A South Houston wall that smells musty or stains from the inside usually has water in the cavity from a leak, an overflowing AC drain or rain getting in around a window. After the source is fixed, the wet drywall and insulation are removed and the framing is cleaned and dried. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local mold remediation company in South Houston.
South Houston in brief
South Houston is a city of about 16,000 people, roughly 16 miles from downtown Houston, bordering Houston and Pasadena along roads like Spencer Highway, Old Galveston Road, Allen Genoa Road and South Shaver Street. It incorporated in 1913, and manufacturing moved in after the Houston Ship Channel was built; a 1915 hurricane destroyed many of the early local industries. Today the moisture risks inside homes are the familiar Gulf Coast ones: humid air most of the year, cooling systems that rarely rest, heavy rain on flat ground that drains slowly, and plumbing that can leak unseen behind a finished wall.
What to do now
- Note where the smell is strongest. That spot is usually closest to the wet part of the cavity.
- Check the likely sources. Look at the fixtures on the other side of the wall, the window above it and the AC closet or attic unit nearby.
- Shut off or fix the leak. Mold work done while water is still coming in will not last.
- Keep people away. EPA says people with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas.
- Decide on help. EPA treats patches under about 10 square feet as a homeowner job in most cases. Anything larger or hidden is better assessed first.
- Ask about the rebuild. Check with the City of South Houston about whether replacing drywall in your project needs a permit.
What you see and what usually causes it
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Dark edge creeping up from the baseboard | Water wicking from a wet slab or a past leak |
| Brown ring on the wall below an attic access | AC drain pan overflow |
| Bubbled paint next to the kitchen sink | Leaking supply line or drain under the counter |
| Spots that return after cleaning in a closet | Moist air from a shared bathroom wall |
Cost factors
Angi's Houston cost data puts the average mold removal job at $2,016, with most falling between $863 and $3,329. Expect a separate charge from the mold assessment consultant, because Texas does not allow the same company to assess and remediate one project. The size of the area, the amount of insulation, cabinet removal and containment all change the total.
Mold in Walls & Drywall questions in South Houston
Can I cut out moldy drywall myself?
Is mold testing needed if I can already see mold on the wall?
Will mold come back after new drywall goes up?
Who do I call about health questions from mold in the house?
More mold services in South Houston
Mold in Walls & Drywall nearby
Helpful guides
Sources
- EPA: Mold Cleanup in Your Home
- EPA: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home
- EPA: Mold Information Slideshow (testing and sampling)
- TDLR: Mold Assessors and Remediators FAQs
- 16 Tex. Admin. Code 78.150: Photographs; Certificate of Mold Damage Remediation; Duty of Property Owner
- Angi: How much do mold removal services typically cost? (Houston, TX)
- Wikipedia: South Houston, Texas
Last updated: