How Plumbing Problems Can Threaten Your Health

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

A clogged-up drain, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems might seem like minor hassles of home ownership. 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, explains how some plumbing problems that, if not promptly fixed, could pose health risks.

Leaks Behind Walls or Inside Cabinets

Small leaks are a frequent homeowner worry. You’ll likely first notice a water stain on part of the wall or see damp spots at the bottom of a cabinet. Both of these are often signs of slow leaks and water accumulating over time. Many people hope to put off calling a plumber, not recognizing that these leaks trap moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

“We often ask customers how long that stain on the wall has been there, and they might say a few weeks or months. Mold grows more vigorously than many of us realize,” Conrad said. “In ideal conditions, it starts growing within 24 hours. The spores establish themselves within about a week and then the growth accelerates. While this happens, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or beneath your cabinets can also draw in unwanted visitors, such as rodents or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Problems

“Clogs in your drainage and leaks in the sewer lines that go unrepaired can contribute to the spread of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can lead to infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs inside the home are usually noticeable and homeowners are more likely to address them quickly because such clogs can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines outside the home can be easily forgotten since 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 slowly surface. You might start to smell sewage outside. You may also find your drainage is slow, even areas around the exterior of the home might have some pooling of water in the yard” Conrad said. “These are all red flags that it’s time to call a professional.”

A Leak in the Water Main and Standing Water

The water main leading from the meter to your home is the primary source for clean water for bathing, cleaning and more. Over time, the water line may become seriously worn down. Tree root intrusion 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 spread fungi, viruses and bacteria. A dangerous health concern connected to standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It can lead to severe cases of pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

A long time ago, lead service lines were the most common piping material used in home construction. While using lead for piping stopped in 1986, there are approximately six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still operational. Lead seeping into a person’s bloodstream can cause 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 wear out. Homeowners will often see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe may rupture entirely, resulting in a plumbing disaster. Regardless, a home with LSLs needs re-piping.

“If you discover that your home still has lead pipes, you should consider planning how and when you’ll get them replaced,” Conrad said.

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

Unlike HVAC products, which homeowners should have inspected on a regular basis, plumbing system maintenance is not as common. However, regularly scheduled inspections could help detect leaks and clogs early on, potentially saving you money on larger plumbing bills in the future. The next time you think the plumbing needs attention, it is best to schedule an appointment with a reputable plumber right away.

“It’s ideal to schedule plumbing inspections every two years,” Conrad said. “You will also limit your risk by fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, insulating exposed pipes, and using caution about what goes down the drains. And don’t forget to monitor your water pressure and any changes to the water bill. A pressure drop or a water bill spike 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.