How Plumbing Problems Can Impact Health, Home Comfort

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

Drain clogs, leaky 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. 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 properly addressed, can threaten good health.

Leaking in the Walls or Inside Cabinets

Minor leaks are a common homeowner headache. You might first find a water stain on part of the wall or see moisture inside a cabinet. Both of these are generally signs of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many people might wait to call a plumber, not recognizing that even minor leaks trap moisture and become breeding grounds for mold.

“We often ask customers how long it’s been since the stain appeared, and many tell us a few weeks or months. Mold grows faster than they might 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. All the while, people are experiencing coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”

“Moisture damage inside walls or in the cabinets can also draw in unwanted visitors, including rats or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.

Drain Clogs and Sewer Problems

“Clogs in your drainage and a leak in your sewer lines that go unrepaired can encourage the growth of viruses and bacteria. These conditions can lead to infections such as E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Clogged drains inside the home are usually easy to spot and homeowners tend to address them quickly because such clogs can produce a foul odor,” Conrad explained. But at the same time, 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 foundation, the problem may eventually surface. Homeowners may smell a foul stench near the pipes. You should then see that your drainage is slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water where the sewer is” Conrad said. “These are all clues that it’s best to call an Expert.”

A Leak in the Water Main and Standing Water

The water line system leading from the street to your home is the primary source for clean water for daily use. After enough time, your water main could become compromised. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of damage to your water main is pooling water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water supply line, can spread fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern associated with stagnant water is Legionnaires’ disease, caused by Legionella bacteria. It can lead to severe cases of pneumonia that causes lung inflammation.

Old Lead Plumbing

A long time ago, lead service lines were the most common choice used in home construction. While lead pipes were discontinued in 1986, there are potentially six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still functioning. The slow accumulation of lead in a person’s bloodstream can cause lead poisoning, which may be fatal or hinder growth and cognitive function in children.

It’s not uncommon for these pipes to slowly wear out. Homeowners will often see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe could burst open, which will result in a major plumbing issue. Regardless, a home with LSLs should schedule replacement.

“If you’re aware your home still has lead service lines, it’s best to start planning a strategy for having them replaced,” Conrad said.

The Importance of Working with a Dependable Plumbing Technician

Unlike HVAC products, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected twice a year, checking the plumbing is not as common. However, regularly scheduled inspections can find these leaks and clogs sooner, potentially saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. When you’re starting to believe the plumbing needs attention, it is best to schedule an appointment with a trusted plumbing technician right away.

“It’s a good idea to have your system inspected biannually,” Conrad said. “You should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, adding more insulation to vulnerable pipes, and using caution about what should and shouldn’t go down the drain. And don’t forget to keep an eye on the water pressure and any changes to the water bill. A pressure drop or spike in your total costs 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.