Mold Removal in Tacoma, WA

The South Sound's port city

Tacoma is the largest city in Pierce County and the economic and cultural center of the South Sound, about 29 miles from Seattle in a straight line. It straddles Commencement Bay, with the Thea Foss Waterway running into downtown, the Puyallup River reaching the bay through the Tideflats, and a large commercial port. Neighborhoods range from Hilltop and the Stadium District to Proctor, the North Slope and the streets around Point Defiance Park.

Flood exposure

Tacoma's comprehensive plan defines flood hazard areas as the 100-year and 500-year floodplains and expects greater flood risk on the Puyallup River. It identifies the West End, North End and Tideflats as more exposed to coastal flooding and sea level rise than inland areas. If water ever gets into your home, EPA's guidance is to dry it within 24 to 48 hours; after that, assume mold.

The everyday causes

For most Tacoma homes the problem is slower. The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department says molds grow where there's too much water and advises stopping leaks, repairing roofs and plumbing, and moving water away from basement walls and slabs. Hillside houses can take groundwater through lower walls. Cold exterior walls and single-pane windows sweat through the winter. Bath fans that don't vent outdoors soak attic sheathing.

Tacoma renters have a defined process

The city's Rental Housing Code lays out the steps. First, notify your landlord in writing. If repairs aren't made, file a Rental Housing Code complaint by calling TacomaFirst 311 (3-1-1) or online. Code Compliance inspects building conditions such as leaking roofs. The health department also points Tacoma renters to the City of Tacoma Landlord-Tenant Program. State law requires landlords to keep units weathertight and give tenants Department of Health-approved mold information. This is general information, not legal advice.

Permits after the cleanup

Mold removal itself isn't permitted work. If drywall or structural pieces need replacing afterward, the City of Tacoma Permit Center is the one-stop shop for building permits, staffed with building code experts.

Health questions and hiring

The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department publishes a mold FAQ. EPA says mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs, and that people with asthma or weakened immune systems should stay away from moldy areas.

When you call, you'll be connected with an independent local mold remediation company. Washington has no state mold license or certification. What the state does require is registration with Washington L&I as a construction contractor, which you can check on L&I's Verify a Contractor tool.