Plumbing Problems Might Threaten Your Health

By Brian Sodoma, for Service Experts Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing

Clogged drains, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems might seem like minor frustrations of home ownership. That being said, ignoring these problems for too long can be hazardous to your health. An expert plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, shared details about some plumbing problems that, if not properly taken care of, could pose health risks.

Leaking Inside Walls or in Your Cabinets

Small leaks are a typical plumbing worry. You might first notice a water stain on part of the wall or feel moisture inside a cabinet. Both are generally signs of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many people hope to put off calling a plumber, not understanding that these leaks trap moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

“We usually ask our customers how long since they noticed the staining, and they might say a few weeks or months. Mold grows faster than they might realize,” Conrad said. “Once mold has the right conditions, it could start reproducing within 24 hours. The spores disperse within about a week and then the growth takes off. While this happens, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture leaking into walls or in the cabinets can also draw in unwanted visitors, like mice or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drainage and Sewer Blockages

“Clogs in your drainage and leaky sewer lines that go unresolved can promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can lead to infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs in your plumbing are usually easy to spot and homeowners are more likely to call a plumber quickly because drain clogs can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. However, sewer lines outside the home can be easily forgotten since they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but this could be a potentially dangerous approach.

“If you might have leaks under the foundation, the extent of the problem can eventually surface. You’ll smell sewage outside. You will also notice your drains are clearing a little slow, even areas around the exterior of the home might have some pooling of water in the yard” Conrad said. “These are all clues that it’s time to call a professional.”

Water Main Leaks and Standing Water

The water main that leads from the municipal system to your home is a source of potable water for daily use. Over time, these lines can become damaged. Tree roots breaking to the pipe is a common culprit. One of the most telltale signs of damage to your water main is pools of stagnant water in the yard. Stagnant water, even from a clean water supply line, can support the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern associated with standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that also causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

Many years ago, lead pipes were the most common choice used for home plumbing. While using lead for piping stopped in 1986, there are an estimated six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still being used. Too much lead in a person’s bloodstream could lead to lead poisoning, which may be fatal or significantly impact physical and mental development in children.

It’s not uncommon for these pipes to slowly wear out. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe may completely rupture, which will result in a major plumbing issue. Either way, a home with LSLs requires an upgrade to the plumbing system.

“If you discover that your home still has lead plumbing, you should consider planning a strategy for having them replaced,” Conrad said.

The True Value of Working with a Certified Plumber

Unlike HVAC products, which homeowners should have inspected biannually, plumbing system maintenance is often a lower priority. However, regularly scheduled inspections can find these leaks and clogs sooner, potentially saving you from larger plumbing bills in the future. The next time you think your plumbing system needs attention, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a reputable plumber as soon as possible.

“It’s ideal to schedule plumbing inspections every two years,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, insulating exposed pipes, and being more restrictive about what goes down the drains. And remember to keep an eye on your water pressure and your monthly bill. A drop in pressure or a water bill spike usually signals a plumbing problem.”

Stay ahead of major repairs and keep your home safe and healthy by learning more about the Service Experts’ Plumbing Services division.