We have a four car garage with four sewer drains, it is very damp could the drains cause this?

Question

We purchased this house last year, the garage is what sold us. it is detached from the house, fits four cars and this year it has become so damp that mold has invaded us! It was on any kind of compressed wood,cardboard,and the cement floor. It seems that the mold that was on the floor was around the sewer drains and had spread, the garage has never flooded since we have lived here. I cleaned it up with bleach, cleaned all our tools,scrubbed the floor, I pretty much waged war on the mold. We also got a great dehumidifier which we are emptying three buckets day. Can covering up the sewer drains help?

Answer 1

No. The drains do not sound like the problem. You must live in a very humid area. The cars would come in there with the airconditioners on and when they are stopped will bleed about a half cupful of water usually. The drains actually will help with the amount of moisture that is in the garage. The mold is probably starting there as that is the most wet area after all. What you are doing with the bleach and dehumidifier should work just fine. Of course you must have looked at outside drainage and guttering.

Answer 2

yes,  and get some minerial oil, pour in the drains, this will keep the water from evaperating and form a seal over the water,  

Answer 3

yes, it sounds like the drains are the culprit.  In a sewer, the water vapor has a chance to rise up into the garage.  Every time you shower,with or even use warm water, the steam will rise to the top of the pipe, and find its way into your garage.  you would do very well to tightly seal off those drains, but not permanently. (in case you want to wash down the floors)  This in combination with your dehumidifyer will solve the problem