Plumbing Problems May Affect Your Wellbeing

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

Clogged drains, broken pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor frustrations of home ownership. However, putting off repairs for too long can be harmful to your health. A plumbing professional, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, explains how some plumbing problems that, if not promptly fixed, could pose health risks.

Leaking in the Walls or Inside Kitchen, Bathroom Cabinets

Minor leaks are a frequent plumbing headache. You’ll likely first notice a water stain on a wall or see moisture at the bottom of a cabinet. Both are often signs of slow leaks and water pooling over time. Many people might wait to call a plumber, not realizing that even minor leaks trap moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

“We start by asking customers how long that stain on the wall has been there, and they might say a few weeks or months. Mold grows more vigorously than they might realize,” Conrad said. “Once mold has the right conditions, it starts growing within 24 hours. The spores develop within about a week and then the growth explodes. As the mold spreads, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture damage inside walls or in the cabinets can also attract unwanted pests, such as rodents or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Blockages

“Clogs in your drainage and leaks in the sewer lines that go unrepaired can promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can even cause infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains inside the home are usually easy to spot and homeowners are more inclined to call a plumber quickly because such clogs can produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. However, sewer lines underground can be easily forgotten since they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but trying to ignore it is a potentially dangerous way of thinking.

“If you might have leaks under the slab, the problem may gradually surface. You might start to smell a foul stench outside. You will also notice your drainage is slow, even areas away from the home might have some pooling of water in the yard” Conrad said. “These are all signs that it’s time you called a professional plumber.”

Water Main Leaks and Standing Water

The water main leading from the meter to your home is the primary source for safe water for daily use. After enough time, your water main could become damaged. Tree roots are a common culprit. One of the most evident signs of water line damage 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. A serious health concern connected to standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It can lead to severe cases of pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

Many years ago, lead plumbing was commonly used for home plumbing. While lead pipes were discontinued in 1986, there are likely six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still functioning. Too much 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 this kind of plumbing to slowly fail. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. With more serious damage, a pipe may completely rupture, resulting in a plumbing disaster. Regardless, a home with LSLs should schedule re-piping.

“If you discover that your home has lead pipes, it’s best to start planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.

Why It’s Important to Work with a Dependable Plumber

Unlike HVAC products, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected biannually, checking the plumbing is often a lower priority. However, staying on top of routine inspections can find these leaks and clogs sooner, potentially saving you money on larger plumbing bills in the future. The next time you think the plumbing needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing technician when you can.

“It’s best to have a plumber inspect the pipes every two years,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being more restrictive about what goes down the drains. And it’s also important to monitor the water pressure and any changes to the water bill. A pressure drop or a water bill spike can be a sign of 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.