The Impact Of Plumbing Service On Your Health | Mesa, AZ
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Modern plumbing is unquestionably an important, perhaps the most important way we protect our health. Some people in different parts of the world can’t rely on a consistent supply of clean, safe water. Fortunately, that isn’t a problem in Mesa, AZ. However, the plumbing in our homes plays a large role in delivering clean water from the tap. Plumbing problems aren’t just inconvenient, they can also be unhealthy. Proper maintenance and plumbing services are necessary to make sure the water we use in our homes stays safe and clean.
Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination occurs when wastewater in drain pipes enters pipes carrying clean water. This is a very serious problem. Wastewater comes from toilets and drains in sinks, showers and other fixtures. It may contain bacteria and other pathogens capable of causing illness. Sometimes contamination is obvious. Water coming from the tap may be discolored or emit a foul odor. This is actually preferable to less obvious contamination because it alerts everyone in the house that the water isn’t safe to drink.
Smaller amounts of contamination can introduce bacteria into the clean water supply without easily noticeable signs. Keeping your plumbing in good working order is the best way to avoid cross-contamination. Plumbing service inspections can help locate small problems, such as leaks, cracked pipes, corrosion, and worn-out fixtures, that many homeowners wouldn’t notice immediately.
Lead Pipes
The dangers of lead are well-known now, but this wasn’t always the case. Older homes with their original plumbing may contain lead pipes. Even cast iron or copper plumbing should be examined carefully because some types of soldering compound used to contain lead as well. Lead enters the household water supply from corroded pipes. Young children are most at risk of lead toxicity. Potential effects of lead toxicity include behavioral and learning difficulties, hearing problems, and stunted growth. Consult your local plumbing service if you aren’t sure if your home contains lead plumbing. Repiping may be necessary if lead is present.
Water Filtration
Water treatment or purification systems can help safeguard your family’s health. Public water treatment in Mesa, AZ, is excellent and provides safe, clean water. Some people use water filtration systems to remove minerals and certain chemicals that aren’t a health threat. This is an option for reducing mineral content in hard water or simply improving the taste of tap water.
However, households with wells are responsible for maintaining clean water on their own. The type of water filtration system you need depends on the contaminants in your water. Plumbing services can test your water and identify dangerous and relatively benign contaminants. The next step is installing a filtration system capable of removing problematic substances. This can be tricky because there are so many types of water filtration systems available. Your plumber can help you choose an appropriate system.
Clogged Drains
Clogged drains are inconvenient and distasteful, but they could contribute to more serious problems. A clog may consist of food scraps, hair, soap scum, grease, and any other substance that entered the drain. Mineral residue can contribute to clogs in homes with hard water. A mixture of all these substances can also form residue on the interior walls of your pipes.
Clogged, dirty drains may be damp, warm, and filled with organic material, which creates a perfect environment for thriving colonies of mold and bacteria. These microorganisms produce foul odors that make their way into the home, but they can also cause illness. Some people are sensitive to mold and may experience headaches, sore throats, and respiratory symptoms. Certain strains of bacteria, including E. coli, S. aureus, or Salmonella, are known to cause illness.
Your local plumbing service provider can clean your drains and clear any existing clogs. It’s important to remember that clogs may not be located close to the plumbing fixture or drain entrance in question. Clogs can form deep within drain pipes and sewer lines. Most homeowners can’t clear deep clogs on their own, so it’s best to call a plumbing service as soon as possible.
Sometimes the problem isn’t a clogged pipe. Vents are a vital component of plumbing systems that allow the fresh-air exchange to equalize pressure. Clogged plumbing vents can lead to slow drains, bubbling toilets, escaping sewer gases, and even sewage backups in severe cases.
Leaks and Mold
Any water exiting pipes in the wrong place can be problematic. Mold can grow almost anywhere as long as it has moisture, a food source, and at least a moderate degree of warmth. When it comes to mold, a food source can be almost anything with a porous surface, including insulation, drywall, carpeting, curtains, furniture, wooden beams, and many other structures within a home.
Water stains on ceilings and walls are usually yellow to dark brown. Stains stand out against white or light colors, but they’re still visible against dark colors. The outlines of the stain may appear as darker lines or striations. Make an appointment with a plumbing service immediately after noticing water marks.
An emergency plumbing service may be necessary if you can see the stain expanding or drops of water form on the surface. A rapidly expanding stain and pooling water mean that a significant amount of water is leaking from your plumbing. If the problem isn’t fixed quickly, you could end up with severe water damage. Leaks within walls also carry the additional risk of harming electrical wiring.
Schroeder Plumbing provides plumbing services throughout Mesa, AZ. Licensed plumbers are familiar with problems that can compromise water quality and safety. A plumbing inspection is a great way to verify the integrity of your home’s plumbing infrastructure. Schroeder Plumbing can identify potential problems and implement solutions such as small repairs, sectional pipe replacement, new plumbing fixtures, and even whole-house repiping.
