A malfunctioning plumbing system can endanger your household
in multiple ways. You can avoid such dangers with relevant preemptive measures.
Below are some of the measures that can help.
Prevent Mold Growth
Mold, a type of fungus, thrives in warm and moist places.
Mold can trigger various health issues in some people. Examples of such health
effects include:
- Itchy eyes or skin
- Stuffy nose
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
Your overall health may determine how you react to mold
exposure. For example, people who are asthmatic and those who are allergic to
mold will suffer the worst reactions.
Your plumbing system might encourage mold growth in your
house if the following is true:
- The plumbing system leaks (hidden leaks are the worst
since you won't dry them in time)
- The plumbing pipes burst while you are away
- Debris clogs your floor drains and encourages water
stagnation
Anything that increases humidity or moisture in your house
encourages mold. Thus, you can discourage mold growth by doing the following:
- Keep your water pipes from bursting by replacing worn
or corroded plumbing pipes before they can burst
- Fix plumbing leaks as soon as they occur
- Conduct regular plumbing inspections to detect hidden
leaks
- Dry up spills as soon as they occur
- Maintain correct water pressure in all plumbing systems
A dehumidifier can also help by reducing moisture levels in
your house.
Prevent Water Spills
Water spills are dangerous even if they don't cause mold
growth. Spilled water can cause slip-and-fall accidents by making the floor
slippery. Secondly, serious water spills can cause electrical malfunctions that
can trigger electrical fires. Many of the measures that discourage mold growth
will also prevent slip-and-fall accidents caused by wet surfaces.
Prevent Sewer Backups
Sewer backups can also contribute to mold growth. Arguably,
however, one main danger of sewer backup relates to effluent. Drainage systems
typically have numerous disease-causing microorganisms. The microorganisms can
affect you either via ingestion (from contaminated water or food) or via cuts
on your skin.
Prevent sewer backups by performing the following
maintenance tasks:
- Deal with tree roots that might intrude into and damage
your drainpipes
- Use the toilet strictly for human waste
- Install a backwater prevention valve
- Clean slow drains before they can back up
If a backup does occur, stay away from the contaminated
area, especially if you don't have protective gear. Contact a plumber to
diagnose and fix the problem as soon as possible.
Maintain Good Water Quality
Water contamination can occur due to various reasons. Some
common causes of contamination include:
- Naturally occurring minerals that are poisonous, such
as arsenic
- Manufacturing waste from nearby factories
- Agricultural waste, such as fertilizers
- Malfunctioning septic systems
In this case, the health effect will depend on the
contamination. However, the general health effects include gastrointestinal
problems, neurological disorders, and weakened immune systems. Preventive
measures include the following actions:
- Use tap water that the relevant authorities treat and
regularly test
- Maintain your plumbing systems (such as pipes) to avoid
corrosion or leakages that can introduce contaminants into the system
- Conduct regular water tests if you use an independent
water source, such as a well
- Install a water purification system for your
independent water sources
The more contaminated water you ingest, the more severe your
health effects might be. Stop using your water if you suspect contamination.
Contact a plumber to test the water and diagnose the cause of the contamination
if necessary.
You will enjoy many of these preventive measures if you have
a professional plumber regularly inspect your plumbing. You should also call a
plumber every time you suspect something is amiss with your system — don't rely
on DIY measures. Contact
Michigan
Plumbing for all your plumbing needs, and benefit from our experience and
professionalism.
