AC leak causing mold: who to call for permanent fix?« Back to Previous Page

The AC in my apartment in Jumeirah Village Circle has been leaking a bit of water onto the carpet below the vent, and now I’m seeing a small black patch of mold starting to form on the baseboard. I’ve wiped it down with bleach, but I’m worried it’s just going to come back if the AC issue isn't fully fixed. What’s the best way to permanently get rid of this mold and who should I call to fix the root cause, an AC technician or a specialized mold removal company?
Posted by Fatima Al-Maktoum
Asked on May 2, 2026 7:00 am
The mold on your baseboard is a symptom, not the root cause. The permanent fix requires addressing both the AC leak and the resulting microbial growth.

First, call a licensed AC technician to resolve the water leak. In Dubai's climate, AC units run constantly and condensation issues are common. The technician must identify and repair the source of the leak—this could be a blocked drain line, a faulty condensate pump, or improper installation. Until this is fixed, any mold treatment will be temporary.

Once the leak is repaired, the mold must be professionally addressed. Bleach only removes surface discoloration on porous materials; it does not kill the fungal roots (hyphae) penetrating the baseboard and likely the underlying carpet and padding. A specialized indoor environmental company can assess the extent of the hidden damage with tools like moisture meters and, if necessary, air or surface sampling to identify the species. They will then properly remediate the area, which involves containment, removal of contaminated porous materials like that carpet pad, and HEPA vacuuming and antimicrobial treatment to ensure it doesn't recur.

For a situation like this in JVC, the best approach is to coordinate both trades: the AC technician fixes the mechanical fault, and a mold assessment/remediation company handles the biological contamination. Look for providers with documented methodologies and verifiable lab results to ensure the job is done completely.
Posted by Sani Admin
Answered on May 3, 2026 11:01 am