We see this problem more often in homes that have been empty and closed up for a months waiting for a buyer, or bathrooms that are rarely used. Mold requires three things to start growing: warmth, moisture, and organic material. An empty house, with the air conditioner turned off or set at 80º F in the summer, will provide the heat. 

    Next, the chlorination in the water—that would ordinarily discourage mold growth—will dissipate because the toilet is not being flushed regularly, and dust floating into the tank will attach to the moist walls. So you have all three requirements for mold growth and, the longer the toilet sits unused, the uglier it gets.

    Also see our blog posts Are drop-in toilet bowl cleaner tablets safe? and Does a home inspector check toilets?

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about “TOILETS”: 

• Why is there sand in the bottom of my toilet tank?  

• What are the pros and cons of a wall-mounted toilet?

• What are the minimum clearances around a toilet? 

• What is the little tank on top of the water heater for? 

• What is that big thing in the toilet tank? 

• What is the white plastic tank inside my toilet tank?

• Can I install a commercial (wall-mounted flushometer) toilet in my home? 

• Does a home inspector check toilets?

• What is the code required minimum height above a toilet? 

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about MOLD, LEAD AND OTHER CONTAMINANTS:

• Should I buy a house with mold?  

• Why do new homes have more moisture and mold problems than older houses?

• Can infrared thermal imaging find mold behind a wall? 

• What is the right humidity level in a mobile home?

• Who can clean up mold found during a home inspection in Florida?

• How do I look for and find mold in my mobile home? 

• Does bleach kill mold?

• Why is there mold around the air conditioning vents? 

• What can I do to prevent mold problems in my home?

• Why is there a lead paint disclaimer in my real estate sales contract? 

• How can I tell if there is asbestos in a house?

• How can I prevent mold in my Florida winter home when I'm gone for the summer? 

• What should I do if mold is found during a home inspection?

    Visit our PLUMBING and MOLD pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.