How Plumbing Problems Might Threaten Your Health

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

Clogged drains, broken pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor hassles of owning a home. However, ignoring these problems for too long can be detrimental to your health. An expert plumber, 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, could pose health risks.

Leaks Behind Walls or Inside Cabinets

Tiny leaks are a common plumbing headache. You might first find a water stain on part of the wall or see damp spots inside a cabinet. Both are generally evidence of slow leaks and water pooling over time. Many homeowners delay calling a plumber, not understanding that even the smallest leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.

“We usually ask our customers how long that stain on the wall has been there, and many tell us several weeks or months. Mold grows much more quickly than they might realize,” Conrad said. “Once mold has the right conditions, it could start reproducing inside 24 hours. The spores develop within about a week and then the growth accelerates. While this happens, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or in the cabinets can also draw in unwanted guests, such as rodents or cockroaches, which can carry diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drainage and Sewer Problems

“Clogs in your drainage and leaks in the sewer lines that go unrepaired can contribute to the spread of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can even cause infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains inside the home are usually noticed more quickly and homeowners are more inclined to call a plumber quickly because such clogs can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. However, sewer lines outside the home can be easily forgotten since they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but this could be a potentially dangerous approach.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the foundation, the issue might eventually surface. You will probably smell sewage outside. You should then see that your drainage is slow, even areas away from 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.”

Main Water Line Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools

The water line system leading from the municipal system to your home is the primary source for potable water for bathing, cleaning and more. After enough time, these lines can become damaged. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of a main water line problem is standing water in the yard. Stagnant water, even from a clean water supply line, can encourage fungi, viruses and bacteria. A serious health concern associated with standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It can lead to severe cases of pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.

Old Lead Service Lines

A long time ago, lead service lines were the most common piping material used in home construction. While this practice was banned in 1986, there are likely 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 significantly impact physical and mental development in children.

It’s not uncommon for these pipes to gradually wear out. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe could burst open, resulting in a plumbing emergency. Regardless, a home with LSLs should schedule an upgrade to the plumbing system.

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

Why It’s Important to Work with a Reputable Plumber

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected biannually, checking the plumbing is often a lower priority. However, regularly scheduled inspections can find these leaks and clogs earlier, hopefully saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. If you suspect the plumbing needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a local plumber when you can.

“It’s best to have a plumber inspect the pipes on a regular basis,” Conrad said. “You can also be proactive by fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, wrapping exposed pipes in insulation, and being more restrictive about what you put down drains. And remember to watch your water pressure and your monthly 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.