How Plumbing Problems Can Raise Health Concerns | San Antonio, TX
Plumbing problems are common in San Antonio, TX households. These problems can actually raise a few health concerns as well. If clogged drains become breeding grounds for various kinds of bacteria, or if pipes made of lead start to corrode, it can adversely impact the health of individuals of that household. All such plumbing problems require urgent plumbing service in San Antonio, TX. Some health concerns raised due to microbes developing in poor plumbing conditions include:
INDOOR LEAKS
If no attention is given to water leakages in the house, the issue of mold growth can arise. This can be a problem for people with asthma and can also cause allergic reactions, leading to other respiratory disorders.
Therefore it is important to check pipes, basements and attics for mold growth. If you find any leakages, clean and dry the area, and contact plumbing service in San Antonio, TX.
CLOGGED DRAINS
If water in your showers has started to drain slowly, or if the kitchen sink is accumulating unusual amounts of food residue, you might have clogged drains. You can easily clean up the mess left behind by a clogged drain, but it is more important to address the root cause of these clogs. Clogged drains provide the perfect breeding ground for molds, mildews, bacteria and other germs that can lead to various infections and respiratory issues.
Keeping drains clean is a year-round task. It is important to install traps at such places to prevent hair, food scraps and other large items from blocking the drains. In order to minimize your exposure to harmful germs, it is important to clean the drain plugs weekly. If you have clogged drains that you are unable to fix, you can call plumbing service in San Antonio, TX.
SEWER BACKUP HEALTH RISKS
Sewer backups are one of the nastiest plumbing problems to ever exist. The most bothersome issue with a sewer backup is that, not only does sewer waste require excessive cleaning, it can also make people and pets living in that house sick in a short period of time. If urgent plumbing service in San Antonio, TX is not called for, the situation can worsen.
Exposure to a sewer backup can cause:
GASTROENTERITIS:
It is the inflammation of the stomach and the intestines. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
HEPATITIS:
It can cause discoloration of the skin due to failure of the liver. It can also cause inflammation of the liver and jaundice.
Therefore it is important to keep your sewers in good condition and if you do feel that the drainage is slower in toilets, it is better to get your plumbing inspected from plumbing service in San Antonio, TX.
SEWER GAS:
Sewer gas — that causes a bad odor in the house — is a mixture of inorganic gases created by the action of bacteria present in sewage and sludge.
Although plumbing vents cause sewer gases to be exhausted outdoors, if you have old and used plumbing fixtures installed in the house, sewer gas can enter your house, especially during dry weather.
POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR SEWER SMELL:
- Sewer back-up
- Clogged drains
- Very short vent pipe
- Leaks from cracked or rotted drain pipes
- Loose-fitting pipe connections
- Toilet wax ring is old
- A dry trap
Sewer gas usually does not harm people, but smells really awful. If you ever smell sewer gas in your home, you need to call for plumbing service in San Antonio, TX.
RUSTY WATER HEATERS
Water heaters require proper maintenance to stay in good condition. But even the best ones, over time, develop rust in their interiors. This leads to sediment buildup along with low water pressure. In some circumstances, rust can also enter the water supply of your home.
Sediment buildup in old heaters can not only cause health concerns but will also damage the water heater. It will cause your water heater to work overtime and consume more energy. This means that the metal chassis of your heater will be under a lot more stress than it was designed for.
The growing bacteria and microorganisms inside the water heater can not only pose a risk to your health but can also eat away at the inside of your tank. If you notice rusty water, it is important to call plumbing service in San Antonio, TX right away.
OUTDATED FAUCETS
If you have bought an old house, you have to remain vigilant about its plumbing system. Older homes usually have outdated plumbing fixtures. These older plumbing systems tend to deposit lead in them, which can also enter your drinking, bathing, and cooking water. Even small amounts of this substance are toxic and poisonous.
Outdated faucets can be replaced easily. If you choose a lead-free faucet for your home, you will immediately minimize the chances of experiencing lead exposure. If you are concerned that there might be lead exposure from the plumbing system of your home, contact a plumbing service in San Antonio, TX to get it inspected. Re-piping or replacing obsolete sections of plumbing is a wise choice for protecting your and your family’s long-term health.
We oftentimes call for plumbing service in San Antonio, TX to fix problems that can save us from high water bills, but more than often, no attention is given to ensuring that plumbing doesn’t cause any health problems. If you are looking to buy a new house or if the plumbing of your own house has become outdated, it is very important to get plumbing service in San Antonio, TX.
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