How Plumbing Problems May Impact Health, Home Comfort

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

Clogged drains, broken pipes and other plumbing problems can seem like minor annoyances of home ownership. However, putting off repairs for too long can be harmful to your health. An expert 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, can threaten good health.

Leaking Inside Walls or Inside Cabinets

Minor leaks are a typical homeowner headache. Most people initially notice a water stain on a section of the wall with nearby plumbing or feel moisture at the base of a cabinet. Both are often signs of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many people might wait to call a plumber, not realizing that even minor leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.

“We start by asking customers how long it’s been since the stain appeared, and they might say several weeks or months. Mold grows more vigorously than many of us realize,” Conrad said. “Under the right conditions, it could start reproducing inside 24 hours. The spores establish themselves 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 damage inside walls or under cabinets can also be a magnet for unwanted guests, including rats or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.

Clogged Drainage and Sewer Intrusions

“Clogged drains and leaky sewer lines that go unrepaired can encourage the spread of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can even cause infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains inside the home are usually noticed more quickly and homeowners are more inclined to address them quickly because such clogs may produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines outside the home can be easily forgotten since they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but that’s a potentially dangerous way of thinking.

“In situations where you might have leaks under the slab, the problem may slowly surface. Homeowners may smell an unpleasant odor near the pipes. You may also find 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 to call a professional.”

Water Main Leaks and Standing Water

The water main that leads from the street to your home is the primary source for safe water for daily use. Over time, the water line may become seriously worn down. Tree roots are a common culprit. One of the most noticeable signs of a main water line problem is standing water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water source, can encourage fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern connected to stagnant water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that is capable of causing 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 operational. Lead seeping into a person’s bloodstream eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or significantly impact growth and cognitive function in children.

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

“If you’re aware your home still has lead plumbing, it’s best to start planning how and when you’ll get them replaced,” Conrad said.

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

Unlike your heating and cooling, which homeowners should have inspected on a regular basis, checking the plumbing is not always treated with the same urgency. However, a periodic schedule for inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs early on, potentially saving you from larger plumbing bills in the future. The next time you think the plumbing needs attention, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing technician when you can.

“It’s ideal to have your system inspected biannually,” Conrad said. “You will also limit your risk by fixing faucet and showerhead drips quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and being careful about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And remember to watch your 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.