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 might seem like minor annoyances of owning a home. At the same time, putting off repairs for too long can be detrimental to your health and well-being. An expert plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, explains how some plumbing problems that, if not promptly addressed, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaking Inside Walls or in Your Cabinets

Small leaks are a frequent plumbing worry. You’ll likely first notice a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or see moisture at the base of a cabinet. Both of these are usually signs of slow leaks and water pooling over time. Many homeowners delay calling a plumber, not understanding that even minor leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.

“We often ask 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 they might realize,” Conrad said. “Under the right conditions, it could start reproducing within 24 hours. The spores establish themselves within about a week and then the growth explodes. As the mold spreads, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture damage inside walls or beneath your cabinets can also attract unwanted pests, including rats or cockroaches, which can carry diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drainage and Sewer Blockages

“Clogs in your drainage and leaks in the sewer lines that go unrepaired can promote the spread of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can even cause infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains inside the home are usually noticed more quickly and homeowners are more likely to call a plumber quickly because such clogs can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. However, sewer lines 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 extent of the problem can gradually surface. You will probably smell a foul stench outside. You may also find your drainage is slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water in the yard” Conrad said. “These are all signs that it’s best to call an Expert.”

Water Main Leaks and Standing Water

The water main that leads from the street to your home is the primary source for potable water for everyday use. Over time, these lines can become damaged. Tree roots are a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of damage to your water main is pools of stagnant water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water supply line, can become a breeding ground for fungi, viruses and bacteria. A dangerous health concern connected to standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.

Old Lead Service Lines

A long time ago, lead pipes were the most common piping material used for home plumbing. While using lead for piping stopped 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 eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or severely affect physical and mental development in children.

It’s not unusual for this kind of plumbing to slowly fail. Homeowners will often see a leak in a wall. With more serious damage, a pipe may completely rupture, which will result in a major plumbing issue. Regardless, a home with LSLs requires replacement.

“If you’re aware your home still has lead plumbing, it’s best to start planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.

The True Value of Working with a Certified Plumbing Professional

Unlike HVAC products, which homeowners are encouraged to have inspected twice a year, plumbing system maintenance is not as common. However, regularly scheduled inspections could help detect leaks and clogs earlier, hopefully saving you from 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 right away.

“It’s ideal to have your system inspected every two years,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, insulating exposed pipes, and being more restrictive about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And don’t forget to monitor your 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.