Did you know that your home’s sewer pipes may affect your family’s health without you knowing it? If your home’s sewage pipes are leaking, the wastewater and raw sewage could enter your home and make you and your loved one’s sick.
This blog post will discuss how leaking sewer pipes can affect your family’s health and what you can do to prevent it. It will also cover what signs to look for if you think your home has a leaking pipe.
Causes of leaking sewer pipes
There are many reasons why your home’s sewer pipe may be leaking. One of the most common causes is tree roots growing and breaking into the pipe. This can happen if the pipe is old and made of clay, which is not as strong as today’s modern pipes.
Another cause of leaks is the crack in the pipe itself. These cracks can be caused by settling the ground around the tube or by objects that have been dropped into the toilet, such as a child’s toy. Whatever the cause, it is vital to fix the leak as soon as possible to prevent raw sewage from entering your home.
However, many homeowners think they can fix a leaking pipe themselves with a plumbing snake or some other type of do-it-yourself plumbing fix. But this is not the case. Sewer pipes are complicated, and it is best to leave repairs to a professional plumbing company. They have the expertise and equipment to fix the problem quickly and correctly. Plus, they use the right equipment to clean up any sewage leaking into your home.
Signs of a leaking sewer pipe
There are several signs that you may have a leaking sewer pipe. Here are some of the ones you will notice the most:
- Foul smells coming from the drains
- Gurgling sounds coming from the drains
- Toilets that won’t flush properly
- Sinks and tubs that drain slowly
- Water backing up into the sink, tub, or toilet
- Green patches of grass in your yard
If you notice these signs, don’t think twice and call an experienced plumber immediately.
Your family’s health
As mentioned before, if your home has a leaking sewer pipe, it can make you and your family sick. This is because the raw sewage that leaks out contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause serious illnesses. Some of the health hazards posed by raw sewage include:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a viral infection that affects the liver and is usually spread through contact with contaminated food or water. The virus can also be spread through contact with an infected person, and this is often how the virus is transmitted in developing countries with poor sanitation. Recently, there has been an outbreak of hepatitis A in a small town in Kentucky that has been linked to a leaking sewer pipe. The pipe had been leaking for several months before it was repaired. During that time, the sewage water had seeped into the groundwater. As a result, many residents were exposed to the virus when they used water from their tap or ate food grown in contaminated soil.
Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is a potentially fatal bacterial infection affecting millions of people worldwide each year. The bacteria that cause typhoid fever, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, are typically spread through contaminated food or water. In developed countries, strict sanitation standards have largely eliminated Typhi from the water supply. However, in many parts of the developing world, sewage-contaminated water is still a significant source of Typhi transmission. In fact, a recent outbreak of typhoid fever in Pakistan was linked to leaking sewer pipes. This highlights the need for improved infrastructure and sanitation to protect public health.
Cholera
Cholera is a waterborne disease that is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is typically spread through contaminated water or food, and it can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration. In some cases, cholera can be deadly. One of the most common sources of cholera outbreaks is leaking sewer pipes. Sewage leaks into the water supply can contaminate wells, lakes, and other drinking water sources. This can lead to widespread cholera outbreaks, particularly in developing countries with poorly maintained sanitation facilities.
Salmonella poisoning
Salmonella poisoning can occur when contaminated water from leaking sewer pipes comes into contact with food. The bacteria can contaminate fruits, vegetables, poultry, and eggs and cause serious illness if consumed. Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In severe cases, the bacteria can lead to death. To avoid salmonella poisoning, it is essential to cook food thoroughly, wash hands and surfaces often, and avoid contact with contaminated water. If you believe you have been exposed to dirty water, contact your local health department for more information.
The bottom line
Your family’s health is essential, so if you think you have a leaking sewer pipe, don’t hesitate to call the experts. Don’t wait until it’s too late. The health hazards posed by raw sewage are too great to ignore. Act now and call a plumber to have your sewer pipe repaired.
