Plumbing Problems Might Impact Health, Home Comfort

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

Drain clogs, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor annoyances of owning a home. That being said, leaving plumbing problems unaddressed for too long can be dangerous to your health. An expert plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, recently discussed some plumbing problems that, if not properly repaired, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaks Behind Walls or in Your Cabinets

Minor leaks are a common plumbing worry. You’ll likely first find 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 usually signs of slow leaks and water pooling over time. Many people hope to put off calling a plumber, not understanding that even the smallest leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.

“We start by asking customers how long that stain on the wall has been there, and most will say a few weeks or months. Mold grows faster than many of us 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 takes off. While this happens, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or beneath your cabinets can also draw in unwanted pests, including rats or cockroaches, which can carry diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Problems

“Clogged drains and a leak in your sewer lines that go ignored can contribute to the spreading of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can even cause infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains in your plumbing are usually noticeable and homeowners are more inclined to address them quickly because such clogs can produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. But at the same time, sewer lines outside the home can be easily forgotten about because they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but this could be a potentially dangerous approach.

“If you might have leaks under the foundation, the issue might gradually surface. Homeowners may smell a foul stench near the pipes. You may also find your drains are a little slow, even areas around the exterior of the home might have some pooling of water close to the sewer lines” Conrad said. “These are all red flags that it’s best to call an Expert.”

A Leak in the Water Main and Standing Water

The water main that leads from the street to your home is the primary source for clean water for everyday use. Over time, your water main could become seriously worn down. Tree roots are 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 source, can support the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern connected to standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Pipes

A long time ago, lead service lines were commonly used in home construction. While this practice was banned in 1986, there are an estimated six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still being used. Lead seeping into a person’s bloodstream could lead to lead poisoning, which may be fatal or hinder growth and cognitive function in children.

It’s not unusual for these older lines to gradually wear out. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe may rupture entirely, resulting in a plumbing emergency. Regardless, a home with LSLs requires re-piping.

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

The True Value of Working with a Dependable Plumbing Professional

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected twice a year, plumbing system maintenance is often a lower priority. However, staying on top of routine inspections can find these leaks and clogs earlier, potentially saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. When you’re starting to believe the plumbing needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a trusted plumber as soon as possible.

“It’s ideal to schedule plumbing inspections every two years,” Conrad said. “You can also be proactive by fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being careful about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And it’s also important to keep an eye on your water pressure and your monthly bill. A drop in pressure 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.