The EPA Agrees

The US EPA—United States Environmental Protection Agency—states that there’s more of a possibility of being infected by a pollutant that’s indoors than outdoors. To get more specific, it’s 2–5 times likelier that a pollutant inside your house will infect you. And one of the reasons for this is ignoring pipe leaks for too long.

The EPA ranks indoor pollutants among the “top five” public health risks in the environment. What’s worse is that the problems that they cause aren’t easily recognizable—and hence, pose a greater risk to your health.

Signs of Health Issues From a Pipe Leak

There are certain health issues that are caused specifically by mold, fungi, and asbestos growing in your home due to pipe leaks. The final outcome is almost always problems with the respiratory system, and these usually get worse with time.

Watch out if you observe the following symptoms in yourself or in your family members:

• Redness in the eyes and other parts of the body
• Itchiness
• Irritation, especially in the throat, skin, and nose
• Respiratory infections
• Sinus
• Fatigue
• Trouble breathing
• Rashes
• Coughing, sneezing, allergy-like symptoms

If you’ve observed the aforementioned symptoms and already have a damaged sewer line that you’ve been sitting on, call a local plumber today—before the problem gets worse.

Why Health Is Affected by Pipe Leaks

Typically, pipe leaks affect health due to the growth of mold and mildew. Mold and mildew are types of fungi that grow in damp and humid environments. They are both common types of household mold and can grow on various surfaces such as walls, ceilings, and floors. Mildew typically appears as a thin, powdery, or downy growth on the surface of materials like fabrics, whereas mold has a fuzzy or slimy texture and can be more difficult to remove.

Mold and mildew can come in a range of colors such as black, green, or white. While they have similar characteristics, mold tends to be more harmful to health than mildew. Both mold and mildew can cause unpleasant odors, stains, and damage to surfaces if left untreated. It's important to address mold and mildew growth as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading and causing potential health and structural problems.

In most cases—and especially in the case of mold—this happens because people are breathing in and around these areas. Fungi have spores that propagate through the air, and although you can’t see it, the air is usually full of them. When they come in contact with your skin, the problem, of course, worsens.

The effect is far more devastating when you have a family member who already has a respiratory tract infection—such as asthma. And don’t think your home is the only place where you can contract these infections: schools, offices, commercial and corporate spaces are equally vulnerable.

What To Do If a Pipe Leak Causes Health Problems

If you suspect that a pipe leak is causing health problems in your home, the first step is to turn off the water supply to your property to prevent further leakage. Next, open windows and doors to increase ventilation and allow fresh air to circulate. If you notice any mold or mildew, it's important to address it immediately as these can cause respiratory issues.

You should also consider contacting a professional plumber to detect, inspect and repair the leak as soon as possible. Additionally, if you or anyone in your household is experiencing symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly. It's essential to prioritize your health and safety in the event of a pipe leak.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Pipe Leaks and Health