Plumbing Problems Can Threaten Your Health

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

Drain clogs, broken pipes and other plumbing problems may seem like minor hassles of home ownership. At the same time, ignoring these problems for too long can be dangerous to your health. A plumbing professional, 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, can threaten good health.

Leaks in the Walls or Inside Cabinets

Small leaks are a typical plumbing headache. You’ll likely first find a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or see moisture at the base of a cabinet. Both are often signs of slow leaks and water accumulating over time. Many people might wait to call a plumber, not recognizing that even minor leaks trap moisture and create breeding grounds for mold.

“We start by asking customers how long it’s been since the stain appeared, and most will say several weeks or months. Mold grows faster than many of us realize,” Conrad said. “Once mold has the right conditions, it could start reproducing inside 24 hours. The spores disperse within about a week and then the growth accelerates. While this happens, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or beneath your cabinets can also attract unwanted pests, like mice or cockroaches, which can carry diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Intrusions

“Clogs in your drainage and leaky sewer lines that go unrepaired can contribute to the spreading of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can even cause infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs inside the home are usually noticeable and homeowners are more inclined to address them quickly because they may produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines outside the home can be easily forgotten about because they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but this could be a potentially dangerous way of thinking.

“If you might have leaks under the foundation, the issue might eventually surface. You’ll smell sewage outside. You may also find your drainage is slow, even areas away from the home might have some pooling of water where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all red flags that it’s best to call an Expert.”

A Leak in the Water Main and Stagnant Water Pools

The water main that leads from the municipal system to your home is a source of potable water for daily use. After enough time, the water line may become seriously worn down. Tree roots are a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of damage to your water main is pooling water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water supply line, can support the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria. A serious health concern connected to standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

Decades ago, lead service lines were the most common piping material used in home construction. While this practice was banned in 1986, there are approximately six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still operational. The slow accumulation of lead in a person’s bloodstream eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or significantly impact physical and mental development in children.

It’s not unusual for these older lines to gradually wear out. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe may completely rupture, which will result in a plumbing disaster. Regardless, a home with LSLs requires replacement.

“If you discover that your home has lead service lines, it’s best to start planning a strategy for having them replaced,” Conrad said.

The Importance of Working with a Reputable Plumber

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners are encouraged to have inspected biannually, maintenance for the plumbing is not as common. However, staying on top of routine inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs early on, hopefully saving you money on larger plumbing bills in the future. When you’re starting to believe your plumbing system needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing technician when you can.

“It’s ideal to schedule plumbing inspections on a regular basis,” Conrad said. “You will also limit your risk by fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, wrapping exposed pipes in insulation, and using caution about what you put down drains. And it’s also important to monitor your water pressure and any changes to the water bill. A drop in pressure or a water bill spike often indicates 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.