead-paint hazards are present.

9. Contact insurance early if damage is significant. Homeowners, renters, and flood insurance policies vary, so report the damage promptly, ask what documentation they need, and ask whether unsafe wet items should be kept, moved outside, or discarded after photos. Do not keep moldy or contaminated items in living areas just to preserve a claim.