Plumbing Problems May Affect Your Wellbeing

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

Drain clogs, broken pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor frustrations 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, recently discussed some plumbing problems that, if not promptly repaired, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaking Behind Walls or Inside Kitchen, Bathroom Cabinets

Tiny leaks are a common plumbing concern. Most people initially notice a water stain on part of the wall or feel moisture at the bottom of a cabinet. Both are often evidence 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 create 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 much more quickly than they might realize,” Conrad said. “In ideal conditions, it starts growing within 24 hours. The spores develop within about a week and then the growth accelerates. All the while, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture damage inside walls or under cabinets can also attract unwanted visitors, including rats or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Blockages

“Clogged drains and leaks in the sewer lines that go ignored can promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can lead to infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains in your plumbing are usually noticed more quickly and homeowners tend to address them quickly because drain 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 this could be a potentially dangerous mindset.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the slab, the issue might eventually surface. You will probably smell sewage outside. You will also notice 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 red flags that it’s time to call a professional.”

A Leak in the Water Main and Stagnant Water Pools

The water main that leads from the municipal system to your home is a source of potable water for everyday use. After enough time, these lines can become seriously worn down. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most telltale signs of damage to your water main is standing 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 associated with standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Service Lines

Many years ago, lead pipes were the most common choice used in home construction. While this practice was banned in 1986, there are an estimated six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still operational. Lead seeping into a person’s bloodstream could lead to lead poisoning, which may be fatal or severely affect growth and cognitive function in children.

It’s not unusual for these older lines to eventually fail. Homeowners will often see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe could burst open, resulting in a plumbing emergency. Either way, a home with LSLs requires replacement.

“If you’re aware your home uses lead pipes, you’ll want to start planning how and when you’ll get them replaced,” Conrad said.

Why It’s Important to Work with a Reputable Plumber

Unlike your heating and cooling, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected biannually, plumbing system maintenance is often a lower priority. However, regularly scheduled inspections could help detect leaks and clogs sooner, potentially saving you money on larger plumbing bills in the future. When you’re starting to believe your plumbing system needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing technician when you can.

“It’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect the pipes biannually,” Conrad said. “You can also be proactive by fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, insulating exposed pipes, and being more restrictive about what you put down drains. And it’s also important to monitor your water pressure and your monthly bill. A drop in pressure or spike in your total costs 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.