Plumbing issues are not always obvious and can cause serious property damage if left unchecked. Unexplained water puddles, a musty odor, and mold or mildew growth are all signs of a problem. Fluctuating water pressure can also indicate a blocked drain.
Older homes may have lead pipes, which can contaminate the home’s water supply and result in health issues like gastrointestinal problems or respiratory difficulties. A proactive approach to maintenance and repair can prevent these dangers.
Water Damage
Few phrases strike fear into the hearts of homeowners like “water damage”. That’s because, not only is it expensive to repair, but it can also cause serious structural damage to your home. Fortunately, water damage is one of the most preventable plumbing issues, and the best way to avoid it is through regular maintenance and professional inspections.
There are many hidden dangers lurking within your home’s plumbing system, and most of them are caused by neglect or improper care. Some of the most common dangers include clogged drains, leaking pipes, and lead contamination. If you notice any of these problems in your home, it’s important to contact a plumber immediately, especially a capable one, much like how the Riverside plumbers handle their stuff.
Leaking Pipes
Over time, all pipes degrade and weaken, leading to leaks. This is especially true in older homes where the pipes are more likely to be affected by corrosion and other environmental factors. In addition, excessively high water pressure can stress pipes and cause them to develop leaks. Installing a water pressure regulator and using good installation practices can help reduce the risk of leaks.
Even a small, slow leak can have disastrous consequences. A steady stream of water can damage furniture, electronics, and other possessions and quickly add up to a huge bill. Moreover, it can also lead to mold and mildew, which can cause health problems in your family.
A slow, steady leak from a toilet tank can be just as destructive as a larger, sudden burst. In fact, a toilet that leaks continuously can waste more than a gallon of water per hour, and by the end of the year that can add up to 104 gallons.
Leaking seals are another common cause of hidden water damage. The seals are installed to keep water from escaping appliances like dishwashers, but over time they can become worn down or damaged. If you’re noticing puddles near your appliances, or hearing groaning sounds coming from your walls or ceilings, this is a sure sign that the seals need to be replaced.
Another common danger is chemical contamination in your home’s plumbing. Lead-contaminated pipes, sediment buildup, and chemical reactions can all compromise your household’s water supply. If left untreated, these problems can have serious health and safety implications, including gastrointestinal infections, respiratory issues, and skin irritations.
Blocked Drains
If your plumbing system has a blocked drain, it can lead to water backups and flood damage. Luckily, there are many things that can prevent drain blockages from occurring, such as regular maintenance and proper disposal practices. However, some clogs are the result of poor pipe installation or natural causes like tree roots. If you notice any signs that your drains are not working as they should, it’s important to contact a plumber.
Mineral Buildup: Minerals in your home’s water such as calcium and magnesium can deposit in your pipes over time, creating a thick layer that restricts the diameter of your drains. This is one of the most common reasons for a blocked drain, but you can prevent it with regular cleaning and professional inspections.
Fats and Oils: Pouring cooking grease, oils, and fats down your drains can cause them to solidify and form a clog in the piping. You can help prevent this by saving your cooking oils and fats in an airtight container to throw away with your garbage, or using baking soda regularly to break down grease before it has a chance to solidify in your pipes.
Hair: Another common culprit of blocked drains is hair, which can clog your shower, bath, and sink drains. Regularly cleaning your drains with a drain cleaning product or rubber gloves can help prevent this issue.
Toilets: It’s easy to get into the habit of flushing anything that doesn’t belong in your toilet, including tissues, sanitary products, and baby wipes. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious clogs in your bathroom drains and even the sewer line.
It’s essential to take preventative measures, such as installing a garbage disposal in your kitchen and educating children on what goes down the toilet. Additionally, always check the condition of your drains and sewer lines before rainy weather hits, and consider hiring a plumber to inspect your drainage system annually. A well-maintained drain system can keep your house protected from expensive damages and costly repairs. A plumber can also recommend preventative measures that will prolong the life of your drains and pipes.
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks are dangerous for both people and pets. Whether it’s natural or propane, the poisonous vapors released by these leaks can cause breathing problems, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In extreme cases, a gas leak can even be fatal. A professional plumber should be called immediately if you suspect a gas leak. You can test for a gas leak by using a clear glass of water, covering the treaded connection interface with the water and observing for bubbles to form.
While catastrophic disasters caused by gas leaks like the Bhopal disaster are well-known, many people don’t realize that chronic low-level leaks can also pose serious health hazards. When neglected, these leaks can create damp conditions that support the growth of harmful fungi such as mildew and mold. These fungi release spores that can cause respiratory and skin irritations. For people with weak immune systems or existing medical issues, these spores can be a significant health risk and lead to life-threatening illnesses.
Leaking gas pipes are usually the result of damage or deterioration that occur over time. Pipes installed by unlicensed contractors may not be correctly fitted, and external forces like ground shifting or rodent chewing can damage underground piping. Gas appliances that aren’t properly maintained or inspected can also develop cracks over time. These are all common causes of leaks in both residential and commercial plumbing systems.
One of the most obvious signs that you have a gas leak is the presence of a rotten egg odor, which comes from a chemical in natural gas called mercaptan that’s added to make it detectable. You can also check for a gas leak by looking for dead grass or weeds near the affected piping, or by noticing that the dirt and concrete around a gas line seem to be bubbling up.
Another common plumbing danger is the risk of injury or death due to cuts from sharp tools used in plumbing work. Practicing safe tool handling techniques and always wearing gloves when working with tools can minimize this risk. In addition, plumbing systems often utilize chemicals that can be hazardous if ingested or absorbed through the skin. Regular maintenance and inspections conducted by a professional plumber can help identify these risks and mitigate them.
Lead Pipes
Lead pipes are still a major problem in many homes even decades after they were banned from public use. It’s important to understand why they can cause health risks, so that you can take the right steps to have them replaced as soon as possible.
For centuries, people used lead to make plumbing pipes because it was cheap, rust resistant, and easy to weld. However, health concerns eventually led to a switch to alternate materials like copper and specialized plastics. Even so, it was common for old houses to retain their original pipes, and lead soldering was often used to join these pipes together until the 1980s.
Unfortunately, these old lead pipes leach dangerous toxins into the drinking water that comes out of the faucet. This can be caused by a number of factors, including corrosion from the metal, dissolved minerals, or even the temperature of the water.
The best way to find out if your plumbing pipes contain lead is to get your water tested. A professional plumber can test your water for a variety of contaminants, including lead. They can also assess the condition of your plumbing system and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements.
Lead can enter the water supply through internal pipes or external ones that connect the main water line to your house. If you have old lead service lines, you should be especially concerned as they are the most likely source of lead in your drinking water. These are often found in basements and under the garden, and they can look dull grey or have a swollen joint next to the tap. If you are concerned, you can contact a plumber that specialises in lead pipe replacement to investigate your property.
You can find out if your home has lead pipes by looking at your public records, contacting your local water supplier or checking with a licensed plumber. You should also always use cold water for cooking and drinking since hot water is more likely to leach lead from the pipes. Taking these measures can help to minimise your exposure to toxic lead and ensure a healthy, safe plumbing system for years to come.