While you may think only clear water runs through your plumbing, that is not always the case. Frequent clogs, foul odors and visible leaks can all indicate something is wrong.
Button batteries (the small ones found in watches, remote controls and greeting cards) can pose a serious choking risk to children. Guns can also be a threat in homes with children if not properly stored.
Mice
Mouse droppings are an obvious sign that critters have taken up residence in your home, but they can also find their way into your pipes. Mice have a flexible body and skeleton that allows them to wriggle through openings much smaller than they appear at first glance. This is how they manage to make their way into the cracks and holes of a house where they can access food, water and warmth.
Depending on the species of mouse, it may only need an opening as small as the size of a dime to squeeze into a building. This is why it is crucial to inspect and seal all gaps around the pipes in your home. These are common entry points for mice, especially if they are located near sinks, washing machines and bathtub drains. They can also sneak in through poorly sealed ductwork or heating and gas lines.
A mouse that has gained access to your plumbing system is likely to clog and obstruct it. This can lead to major blockages and ultimately water leaks in your home or business.
If you hear strange noises like gnawing, squeaking or rustling coming from your floorboards or walls, this could be an indication that mice have made their way in. Rodents also leave behind a distinctive stale smell that can be difficult to get rid of.
Both mice and rats can be dangerous to humans when they eat infected animal and human feces. They can also carry diseases that they pick up from contact with these substances, such as hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). This is why it is important to always clean your hands after touching any type of rodent or its droppings.
Insects
If a water leak happens in your home, even if it is just a slow drip, insect pests will be attracted to the damp environment. Silverfish, carpenter ants, earwigs and drain flies are just some of the pest species that can find a new home in a leaky plumbing line. If left untreated, leaky pipes can become breeding grounds for these bugs, which may then enter your home through sinks, showers or other drain openings.
Insects that are drawn to your pipes and drains are not just attracted to the constant moisture they offer – they are also eager for a feast of organic matter that can be found in clogged or slow-moving drains. This build-up of hair, grease and food particles offers a rich source of nourishment for insect pests, such as adult drain flies.
Drain flies are not only a nuisance in and around bathrooms, but they can also reveal hidden plumbing issues that go unnoticed until serious damage occurs. These flies are excellent indicators of a system that is overdue for a professional drain cleaning.
A drain fly infestation can also indicate the presence of a septic or sewage problem in the surrounding soil. Since your home has a single sewer line that all waste goes into, the presence of these bugs can signal that something is amiss in your household plumbing. If you suspect that your sewer lines are not working properly, contact a plumber right away to check for any leaks or blockages. If you’re experiencing leaks or drainage issues, hiring a professional plumber New Haven can ensure a quick and effective solution. In addition, it is recommended that you regularly inspect the seals at the points where your pipes extend out of your walls to ensure they are intact.
Bacteria
Bacteria are microbes that have simpler cell structures than most other organisms, but they’re a lot more complex than many people give them credit for. These microscopic creatures are found everywhere on Earth and are involved in a wide variety of activities, including breaking down oil spills, creating cheese and yogurt through fermentation, recovering gold, palladium, copper and other metals from mining waste, producing antibiotics and more.
While most bacteria aren’t harmful (and make up your microbiome, which keeps you healthy), some can cause infections that require treatment. For example, Streptococcus bacteria can cause strep throat and Staphylococcus bacteria are responsible for staph infections.
Some of these harmful bacteria can thrive in plumbing and drains, causing illness and infection. They can be especially dangerous in people with weakened immune systems or when they are exposed to large amounts of water. One such pathogen is legionella, which causes Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella are most often found in aging water infrastructure, where they grow at high rates within biofilms, which are sticky layers of mucus that accumulate on moist surfaces.
Another potentially dangerous bacteria is pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can lead to serious illnesses, particularly in people with weakened immune systems. It’s also common in contaminated sink drains, and one of the most alarming things about it is that it can live in a moist environment for long periods of time.
The good news is that it’s relatively easy to get rid of these bacteria. You can wipe down your drains with a disinfectant, and you should clean your sinks regularly to keep them free from mildew and other contaminants. It’s important to have your pipes checked regularly by a professional company that can recommend the best ways to prevent bacterial growth.
Mold
Mold is a living fungus that thrives in dark, damp places. Water pipes are often found in damp environments like basement areas, cluttered storage spaces and areas with poor ventilation. When there is mold growing on a pipe, it releases spores into the air that can trigger allergies and aggravate conditions such as chronic respiratory problems or immunosuppression.
Mold spores travel through the air and look for other areas to grow. If they land on a damp surface, such as drywall or insulation in your home, they can start to multiply and lead to more severe symptoms if you have allergies. Common symptoms of mold exposure include a runny nose and itchy eyes, sneezing, coughing and headaches. If your health is at risk, it is important to schedule a plumbing inspection to find and remove the source of mold.
One of the most obvious signs of mold in your plumbing is a musty, earthy smell. This can be particularly noticeable around your sinks, bathtub and shower or in enclosed spaces such as powder rooms. Frequent clogs and low water pressure are also a sign of a blockage or mold in your plumbing.
A leak is more than a water-wasting problem; it can lead to serious damage to your property and health. Leaks can cause rot in wooden studs, drywall and other building materials and create ideal growth conditions for mold. They can even corrode the interior of your pipes and lead to busts.
Leaks
Leaks may seem like minor inconveniences, but they can quickly wreak havoc on your home. From causing structural damage to wasting water, they can be costly and dangerous.
Unchecked leaks waste thousands of gallons of water, contributing to the global water crisis and increasing your utility bills. In addition, leaking pipes can introduce contaminants into your drinking water, including lead, rust, and bacteria.
A common cause of leaking pipes is corrosion. This happens when metal pipes come into contact with other materials, such as wood or concrete, over time. This can cause cracks or dents in the pipe, which allows water to escape. Other causes of leaks include sudden or drastic temperature changes, which can make your pipes expand and contract, causing weak spots.
Water leaks can also be difficult to detect, especially if they’re hidden inside walls or behind fixtures. Some signs that you might have a leak include unexplained increases in your water bill without a corresponding increase in usage, damp spots or discoloration on walls and ceilings, and musty or moldy odors. A dripping sound can also indicate that you have a hidden leak.
Once a leak becomes established, it can be very difficult to stop. In addition to causing structural damage, leaking pipes can rot, resulting in costly repairs and potential health hazards for your family. Leaks can also breed mildew and other pesky fungi, which inhalation can trigger allergies and asthma, as well as respiratory issues in some people with preexisting conditions. In addition, leaking water can cause stains on your walls and floors and attract pests and rodents to your home. For these reasons, it’s essential to address any problems with your plumbing as soon as you notice them.
Leave a Comment