How Plumbing Problems Can Impact Health, Home Comfort

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

Drain clogs, broken pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor frustrations of home ownership. At the same time, ignoring these problems for too long can be detrimental 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 properly addressed, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaks in the Walls or Inside 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 feel damp spots at the base of a cabinet. These are generally signs of slow leaks and water accumulating over time. Many people might wait to call 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 a few weeks or months. Mold grows faster than many of us realize,” Conrad said. “In ideal conditions, it starts growing inside 24 hours. The spores disperse within about a week and then the growth explodes. As the mold spreads, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture leaking into walls or beneath your cabinets can also be a magnet for unwanted visitors, including rats or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drainage and Sewer Problems

“Clogged drains and a leak in your sewer lines that go unresolved can contribute to the growth of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can lead to infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs in your plumbing are usually noticed more quickly and homeowners tend to address them quickly because drain clogs may produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. However, sewer lines underground can be easily forgotten since they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but this could be a potentially dangerous way of thinking.

“In situations where you might have leaks under the slab, the issue might gradually surface. You will probably 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 where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all signs that it’s best to call an Expert.”

A Leak in the Water Main and Stagnant Water Pools

The water line system leading from the meter to your home is the primary source for safe water for everyday use. With enough time, these lines can become damaged. Tree roots are a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of a main water line problem is standing water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water supply line, can spread fungi, viruses and bacteria. A serious health concern connected to stagnant pools of water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

Many years ago, lead service lines were the most common piping material used for home plumbing. While lead pipes were discontinued in 1986, there are likely six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still functioning. The slow accumulation of lead in a person’s bloodstream eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or hinder physical and mental development in children.

It’s not uncommon for these older lines to slowly fail. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe could burst open, which will result in a plumbing disaster. Regardless, a home with LSLs needs an upgrade to the plumbing system.

“If you discover that your home has lead plumbing, you should consider planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.

Why It’s Important to Work with a Dependable Plumber

Unlike your heating and cooling, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected biannually, checking the plumbing is often a lower priority. However, staying on top of routine inspections could help detect leaks and clogs earlier, hopefully saving you from larger plumbing bills in the future. If you suspect the plumbing needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a local plumber when you can.

“It’s ideal to schedule plumbing inspections on a regular basis,” Conrad said. “You will also limit your risk by fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, wrapping exposed pipes in insulation, and being careful about what you put down drains. And remember to watch the water pressure and your monthly bill. A drop in pressure or a water bill spike usually signals 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.