Plumbing Problems May Threaten Your Health
By Brian Sodoma, for 成人抖阴 Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing
Drain clogs, broken pipes and other plumbing problems may seem like minor annoyances of home ownership. At the same time, ignoring these problems for too long can be hazardous to your health and well-being. A plumbing professional, JD Conrad, Vice President of Product Operations with 成人抖阴, a national home services provider, explains how some plumbing problems that, if not properly fixed, can threaten good health.
Leaking in the Walls or in Your Cabinets
Minor leaks are a typical plumbing worry. Most people initially find a water stain on a wall or feel damp spots inside a cabinet. These are generally evidence of slow leaks and water building up over time. Many homeowners delay calling a plumber, not understanding that these leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.
鈥淲e start by asking customers how long it鈥檚 been since the stain appeared, and many tell us several weeks or months. Mold grows much more quickly than they might realize,鈥 Conrad said. 鈥淚n ideal conditions, it could start reproducing inside 24 hours. The spores develop within about a week and then the growth takes off. While this happens, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling sick, and they don’t know why.鈥
鈥淢oisture leaking into walls or in the cabinets can also draw in unwanted guests, like mice or cockroaches, which spread diseases,” Conrad added.
Drain Clogs and Sewer Blockages
鈥Clogs in your drainage and leaks in the sewer lines that go unresolved can promote the spread of viruses and bacteria. If it gets bad enough it can even cause infections including E. coli, hepatitis and salmonella. Drain clogs inside the home are usually easy to spot and homeowners tend to call a plumber quickly because such clogs can produce a bad smell,鈥 Conrad explained. But at the same time, sewer lines outside the home can be easily forgotten since they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but that鈥檚 a potentially dangerous mindset.
“Whenever you might have leaks under the foundation, the issue might gradually surface. Homeowners may smell an unpleasant odor near the pipes. 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 signs that it’s best to call an Expert.”
A Leak in the Water Main and Standing Water
The water main that leads from the street to your home is the primary source for clean water for daily use. With enough time, the water line may become damaged. Tree root intrusion is a common culprit. One of the most noticeable signs of water line damage is pooling water in the yard. Stagnant water, even from a clean water source, can spread fungi, viruses and bacteria. One especially hazardous health concern connected to standing water is , from Legionella bacteria. It leads to severe pneumonia that also causes lung inflammation.
Old Lead Pipes
Many years ago, lead pipes were the most common piping material used for home plumbing. While lead pipes were discontinued in 1986, there are approximately still in use today. Lead seeping into a person’s bloodstream can cause lead poisoning, which may be fatal or significantly impact physical and mental development in children.
It’s not unusual for these pipes to gradually wear out. Homeowners first notice when they see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe could burst open, resulting in a plumbing emergency. Regardless, a home with LSLs needs re-piping.
“If you鈥檙e aware your home uses lead pipes, you should consider planning how and when you’ll get them replaced,” Conrad said.
Why It鈥檚 Important to Work with a Certified Plumber
Unlike your heating and cooling, which homeowners should have inspected twice a year, maintenance for the plumbing is not as common. However, regularly scheduled inspections can find these leaks and clogs earlier, hopefully saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. The next time you think the plumbing needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a trusted plumber right away.
鈥淚t鈥檚 best to schedule plumbing inspections every two years,鈥 Conrad said. 鈥淵ou should also do your best at fixing faucet and showerhead leaks quickly, wrapping exposed pipes in insulation, and using caution about what goes down the drains. And remember to monitor the water pressure and your monthly bill. A drop in pressure or spike in your total costs usually signals a plumbing problem.鈥
Stay ahead of major repairs and keep your home safe and healthy by learning more about the 成人抖阴鈥 Plumbing Services division.