How Plumbing Problems May Impact Health, Home Comfort

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

Clogged drains, leaky pipes and other plumbing problems may seem like minor hassles of home ownership. That being said, leaving plumbing problems unaddressed for too long can be detrimental to your health and well-being. 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 addressed, may pose a risk to your health.

Leaking Behind Walls or Inside Kitchen, Bathroom Cabinets

Small leaks are a common homeowner headache. You’ll likely first notice a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or see moisture at the base of a cabinet. These are generally signs of slow leaks and water accumulating over time. Many homeowners delay calling a plumber, not understanding that even minor 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 several weeks or months. Mold grows much more quickly than many of us realize,” Conrad said. “Once mold has the right conditions, it could start reproducing inside 24 hours. The spores disperse within about a week and then the growth explodes. As the mold spreads, people may begin coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture trapped in walls or in the cabinets can also attract unwanted visitors, like mice or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Problems

“Clogged drains and leaks in the sewer lines that go unrepaired can promote the spreading of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can lead to infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs in your plumbing are usually noticed more quickly and homeowners tend to address them quickly because such clogs may 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 way of thinking.

“Whenever you might have leaks under the foundation, the extent of the problem can eventually surface. Homeowners may smell an unpleasant odor outside. You will also notice your drainage is slow, even areas around the exterior of the home might have some pooling of water where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all red flags that it’s best to call an Expert.”

Main Water Line Leaks and Standing Water

The water line system that leads from the meter to your home is the primary source for safe water for bathing, cleaning and more. Over time, the water line may become seriously worn down. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most evident signs of damage to your water main is pooling water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water source, can become a breeding ground for fungi, viruses and bacteria. A dangerous health concern connected to standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It can lead to severe cases of pneumonia that also causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Service Lines

A long time ago, lead plumbing was the most common choice used in home construction. While this practice was banned in 1986, there are an estimated six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still in use today. Lead seeping into 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 these pipes to eventually deteriorate. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. In some cases, a pipe may rupture entirely, resulting in a plumbing disaster. Regardless, a home with LSLs needs an upgrade to the plumbing system.

“If you know your home has lead service lines, you’ll want to start planning how and when you’ll get them replaced,” Conrad said.

The True Value of Working with a Certified Plumbing Professional

Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected twice a year, checking the plumbing is not always treated with the same urgency. However, staying on top of routine inspections could help detect leaks and clogs earlier, hopefully saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. If you suspect the plumbing needs attention, it is best to schedule an appointment with a reputable plumbing technician as soon as possible.

“It’s a good idea to schedule plumbing inspections on a regular basis,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being more restrictive about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And remember to monitor the water pressure and water bill. A drop in pressure 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.