University student issued

A college student was shocked to discover dark-colored mushrooms growing along the wall of their shared bathroom. Concerned, they posted a photo to Reddit asking if anyone could identify the growth, jokingly questioning if it meant they were “dying.” The unusual sight sparked both humorous and serious reactions online, with some referencing horror scenarios and others urging the student to get experts involved. Eventually, a knowledgeable Reddit user identified the mushrooms as ink caps, noting that while the fungi themselves aren’t harmful, their presence indicates severe water damage behind the walls.

The expert explained that the mushrooms were growing due to mycelium feeding on moisture-compromised structures, which could mean the wall is rotting internally and may need to be torn out. Advanced Damp, a waterproofing company, supports this, stating that mushrooms often signal excess moisture, which can weaken materials like wood and drywall and lead to mold and structural damage. While the student didn’t know the cause of the moisture, Reddit users speculated on possible reasons ranging from a burst pipe to poor waterproofing or construction issues. Regardless, immediate action was advised to prevent further damage.