Plumbing issues can be more than just an inconvenience—they can pose serious health risks. From mould growth to contaminated water, certain plumbing problems can directly affect your family’s health. In this post, we’ll explore how plumbing issues can cause sickness, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to prevent these hazards.
How Plumbing Issues Can Impact Your Health
1. Water Contamination and Health Risks
One of the most significant health threats posed by plumbing issues is water contamination. Leaky pipes, corroded plumbing, and back flow issues can allow harmful substances like bacteria, lead, and chemicals to enter your drinking water.
Common Health Problems From Contaminated Water:
- Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Drinking or using contaminated water for cooking can cause diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
- Lead Poisoning: Older pipes may contain lead, which can seep into your water supply, leading to developmental issues in children and health problems in adults.
- Legionnaires’ Disease: Stagnant water in pipes can harbour Legionella bacteria, which causes severe respiratory infections.
2. Mould Growth and Respiratory Issues
Plumbing leaks can also create the perfect environment for mould growth. Mould thrives in damp, dark areas such as under sinks or behind walls where leaks are often hidden. Exposure to mould can lead to various health issues, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions.
Symptoms of Mould Exposure:
- Coughing and wheezing
- Sinus congestion and headaches
- Skin irritation or rashes
- Eye irritation
- Aggravation of asthma symptoms
Mould damage to a interior wall.
3. Sewage Backup and Infectious Diseases
A more severe plumbing issue that can lead to illness is a sewage backup. This occurs when wastewater from toilets and drains flows back into your home. Sewage contains harmful pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Hepatitis A, which can cause severe infections.
Potential Diseases From Sewage Exposure:
- Gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria and viruses in contaminated sewage, leading to stomach pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
- Hepatitis A: A viral infection affecting the liver, commonly spread through contact with sewage-contaminated surfaces.
- Skin Infections: Direct contact with sewage can cause rashes, irritation, and infections.
Sewage/waste water backup into interior of house.
4. Stagnant Water and Harmful Bacteria
Stagnant water from plumbing issues, such as blocked drains or leaks, can harbour harmful bacteria and pathogens. When water remains still for extended periods, it creates a breeding ground for bacteria like Legionella and other microorganisms that can lead to infections.
5. Gas Leaks and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Certain plumbing systems, especially gas lines, are also vulnerable to leaks. A gas leak can cause dizziness, headaches, and in severe cases, carbon monoxide poisoning. Though this issue is related to gas plumbing, it’s crucial to address leaks immediately to prevent serious illness or even death.
How to Prevent Plumbing-Related Sickness
To protect your household from the health risks of plumbing issues, it’s essential to maintain and inspect your plumbing systems regularly.
Tips to Keep Your Plumbing Safe:
- Test water quality regularly to ensure it’s free from contaminants.
- Fix leaks promptly to prevent mould growth and water damage.
- Make sure a back flow prevention device to stop sewage from backing up into your home is installed.
- Inspect pipes regularly for corrosion, cracks, or leaks.
- Check gas lines periodically for signs of damage or wear.
Conclusion
Plumbing issues can indeed cause sickness, ranging from mild respiratory symptoms to severe infections. The key to protecting your home and your health is addressing plumbing problems as soon as they arise and taking preventive measures. Regular inspections, prompt repairs, and maintaining proper sanitation are all steps that can keep your household safe from the health risks associated with plumbing issues.
If you suspect your home may have some sort of plumbing problem get in touch with Assist Trade Services so that we can take an expert look at the issue.
