How Plumbing Problems Might Threaten Your Health

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

A clogged-up drain, broken pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor hassles of owning a home. However, ignoring these problems for too long can be harmful to your health and well-being. A licensed plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, recently discussed some plumbing problems that, if not properly fixed, can threaten good health.

Leaking Inside Walls or Inside Kitchen, Bathroom Cabinets

Small leaks are a typical plumbing worry. You might first notice a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or feel damp spots at the bottom of a cabinet. These are generally evidence of slow leaks and water pooling 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 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. “Under the right conditions, it could start reproducing within 24 hours. The spores develop within about a week and then the growth explodes. While this happens, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or under cabinets can also be a magnet for unwanted pests, like mice or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Intrusions

“Clogs in your drainage and leaky sewer lines that go unrepaired can promote the spreading of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can even cause infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains inside the home are usually noticeable and homeowners tend to call a plumber quickly because such clogs can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines several feet 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.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the slab, the problem may gradually surface. Homeowners may smell an unpleasant odor outside. You may also find your drains are a little slow, even areas outside 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 Stagnant Water Pools

The water line system that leads from the street to your home is the primary source for clean water for bathing, cleaning and more. Over time, the water line may become seriously worn down. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of a main water line problem is pooling 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 stagnant pools of water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

Decades ago, lead service lines were the most common choice used in home construction. While using lead for piping stopped in 1986, there are an estimated six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still in use today. The slow accumulation of lead in a person’s bloodstream can cause lead poisoning, which may be fatal or severely affect physical and mental development in children.

It’s not unusual for these pipes to gradually deteriorate. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe may rupture entirely, resulting in a major plumbing issue. Either way, a home with LSLs requires an upgrade to the plumbing system.

“If you’re aware your home still has 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 Technician

Unlike HVAC products, which homeowners should have inspected twice a year, checking the plumbing is often a lower priority. However, regularly scheduled inspections could help detect leaks and clogs sooner, hopefully saving you money on larger plumbing bills in the future. If you suspect the plumbing needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing professional as soon as possible.

“It’s a good idea to have your system inspected biannually,” Conrad said. “You will also limit your risk by fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being more restrictive about what you put down drains. And it’s also important to watch the 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.