Plumbing Problems May Impact Health, Home Comfort

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

Drain clogs, broken pipes and other plumbing problems may seem like minor frustrations of home ownership. That being said, putting off repairs for too long can be hazardous to your health. An expert plumber, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with Service Experts, a national home services provider, shared details about some plumbing problems that, if not properly repaired, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaks Behind Walls or in Your Cabinets

Tiny leaks are a common plumbing worry. You’ll likely first notice a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or feel damp spots at the base of 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 understanding that even the smallest leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.

“We start by asking customers how long since they noticed the staining, and most will say several 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 disperse within about a week and then the growth explodes. All the while, people may begin coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or under cabinets can also attract unwanted pests, including rats or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drains and Sewer Blockages

“Clogged drains and leaks in the sewer lines that go ignored can promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can even cause infections such as 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 bad smell,” Conrad explained. That being said, 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 slab, the problem may slowly surface. You will probably smell a foul stench outside. You will also notice your drains are clearing 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 clues that it’s time you called a professional plumber.”

Main Water Line Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools

Your main water line leading from the meter to your home is a source of clean water for bathing, cleaning and more. With enough time, the water line may become damaged. Tree roots breaking to the pipe is a common culprit. One of the most telltale signs of water line damage is pools of stagnant water in the yard. Stagnant water, even from a clean water supply line, can become a breeding ground for fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern associated with stagnant pools of water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.

Old Lead Service Lines

Many years ago, lead service lines were commonly used for home plumbing. While this practice was banned in 1986, there are approximately six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still in use today. 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 uncommon for these older lines to gradually wear out. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe could burst open, which will result in a plumbing emergency. Regardless, a home with LSLs needs re-piping.

“If you know your home uses lead plumbing, it’s best to start planning a strategy for having them replaced,” Conrad said.

The Importance of Working with a Reputable Plumber

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners should have inspected on a regular basis, maintenance for the plumbing is often a lower priority. However, regularly scheduled inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs early on, potentially 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 trusted plumbing professional as soon as possible.

“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, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being more restrictive about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And don’t forget to monitor the water pressure and any changes to the water 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.