How Plumbing Problems May Threaten Your Health

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

Clogged drains, leaking pipes and other plumbing problems may seem like minor annoyances of owning a home. At the same time, putting off repairs for too long can be dangerous to your health. A licensed plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, explains how some plumbing problems that, if not properly addressed, can threaten good health.

Leaking Inside Walls or Inside Kitchen, Bathroom Cabinets

Small leaks are a typical plumbing concern. You’ll likely first find a water stain on part of the wall or feel moisture inside a cabinet. Both are often signs of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many people hope to put off calling a plumber, not realizing that even the smallest leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.

“We usually ask our customers how long that stain on the wall has been there, and many tell us a few weeks or months. Mold grows much more quickly than many of us realize,” Conrad said. “Once mold has the right conditions, it starts growing inside 24 hours. The spores establish themselves within about a week and then the growth explodes. As the mold spreads, people may begin coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture leaking into walls or beneath your cabinets can also attract unwanted guests, like mice or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Problems

“Clogs in your drainage and a leak in your sewer lines that go ignored can encourage the spread of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can even cause infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs inside the home are usually noticeable and homeowners tend to address them quickly because such clogs can produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines underground can be easily forgotten about because they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but that’s a potentially dangerous mindset.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the foundation, the issue might gradually surface. You might start to smell an unpleasant odor outside. You will also notice your drains are clearing a little slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water close to the sewer lines” Conrad said. “These are all clues that it’s time to call a professional.”

Water Main Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools

Your main water line that leads from the municipal system to your home is a source of potable water for bathing, cleaning and more. With enough time, your water main could become seriously worn down. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of water line damage is standing water in the yard. Standing pools of water, even from a clean water supply line, can support the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern connected to stagnant water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that also causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

Many years 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. Lead seeping into a person’s bloodstream eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or significantly impact growth and cognitive function in children.

It’s not uncommon for these pipes to gradually wear out. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. With more serious damage, a pipe could burst open, resulting in a plumbing disaster. Either way, a home with LSLs should schedule re-piping.

“If you discover that your home uses lead pipes, you’ll want to start planning a strategy for having them replaced,” Conrad said.

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

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners should have inspected biannually, plumbing system maintenance is often a lower priority. 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, it is best to schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing technician when you can.

“It’s ideal to have your system inspected on a regular basis,” Conrad said. “You will also limit your risk by fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, wrapping exposed pipes in insulation, and using caution about what you put down drains. And remember to monitor your water pressure and any changes to the water 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.