Plumbing Problems Can Threaten Your Health

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

A clogged-up drain, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems might seem like minor hassles of owning a home. However, 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 promptly fixed, could pose health risks.

Leaks in the Walls or Inside Cabinets

Tiny leaks are a common homeowner headache. You might first notice a water stain on a wall or feel damp spots inside a cabinet. These are generally evidence of slow leaks and water pooling over time. Many people hope to put off calling a plumber, not realizing that even the smallest leaks trap moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

“We usually ask our customers how long that stain on the wall has been there, and many tell us several weeks or months. Mold grows more vigorously than they might realize,” Conrad said. “Under the right conditions, it starts growing inside 24 hours. The spores establish themselves within about a week and then the growth takes off. As the mold spreads, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture leaking into walls or in the cabinets can also draw in unwanted pests, like mice or cockroaches, which can carry diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Intrusions

“Clogs in your drainage and a leak in your sewer lines that go unresolved can promote the spread 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 easy to spot and homeowners tend to address them quickly because such clogs can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. But at the same time, sewer lines several feet underground can be easily forgotten about because they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but that’s a potentially dangerous mindset.

“In situations where you might have leaks under the foundation, the issue might slowly surface. Homeowners may smell sewage near the pipes. You should then see that your drainage is slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water close to the sewer lines” Conrad said. “These are all red flags that it’s best to call an Expert.”

Water Main Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools

The water main that leads from the meter to your home is a source of potable water for everyday use. With enough time, the water line may become compromised. Tree roots breaking to the pipe is a common culprit. One of the most evident signs of water line damage is standing water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water supply line, can spread fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern associated with standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that also causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

A long time ago, lead plumbing was the most common choice used in home construction. While lead pipes were discontinued in 1986, there are potentially six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still operational. The slow accumulation of lead in a person’s bloodstream could lead to lead poisoning, which may be fatal or hinder physical and mental development in children.

It’s not uncommon for these older lines to gradually fail. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. With more serious damage, a pipe may rupture entirely, which will result in a plumbing emergency. Either way, a home with LSLs needs replacement.

“If you discover that your home still has lead pipes, you should consider planning how and when you’ll get them replaced,” Conrad said.

Why It’s Important to Work with a Certified Plumbing Professional

Unlike your heating and cooling, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected on a regular basis, plumbing system maintenance is not as common. However, a periodic schedule for inspections could help detect leaks and clogs early on, hopefully saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. If you suspect the plumbing needs attention, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a local plumbing professional right away.

“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 using caution about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And it’s also important to keep an eye on your water pressure and your monthly bill. A drop in pressure or spike in your total costs 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.