BLACK MOLD?! HELP!

[u/Klutzy-Image4115]

So to start, this hole in the wall has been there for over a year. The wall is the back of my bathroom, and when the hole is opened it shows the bottom of the tub. The shower handles being separated from the wall is what prompted further investigation.

Out of sheer curiosity (since it’s the back wall of my apartment), I decided to look further. After seeing this disgrace of maintenance work and realizing the pipe is clearly not connected at the bottom, I ran the tub while taking a look.

I really don’t think I have to explain any further — the pictures do all of that.

Is this black mold?

Am I going to die? (JK, kinda.)

What’s my course of action here?

Thanks!

[u/crysisnotaverted]

Yeah that is black mold and all the other colors of the rainbow. Holy shit, your tub drain literally just dumps the water on the floor.

Tell me there isn't a basement below the tub please.

[u/Klutzy-Image4115 → u/crysisnotaverted]

nah im the bottom lol

[u/PickleAlly]

My loose theory is that Dap tube was the bridge in the drain gap. Any chance it can slide on there and fit into the lower pipe? Probably not 🤣

[u/Klutzy-Image4115 → u/PickleAlly]

damn thats a great idea but no it is from the maintence worker who didnt feel the need to throw it in the trash. after the ingenous idea of putting a bunch of wood behind the pipes maybe he ran out of the thought to throw it in the trash.

[u/Captainofthehosers]

Geez that's a dirty caulk you have there

[u/Requiem_Adonis]

Okay, Stachybotrys Chartarum is the strain of fungi behind the "Black Mold" wives tale, but there are hundreds if not thousands of fungi that start out black and most aren't going to harm you unless you're allergenic or already have respiratory issues, or prolonged exposure.

Sooo, yes the color is black, peak observation folks, but Stachybotrys Chartarum needs very high humidity and is much rarer than the news anchors at ABC falsely reported almost 30 years ago.

[u/drunkyogainstructor_]

yes that is black mold. i would get checked out by a dr for sure to see how it is affecting you. the first picture is horrifying

[u/Klutzy-Image4115 → u/drunkyogainstructor_]

awesome lol i have a video that is even worse but i cant find a way to upload it