Plumbing Problems Can Threaten Your Health

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

Drain clogs, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems may seem like minor annoyances of owning a home. That being said, putting off repairs for too long can be hazardous to your health and well-being. A plumbing professional, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, shared details about some plumbing problems that, if not promptly repaired, could pose health risks.

Leaks in the Walls or in Your Cabinets

Small leaks are a common homeowner headache. You’ll likely first notice a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or see damp spots at the base of a cabinet. Both of these are generally signs of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many people hope to put off calling a plumber, not understanding that even the smallest leaks trap moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

“We usually ask our customers how long that stain on the wall has been there, and many tell us a few weeks or months. Mold grows more vigorously than they might realize,” Conrad said. “Once mold has the right conditions, it starts growing within 24 hours. The spores establish themselves within about a week and then the growth accelerates. As the mold spreads, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or beneath your cabinets can also attract unwanted pests, such as rodents or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drainage and Sewer Blockages

“Clogged drains and a leak in your sewer lines that go ignored can promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can even cause infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs inside the home are usually easy to spot and homeowners are more likely to call a plumber quickly because such clogs may produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. However, sewer lines outside the home can be easily ignored because they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but trying to ignore it is a potentially dangerous way of thinking.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the slab, 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 outside the home might have some pooling of water where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all clues that it’s time you called a professional plumber.”

Main Water Line Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools

Your main water line leading from the meter to your home is a source of clean water for everyday use. Over time, the water line may become damaged. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most telltale signs of water line damage is standing water in the yard. Standing pools of water, even from a clean water supply line, can encourage fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern associated with stagnant pools of water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It can lead to severe cases of pneumonia that also causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Service Lines

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 being used. The slow accumulation of lead in a person’s bloodstream eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or hinder growth and cognitive function in children.

It’s not uncommon for this kind of plumbing to slowly fail. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe may completely rupture, resulting in a major plumbing issue. Either way, a home with LSLs needs an upgrade to the plumbing system.

“If you discover that your home uses lead pipes, you should consider planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.

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

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners should have inspected biannually, checking the plumbing is not as common. However, staying on top of routine inspections could help detect leaks and clogs earlier, potentially saving you money on larger plumbing bills in the future. If you suspect the plumbing needs attention, it is best to schedule an appointment with a local plumbing professional as soon as possible.

“It’s best to have a plumber inspect the pipes biannually,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, wrapping exposed pipes in insulation, and being more restrictive about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And it’s also important to keep an eye on your water pressure and water bill. A drop in pressure or a water bill spike 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.