How Plumbing Problems May Affect Your Wellbeing

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

Clogged drains, broken pipes and other plumbing problems might seem like minor annoyances of owning a home. That being said, 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 promptly repaired, could pose health risks.

Leaking in the Walls or Inside Kitchen, Bathroom Cabinets

Small leaks are a common plumbing headache. Most people initially find a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or feel moisture inside a cabinet. Both of these are often signs 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 turn into breeding grounds for mold.

“We often ask customers how long since they noticed the staining, and many tell us several 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 accelerates. All the while, people will start 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 guests, like mice or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Intrusions

“Clogs in your drainage and a leak in your sewer lines that go unrepaired 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 easy to spot and homeowners are more inclined to address them quickly because drain clogs can produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. But at the same time, sewer lines underground can be easily ignored 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 issue might slowly surface. Homeowners may smell a foul stench outside. You will also notice your drains are a little slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all signs that it’s time you called a professional plumber.”

Water Main Leaks and Standing Water

The water line system that leads from the municipal system to your home is a source of clean water for bathing, cleaning and more. With enough time, your water main could become damaged. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most evident signs of water line damage is standing 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, from Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

Many years ago, lead service lines were the most common choice used in home construction. While using lead for piping stopped in 1986, there are potentially six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still operational. Too much lead in 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 these older lines to gradually deteriorate. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe may rupture entirely, which will result in a plumbing emergency. Either way, a home with LSLs needs replacement.

“If you’re aware your home still has lead plumbing, you should consider planning a strategy for having them replaced,” Conrad said.

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

Unlike HVAC products, which homeowners are encouraged to have inspected biannually, maintenance for the plumbing is not as common. However, a periodic schedule for inspections could help detect leaks and clogs early on, hopefully saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. When you’re starting to believe your plumbing system needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a local plumbing professional as soon as possible.

“It’s ideal to have a plumber inspect the pipes every two years,” Conrad said. “You can also be proactive by fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, wrapping exposed pipes in insulation, and using caution about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And it’s also important to watch the water pressure and water bill. A pressure drop or spike in your total costs 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.