How 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 may seem like minor hassles of home ownership. At the same time, putting off repairs for too long can be dangerous to your health. A plumbing professional, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, explains how some plumbing problems that, if not promptly fixed, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaking Inside Walls or Inside Kitchen, Bathroom Cabinets

Tiny leaks are a common plumbing concern. Most people initially find a water stain on a wall or see damp spots at the base of a cabinet. Both of these are generally evidence of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many homeowners delay calling a plumber, not realizing that these leaks trap moisture and create breeding grounds for mold.

“We usually ask our customers how long it’s been since the stain appeared, 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 takes off. As the mold spreads, people may begin coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture leaking into walls or under cabinets can also be a magnet for unwanted pests, like mice or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Blockages

“Clogs in your drainage and a leak in your sewer lines that go ignored can contribute to the spread of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can even cause infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains in your plumbing are usually noticeable and homeowners tend to address them quickly because they may produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. But at the same time, sewer lines several feet underground can be easily forgotten about because they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but that’s a potentially dangerous approach.

“In situations where you might have leaks under the slab, the extent of the problem can eventually surface. You might start to smell a foul stench outside. You should then see that 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

Your main water line leading from the municipal system to your home is a source of clean water for everyday use. With enough time, these lines can become damaged. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most evident signs of a main water line problem is pooling water in the yard. Stagnant water, even from a clean water source, can become a breeding ground for fungi, viruses and bacteria. A dangerous health concern connected to stagnant water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It can lead to severe cases of pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

Decades ago, lead service lines were commonly used in home construction. While using lead for piping stopped in 1986, there are likely 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 uncommon for this kind of plumbing to eventually wear out. Homeowners will often see a leak in a wall. With more serious damage, a pipe could burst open, resulting in a major plumbing issue. Either way, a home with LSLs needs replacement.

“If you know your home has lead plumbing, you’ll want to start planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.

The Importance of Working with a Reputable Plumber

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners should have inspected on a regular basis, plumbing system maintenance is not always treated with the same urgency. However, a periodic schedule for inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs earlier, 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 trusted plumber when you can.

“It’s ideal to have a plumber inspect the pipes biannually,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, insulating exposed pipes, and being more restrictive about what goes down the drains. And it’s also important to watch your water pressure and water bill. A drop in pressure or spike in your total costs 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.