How Plumbing Problems Might Threaten Your Health

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

Clogged drains, leaking pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor frustrations of owning a home. At the same time, putting off repairs 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, explains how some plumbing problems that, if not promptly addressed, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaking Behind Walls or in Your Cabinets

Small leaks are a common homeowner headache. You might first find a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or see moisture at the base of a cabinet. Both of these are generally evidence of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many homeowners delay calling a plumber, not recognizing that these leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.

“We often ask customers how long it’s been since the stain appeared, and most will say several weeks or months. Mold grows more vigorously than they might realize,” Conrad said. “In ideal conditions, it starts growing within 24 hours. The spores develop within about a week and then the growth explodes. All the while, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture leaking into walls or beneath your cabinets can also attract unwanted pests, such as rodents or cockroaches, which can carry diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Intrusions

“Clogs in your drainage and leaks in the sewer lines that go unresolved can contribute to the growth of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can lead to infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs in your plumbing are usually noticeable and homeowners are more inclined to address them quickly because drain clogs can produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines several feet underground 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 issue might eventually surface. You’ll smell an unpleasant odor outside. You should then see that your drains are clearing a little slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all red flags that it’s time you called a professional plumber.”

Main Water Line Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools

The water main leading from the meter to your home is the primary source for clean water for daily use. Over time, your water main could become compromised. Tree roots are a common culprit. One of the most evident signs of damage to your water main is standing water in the yard. Stagnant water, even from a clean water source, can support the growth of fungi, viruses and bacteria. A serious health concern connected to standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

Many years ago, lead service lines were commonly used in home construction. While lead pipes were discontinued in 1986, there are likely six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still in use today. Too much lead in a person’s bloodstream could lead to lead poisoning, which may be fatal or severely affect growth and cognitive function in children.

It’s not unusual for this kind of plumbing to gradually fail. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe may rupture entirely, resulting in a plumbing disaster. Either way, a home with LSLs should schedule replacement.

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

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

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners should have inspected on a regular basis, checking the plumbing is not always treated with the same urgency. However, regularly scheduled inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs earlier, hopefully saving you money on larger plumbing bills in the future. When you’re starting to believe the plumbing needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a local plumber as soon as possible.

“It’s best to have your system inspected biannually,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, wrapping exposed pipes in insulation, and being careful about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And don’t forget to watch your water pressure and any changes to the water 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.