Plumbing Problems Can Affect Your Wellbeing

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

Drain clogs, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems might seem like minor hassles of owning a home. However, ignoring these problems for too long can be detrimental 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 repaired, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaking Inside Walls or in Your Cabinets

Minor leaks are a common plumbing headache. You’ll likely first notice a water stain on a wall or see damp spots at the base of a cabinet. These are generally signs of slow leaks and water pooling over time. Many people might wait to call a plumber, not recognizing that these 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 most will 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 develop within about a week and then the growth takes off. All the while, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture leaking into walls or under cabinets can also be a magnet for unwanted pests, such as rodents or cockroaches, which can carry diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Intrusions

“Clogged drains and leaky sewer lines that go unrepaired can contribute to the spreading of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can lead to infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains inside the home are usually easy to spot and homeowners are more likely to call a plumber quickly because drain clogs can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines underground can be easily ignored because 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 slowly surface. You will probably smell sewage near the pipes. You should then see that your drainage is slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all clues that it’s best to call an Expert.”

Water Main Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools

The water main leading from the street to your home is the primary source for clean water for everyday use. With enough time, the water line may become compromised. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most telltale signs of water line damage is pools of stagnant water in the yard. Stagnant water, even from a clean water supply line, can spread fungi, viruses and bacteria. A serious health concern associated with stagnant water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

A long time ago, lead pipes were the most common piping material used in home construction. While this practice was banned in 1986, there are approximately six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still functioning. Lead seeping into a person’s bloodstream eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or hinder physical and mental development in children.

It’s not uncommon for these older lines to eventually wear out. Homeowners will often see a leak in a wall. With more serious damage, a pipe may completely rupture, resulting in a major plumbing issue. Regardless, a home with LSLs should schedule re-piping.

“If you’re aware your home uses lead plumbing, you should consider planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.

Why It’s Important to Work with a Reputable Plumber

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners should have inspected twice a year, plumbing system maintenance is not always treated with the same urgency. However, regularly scheduled inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs sooner, hopefully saving you from larger plumbing bills in the future. The next time you think your plumbing system needs attention, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a local plumbing technician as soon as possible.

“It’s best to have your system inspected every two years,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, insulating exposed pipes, and being careful about what you put down drains. And remember to watch your water pressure and water bill. A drop in pressure or spike in your total costs usually signals 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.