Drain clogs, leaking pipes and other plumbing problems may seem like minor frustrations of home ownership. That being said, putting off repairs 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, recently discussed some plumbing problems that, if not properly repaired, can threaten good health.
Leaks in the Walls or Inside Cabinets
Small leaks are a common plumbing worry. You'll likely first notice a water stain on part of the wall or feel moisture at the base of a cabinet. Both are usually signs of slow leaks and water accumulating over time. Many people hope to put off calling a plumber, not realizing that even minor leaks trap moisture and turn into breeding grounds for mold.
“We often ask customers how long it's been since the stain appeared, and they might say several weeks or months. Mold grows much more quickly than many of us realize,” Conrad said. “In ideal conditions, it could start reproducing within 24 hours. The spores establish themselves within about a week and then the growth explodes. As the mold spreads, people will start coughing, sneezing and feeling unwell, and they don’t know why.”
“Moisture trapped in walls or in the cabinets can also be a magnet for unwanted guests, including rats or cockroaches, which may be carrying diseases,” Conrad added.
Drain Clogs and Sewer Problems
“Clogged drains and a leak in your sewer lines that go ignored can contribute to the growth 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 are more likely to address them quickly because such clogs can produce a bad smell,” Conrad explained. That being said, sewer lines several feet underground can be easily forgotten since they’re “out of sight, out of mind,” but trying to ignore it is a potentially dangerous approach.
“If you might have leaks under the slab, the issue might eventually surface. You'll smell a foul stench outside. You should then see that your drains are a little slow, even areas outside the home might have some pooling of water in the yard” Conrad said. “These are all clues that it’s time you called a professional plumber.”
Main Water Line Leaks and Stagnant Water Pools
The water main leading from the municipal system to your home is a source of clean water for bathing, cleaning and more. Over time, your water main could become seriously worn down. Tree roots are a common culprit. One of the most obvious signs of a main water line problem is pools of stagnant water in the yard. Any standing water, even from a clean water source, can encourage fungi, viruses and bacteria. A serious health concern associated with standing water is Legionnaires’ disease, from Legionella bacteria. It is a severe form of pneumonia that is capable of causing lung inflammation.
Old Lead Pipes
Decades ago, lead pipes were the most common piping material used for home plumbing. While using lead for piping stopped in 1986, there are approximately six to ten million lead service lines (LSLs) still functioning. The slow accumulation of lead in a person’s bloodstream eventually causes lead poisoning, which may be fatal or significantly impact physical and mental development in children.
It’s not uncommon for these pipes to gradually fail. Homeowners may see a leak in a wall. Other times, a pipe may completely rupture, which will result in a plumbing emergency. Regardless, a home with LSLs requires re-piping.
“If you discover that your home still has lead Pipes, you'll want to start planning the process of having them replaced,” Conrad said.
Why It's Important to Work with a Certified Plumbing Technician
Unlike HVAC systems, which homeowners are recommended to have inspected biannually, plumbing system maintenance is not as common. However, a periodic schedule for inspections will enable us to find leaks and clogs early on, potentially saving you from pricey plumbing bills in the future. When you're starting to believe the plumbing needs attention, you should try and schedule an appointment with a local Plumbing Technician right away.
“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, insulating exposed pipes, and being more restrictive about what goes down the drains. And remember to keep an eye on your water pressure and water bill. A drop in pressure or a water bill spike usually signals 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.
