Plumbing Problems Might Affect Your Wellbeing

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

Clogged drains, leaking pipes and other plumbing problems may seem like minor hassles of owning a home. That being said, leaving plumbing problems unaddressed for too long can be detrimental to your health and well-being. 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 taken care of, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaks Behind Walls or Inside Kitchen, Bathroom Cabinets

Small leaks are a common plumbing concern. You’ll likely first find a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or feel moisture inside a cabinet. Both are generally evidence of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many people hope to put off calling a plumber, not realizing that even minor leaks trap moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

“We usually ask our customers how long since they noticed the staining, and they might say a few weeks or months. Mold grows faster than they might realize,” Conrad said. “In ideal conditions, it starts growing inside 24 hours. The spores disperse within about a week and then the growth explodes. While this happens, 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 visitors, such as rodents or cockroaches, which can carry diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drainage and Sewer Problems

“Clogged drains and leaky sewer lines that go ignored can promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can lead to infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains inside the home are usually noticed more quickly and homeowners tend to call a plumber quickly because drain clogs may produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines outside the home can be easily ignored because they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but that’s a potentially dangerous way of thinking.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the slab, the extent of the problem can slowly surface. You’ll smell a foul stench outside. You will also notice your drains are clearing a little slow, even areas around the exterior of the home might have some pooling of water where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all red flags that it’s best to call an Expert.”

Main Water Line Leaks and Standing Water

The water main leading from the municipal system to your home is the primary source for safe water for daily use. After enough time, these lines can become damaged. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most noticeable 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 support the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria. A serious health concern associated with stagnant water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

Decades ago, lead service lines were commonly used for home plumbing. While lead pipes were discontinued in 1986, there are potentially six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still operational. Too much lead in a person’s bloodstream eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or severely affect growth and cognitive function in children.

It’s not uncommon for this kind of plumbing to eventually deteriorate. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe could burst open, resulting in a major plumbing issue. Regardless, a home with LSLs should schedule re-piping.

“If you know your home has lead plumbing, you’ll want to start planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.

The True Value of Working with a Certified Plumbing Technician

Unlike your heating and cooling, which homeowners should have inspected twice a year, checking the plumbing is not as common. However, staying on top of routine inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs sooner, potentially saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. When you’re starting to believe the plumbing needs attention, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing professional as soon as possible.

“It’s ideal to have a plumber inspect the pipes biannually,” Conrad said. “You will also limit your risk by fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being careful about what goes down the drains. And remember to keep an eye on your water pressure and your monthly bill. A pressure drop or a water bill spike often indicates 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.