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Health Risks Caused by Leaky Pipes

Did you know the reason for regular health issues in your home could be your pipes? Leaky pipes can be a pain to manage, but they can often result in debilitating chronic illnesses. To take action, it’s important to note how to deal with this issue while it’s small and manageable. By noticing the issues early, you could save your family a lot of trouble.

Illnesses Caused by Burst Pipes

When your main pipe bursts, this can result in sewage spilling out into your yard. Any contact with sewage can be revolting because not only does it smell awful, but it’s extremely unhygienic. This can cause a variety of medical conditions, especially if you have small children.

Among these illnesses are cholera, salmonella and Legionnaires disease, which are quite debilitating for people with compromised immune systems. Along with these severe diseases, burst pipes can also be the cause of rashes and skin irritations. It also makes residents more susceptible to other illnesses such as pneumonia.

In order to stop the flow of dirty water, you can use inflatable pipe plugs to hold it back for a while. Once you’ve stopped the spillage, it’s important to contact a professional as soon as possible to repair the pipes before the damage can get any worse.

The Threat of Damp and Mold

If there are any leaky pipes within the structure of your home, this can encourage the growth of mold. Mold affects air quality and can lead to breathing complications or even lung damage. Extended exposure to damp and mold can even result in lifelong illnesses such as asthma.

In order to prevent the spread of mold, you need to identify any pipes that could be leaking or the source of any other dampness. Perhaps the builders didn’t properly insulate your walls or floors? Try to keep your home as dry as possible and call a plumber if you suspect that there might be any issues with the plumbing. If you’ve already noticed any mold or rot you might need professional help.

Danger Posed by Structural Damage

Not only can leaky pipes lead to life-threatening illnesses, but damp and mold can also cause structural damage to your home.  In order to treat rising damp, you need to replace all rotten woodwork and replaster the walls. It’s also important to ensure that your drains and pipes are maintained and there are no leaks. Once you’ve gotten rid of the damp, keep your home dry to prevent any rot reoccurring.

Final Thoughts

Making sure your pipes are functioning effectively without any leaks can protect you and your family in the long run. If you’ve already begun to notice damage caused by leaky pipes, it’s time to take action. Fixing small issues now will prevent bigger ones later.