How Plumbing Problems May Threaten Your Health

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

A clogged-up drain, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor annoyances of home ownership. That being said, ignoring these problems for too long can be hazardous to your health and well-being. A licensed plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, explains how some plumbing problems that, if not properly taken care of, could pose health risks.

Leaking Behind Walls or in Your Cabinets

Minor leaks are a common homeowner headache. You’ll likely first notice a water stain on a wall or see damp spots inside a cabinet. Both of these are generally evidence of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many people might wait to call a plumber, not understanding that these leaks trap moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

“We start by asking customers how long that stain on the wall has been there, and many tell us several weeks or months. Mold grows faster than many of us realize,” Conrad said. “Under the right conditions, it starts growing within 24 hours. The spores disperse within about a week and then the growth takes off. As the mold spreads, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or in the cabinets can also be a magnet for unwanted guests, such as rodents or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Intrusions

“Clogs in your drainage and a leak in your sewer lines that go unrepaired can contribute to the spreading of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can lead to infections including 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 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 that’s a potentially dangerous approach.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the slab, the issue might slowly surface. You’ll smell an unpleasant odor near the pipes. You will also notice your drains are a little 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 you called a professional plumber.”

Main Water Line Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools

The water line system that leads from the meter to your home is a source of clean water for everyday use. With enough time, the water line may become damaged. Tree roots breaking to the pipe is a common culprit. One of the most obvious 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 serious health concern connected to stagnant water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

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

It’s not uncommon for these pipes to slowly fail. Homeowners will often see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe may rupture entirely, which will result in a plumbing disaster. Regardless, a home with LSLs should schedule an upgrade to the plumbing system.

“If you discover that your home still has lead service lines, it’s best to start planning a strategy for having them replaced,” Conrad said.

Why It’s Important to Work with a Dependable Plumber

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected biannually, plumbing system maintenance is often a lower priority. However, a periodic schedule for inspections can find these leaks and clogs early on, hopefully saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. When you’re starting to believe your plumbing system needs attention, it is best to schedule an appointment with a local plumbing professional when you can.

“It’s a good idea to have a plumber inspect the pipes biannually,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being careful about what you put down drains. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the 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.