Plumbing Problems Can Affect Your Wellbeing

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

A clogged-up drain, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems might seem like minor annoyances of home ownership. At the same time, leaving plumbing problems unaddressed for too long can be dangerous to your health. A licensed plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, recently discussed some plumbing problems that, if not promptly repaired, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaks Behind Walls or Inside Cabinets

Minor leaks are a frequent plumbing concern. Most people initially notice a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or see moisture inside a cabinet. Both are often evidence of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many people might wait to call a plumber, not recognizing that even minor leaks trap moisture and create breeding grounds for mold.

“We usually ask our customers how long since they noticed the staining, and most will say a few weeks or months. Mold grows much more quickly than they might realize,” Conrad said. “Under the right conditions, it could start reproducing within 24 hours. The spores establish themselves within about a week and then the growth accelerates. All the while, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture damage inside walls or under cabinets can also draw in unwanted visitors, like mice or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Problems

“Clogged drains and leaks in the sewer lines that go unresolved can encourage the growth of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can lead to infections including 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 they can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. That being said, 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.

“If you might have leaks under the foundation, the issue might eventually surface. You’ll smell sewage near the pipes. You will also notice your drains are a little slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water close to the sewer lines” Conrad said. “These are all signs that it’s best to call an Expert.”

Water Main Leaks and Standing Water

The water main leading from the street to your home is the primary source for safe water for bathing, cleaning and more. After enough time, these lines can become compromised. Tree roots are a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of damage to your water main is pools of stagnant water in the yard. Stagnant water, even from a clean water source, can spread fungi, viruses and bacteria. A serious health concern connected to stagnant pools of water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that also causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

Many years ago, lead plumbing was the most common piping material used for home plumbing. While using lead for piping stopped in 1986, there are potentially 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 severely affect physical and mental development in children.

It’s not unusual for this kind of plumbing to gradually fail. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe could burst open, resulting in a plumbing emergency. Regardless, a home with LSLs requires an upgrade to the plumbing system.

“If you’re aware your home has lead service lines, you’ll want to start planning a strategy for having them replaced,” Conrad said.

The True Value of Working with a Certified Plumbing Professional

Unlike your heating and cooling, which homeowners are encouraged to have inspected biannually, checking the plumbing is not always treated with the same urgency. However, a periodic schedule for inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs early on, hopefully saving you from larger 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 plumbing professional right away.

“It’s a good idea to schedule plumbing inspections on a regular basis,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, insulating exposed pipes, and being more restrictive about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And remember to keep an eye on your water pressure and your monthly bill. A pressure drop or a water bill spike 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.