Moldy or Cracked Caulk: Just like topmount sinks, undermount sinks on granite and quartz need to be sealed to prevent moisture from creating mold and mildew problems in the cabinet.
If you have an undermount sink, regularly clean and dry the silicone caulking between your sink and your counter. Check for cracking or moldy caulk, and replace if you see an issue. If you do this yourself, you'll need to thoroughly remove the old silicone and recaulk, allowing sufficient time to dry.
Since undermount sinks to not have anything above the counter to help carry their weight, they need more support. They also need more solid countertops that don't suffer easily from water damage. This often makes them a more expensive sink than other options and also makes installation more difficult.
Unfortunately, kitchens are prone to mold and mildew growth because of the high levels of moisture and humidity that are present in them. Mold in kitchens is most often found under the sink, in and behind cupboards, around window sills, behind appliances and kitchen furniture, on walls and around taps or sinks.
Undermount sinks are a popular choice for many homeowners because they offer a sleek, seamless look that is easy to keep clean. Because there is no lip around the edge of the sink, it is easier to wipe debris directly into the sink, rather than having to clean around the rim of the sink.
Pros of an Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks are: Easy to clean: Countertop cleanup is more streamlined with undermount sinks since you can wipe any spills or crumbs directly into the sink. Highly durable: Undermount sink types can be worth the price for their durability and quick countertop cleanup.
Offering a seamless contemporary look which is both stylish and functional, the undermount kitchen sink is both practical and hygienic.
Anyone with asthma, a mold allergy, chronic lung disease, or who is immunocompromised can become quite sick after exposure to mold. Ignoring mold growth under your kitchen sink is never a good idea. Not only do you risk making yourself or your family sick, but the mold will likely keep growing and spreading.
So while black mold probably won't kill you, it can make you feel sick and should be removed as soon as possible.
Musty Smell
This is because such a smell could signify accumulated moisture, a hidden leak, or existing mold. Mold spores happen to decompose dead materials, leading up to an unpleasant stale smell. If you notice such a smell when using your sink, be sure to have it checked for mold to avoid any future issues.
Some say drop-in is generally the best option because it's easier to access all parts of the sink for cleaning. However, both types of sinks tend to accumulate grime along the caulk line where the sink meets the counter. Where an undermount sink rim and counter meet, the caulked gap can be trickier to clean.
Undermount sinks are simply more practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing than overmount sinks. With undermount sinks, it is really easy to wipe food crumbs from the countertops into the kitchen sink. There is no edge, no seam and no calking in the way.
The lack of a visible lip with an undermount sink makes it quite a bit easier to clean your counters; you can sweep any debris from your counters right into the sink. However, top mount sinks are the simplest of the two types of sink to keep clean themselves.
Mold can grow on almost any surface and only requires dampness and a food source. Black molds, like other molds, will grow in places where there is moisture, such as around water leaks, windows, drain pipes, or where there has been flooding.
Causes of Black Mold Under Sink
All mold needs to grow is air, water, and a suitable surface, such as cardboard, fabric, drywall, or tiles. The area under the sink is ideal for mold to grow because it's continually damp, enclosed, and often warm. This fungus loves dark, cramped spaces where it can spread undisturbed.
Most undermount sink manufacturers recommend that you use pure, 100-percent silicone sealant for undermount sink installation. Silicone sealants are designed for resilient flexibility and have good adhesive properties. If an ordinary caulk was used to seal the sink, it likely will fail quickly.
Instead of using bleach and water for cleaning, you can also use natural products including vinegar, tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract. These substances have anti-microbial properties and can also help remove the smell of mold in addition to disinfecting the area.
When searching for black mold, look for circular-shaped spots that are black, dark green or dark brown. Some black mold can also take on shades of orange or have flecks of white within it. Most of the time, black mold has a slightly furry appearance.
Mildew is a surface fungi identified as a patch of gray or white fungus lying on the surface of a moist area. Mildew is easily treated with a store-bought cleaner and a scrubbing brush. Mold, on the other hand, can have colors that range from black to green and is often the result of a much larger infestation.
Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions.
So who should a plumber recommend to a customer if they suspect there is a mold issue? To avoid any sort of liability, plumbers should not make any diagnosis regarding mold, but should make a recommendation for a restoration contractor or CIH to inspect what may be a water damage issue.
This will tell you if you can clean the mold yourself, or if it's reached a point where you need to bring in the pros. If the outbreak is less than 10 square feet, the EPA says it's safe to handle the cleanup yourself (FEMA sets the limit at 25 square feet, so there's some wiggle room).
An undermount sink is just like the name sounds – a sink that fits underneath your countertops. This sink has many benefits compared to other options and makes task work in your kitchen much easier. Undermount sinks work best when they are installed in conjunction with natural stone countertops, like granite.
Weight: Stainless steel or copper sinks tend to be the lightest, while vitreous china, porcelain, ceramic and composites are moderately heavy. Choose a heavy stone, cast iron or enameled-steel undermount sink only if you're sure the countertop can support the weight.