Health Problems That Can Be Caused by Bad Plumbing

2020 has been a difficult year for everyone because of COVID-19. Now, more than ever, health continues to be of paramount importance, which is why various health and hygiene protocols have been implemented to minimize the spread of the virus.

While it is essential to practice physical distancing to avoid infection, it is also vital to ensure that we are safe and healthy inside our homes. One thing we need to guarantee is having a clean and consistent water supply. It’s better to consult a plumber in Pompano Beach, FL to make sure your plumbing is in top condition. Doing so helps you avoid the following health issues caused by bad plumbing and an unclean water supply.

Metal Poisoning
It is normal to find trace amounts of metals in drinking water. In fact, these substances are essential for life. For example, calcium and magnesium cannot be produced by the body, yet they’re crucial to support bodily functions. However, increased intake of trace metals can cause illnesses such as heart diseases, liver failure, and even poisoning in the long run.

Metal poisoning is quite common in plumbing systems that haven’t been maintained for years. Old pipes are usually made out of iron and copper, and they will eventually be subject to physical damage or corrosion. These cause leaks, which introduce dissolved metallic substances from the environment or the old pipes themselves into the water supply.

If you live near industrial areas, toxic metals can seep into the ground. Some of these, such as lead and arsenic that come from pollutants in the soil, can make their way into your plumbing in case of breaks and leaks. So, if your pipes aren’t well-maintained, these chemicals can quickly enter your water supply.

Sewage Gas Poisoning
Whileplumbing systems have mechanisms that direct organic waste outdoors and vents that prevent sewage gas from infiltrating the water system, damaged plumbing fixtures can still cause sewer back-up problems. They lead to the unpleasant smell of sewer gas.

This gas comes from the breakdown of organic material by bacteria and other microorganisms. It is primarily comprised of inorganic compounds such as methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. Prolonged and increased respiratory intake of these gases can cause poisoning and organ damage or failure.

HepatitisHepatitis is a disease characterized by the inflammation of the liver. It causes jaundice or yellowing of the skin, which is caused by the liver’s failure to perform its functions, such as filtering toxins and activating enzymes. Hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis A, is caused by a viral infection resulting from food or water consumption contaminated by fecal matter.

You can’t tell that your water supply is contaminated until you experience the disease’s symptoms. So, to avoid this from happening in your home, it is crucial to call an expert plumber and have your system regularly inspected for leaks, breaks, and signs of corrosion.

Gastrointestinal Diseases
A contaminated water supply can cause a variety of gastrointestinal diseases as well. Common ones are dysentery, gastroenteritis, giardiasis, and typhoid fever. They are commonly signaled by symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

These illnesses are caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and other parasites. These organisms often enter the body through the accidental consumption of organic waste mixed in water or food.

Skin Irritation
In some cases, skin conditions such as redness and dry skin can be caused by water that is “too hard.” Hard water means that your supply has high amounts of dissolved metals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, and other sulfates and carbonates. They can enter your pipes by seeping through leaks and breaks in your plumbing system. 

Using water with increased calcium concentration for bathing or showering can change your skin’s chemistry.  This is what causes redness of the skin, acne, and other dermatological conditions. To resolve this, it is best to have your plumbing maintained regularly, and have softeners installed to filter out excess metals in the water supply.

Many of these issues can be resolved by consulting a certified plumber in Pompano Beach, FL. Take care of your health by making sure experts properly maintain your plumbing.