Okay, my best advice is to move!
I am going to give you some straight info, so the mold doesn't become the least of your worries.
For the last 16 years, I have worked as an insurance restorer and, as an insurance adjuster, specializing in water/fire/structural drying.
1) #1 problem is the unknown source of loss or possible multiple water leaks. As you said, this could be outside water from the threshold, the washer or water heater, or even a slab leak or other unknown source.
Discovery, mitigation and repairs can be costly ($10,000+).
2) There are 3 categories of water, when referring to the degree of contamination, depending on the source and what items the water comes in contact with after entering the structure: 1) clean water, 2) gray water and 3) black water.
It sounds like your water can be a category 2 or 3. This water can be signigficantly or grossly contaminated and contain various degrees of microorganisms or toxins, which can be very harmful to people and pets. You could get very sick and pets can die.
3) Again, proper mitigation and repair costs can be very costly. If not done properly, you could be opening yourself up to liability issues because you are a tenant, and, also wanting to trade plumbing work (aren't you an apprentice) for water/mold mitigation repairs........NOT even close for a trade of services.
If your unit is that low for rent, most likely, the landlord is not going to make proper repairs. This would require a hygienist or IEP, a qualified restoration contractor and proper procedures for mitigation. If not done properly, you could be opening yourself up to a lawsuit by the landlord.
If proper repairs are done right, you would have to move anyway.
Attorneys love vendors who are not qualified for water/mold mitigation.
4) If you open those walls, it is possible that millions of spores (you can't see them) can get in the atmosphere and spread. They can become dormant and regenerate at a later date.
5) To confirm what I am saying, after looking at your pics, reply, and I will try and find someone (qualfied restorer or hygienist/IEP) in your area to confirm what I am saying.
While the walls and moldings can be wiped down,
my biggest concern is the seepage through the tile and the mold spores already in the atmosphere.
Don't start your career off on the wrong foot. When so many plumbers were getting sued in Texas, when mold became a big issue, they all got together to create a contract, which would help to reduce their liability in lawsuits.
I understand the economy is tight for everyone, but this place sounds like a potential health hazard. If you have pets, they will be licking their feet and themselves......they can spread microorganizms, get sick or die.
Again, you are the tenant and should not risk your health or open yourself up to unknown financial costs or liability issues.
I am not trying to scare you, yet, make a point of how hazardous this water can be....unknown source....unknown time of seepage.
I do this for a living and have seen simple and complex cases throughout the country.
Mark
[email protected]
