Plumbing Problems Might Affect Your Wellbeing

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

A clogged-up drain, 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 hazardous to your health. A licensed plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, shared details about some plumbing problems that, if not properly taken care of, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaking Inside Walls or in Your Cabinets

Minor leaks are a typical plumbing worry. Most people initially notice a water stain on a wall or feel moisture at the bottom of a cabinet. Both of these are generally signs of slow leaks and water building up 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 often ask customers how long it’s been since the stain appeared, and most will say a few weeks or months. Mold grows faster than they might realize,” Conrad said. “In ideal conditions, it could start reproducing within 24 hours. The spores disperse 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 trapped in walls or under cabinets can also be a magnet for unwanted visitors, such as rodents or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Blockages

“Clogged drains and leaks in the sewer lines that go ignored can contribute to the spreading of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can even cause infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains in your plumbing are usually noticed more quickly and homeowners are more inclined to call a plumber quickly because such clogs may produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. However, sewer lines several feet underground can be easily forgotten about because they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but trying to ignore it is a potentially dangerous mindset.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the foundation, the issue might slowly surface. You will probably smell sewage near the pipes. You should then see that your drains are clearing a little slow, even areas around the exterior of the home might have some pooling of water in the yard” Conrad said. “These are all clues that it’s time to call a professional.”

A Leak in the Water Main and Stagnant Water Pools

Your main water line that leads from the street to your home is a source of safe water for daily use. Over time, the water line may become seriously worn down. Tree roots breaking to the pipe is a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of damage to your water main is pooling water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water source, can spread fungi, viruses and bacteria. A dangerous health concern associated with stagnant pools of water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

Many years ago, lead pipes were the most common piping material used in home construction. While lead pipes were discontinued 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 significantly impact growth and cognitive function in children.

It’s not unusual for this kind of plumbing to eventually fail. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe may rupture entirely, which will result in a plumbing emergency. Regardless, a home with LSLs requires an upgrade to the plumbing system.

“If you know your home has lead plumbing, you should consider planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.

Why It’s Important to Work with a Dependable Plumbing Professional

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners should have inspected twice a year, checking the plumbing is often a lower priority. However, regularly scheduled inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs early on, potentially saving you from larger plumbing bills in the future. The next time you think your plumbing system needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing technician when you can.

“It’s ideal to schedule plumbing inspections biannually,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being more restrictive about what goes down the drains. And don’t forget to watch your water pressure and water 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.