Can You Get Sick From Bad Plumbing?
You might think a slow drain or a leaky pipe is just an annoying house quirk. But give it time, and that “quirk” could start messing with your health. We’ve seen firsthand how bad plumbing creeps from being a nuisance to something that can leave people sick in their own homes.
At Five Star Services, our team of stubbornly honest plumbers always tells it straight: yes, bad plumbing can make you sick—and it doesn’t take much for things to go sideways. Let’s break down how it happens, what to watch out for, and when it’s time to pick up the phone and bring us in.
How Bad Plumbing Can Affect Your Health
Your plumbing is like the silent circulatory system of your home. When it works, you don’t notice it. But when it goes wrong, it can go very wrong—and fast. Here’s how bad plumbing can hit your health:
1. Mold from Leaks
A small leak under a sink or behind a wall may not seem like a big deal. But give it moisture, darkness, and time—and mold will thrive. Breathing in mold spores can trigger asthma, allergies, and long-term respiratory issues. If your eyes are itchy, your nose is always stuffy, or you feel like you’ve got a never-ending cold, mold might be behind it.
2. Sewer Gas Leaks
Ever walked into a bathroom and caught a whiff of something foul—even when no one’s used it? That could be sewer gas escaping from a cracked pipe, broken seal, or dried-out trap. Sewer gas carries methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide, which can cause headaches, nausea, or worse over time.
3. Contaminated Water
Corroded pipes, backflow problems, or cross-connections in your plumbing can allow dirty water to mix with clean water. That’s how bacteria like E. coli or parasites like Giardia find their way into your drinking water—and your body.
If your tap water looks cloudy, smells funky, or tastes like metal, stop drinking it and call us.
4. Water Pressure Issues
Low water pressure might not sound like a health risk, but it can be. If the pressure drops too low, it can let bacteria-filled water back into the system from areas like irrigation or pools. That’s a backflow hazard—and it’s a red flag.
When to Call for Professional Help
Here’s the no-nonsense list.
Call us right away if you notice:
- Sewer smells coming from drains or rooms
- Water that’s discolored, smells strange, or leaves residue
- Leaks in ceilings, under sinks, or behind walls
- Mold patches or musty smells
- Frequent headaches or breathing issues without clear cause
- Drain backups, gurgling toilets, or sluggish sinks
- A sudden drop in water pressure
- An unexplained spike in your water bill
We don’t play guessing games. If something feels off, we come out, investigate, and fix the root of the issue—fast and clean.
What Happens When You Call Us
We show up on time. No window that lasts all day. No ghosting.
Step 1: We Ask Questions
We ask about what you’ve seen, smelled, or heard. Even weird stuff you think might be unrelated helps us trace the problem.
Step 2: We Inspect Thoroughly
We use cameras to look inside pipes, sniffers to test for gas, and our own eyes for anything leaks may have touched. We check fixtures, traps, connections—everything.
Step 3: We Fix the Problem
No band-aids. If a pipe’s cracked, we replace it. If mold’s started growing, we stop the leak and tell you how to clean it up safely. If water is unsafe, we find out why and make it right.
Step 4: We Don’t Upsell
This part’s important. We don’t throw in stuff you don’t need. Our goal is to fix what’s broken and leave your home better than we found it.
FAQ
Can mold from plumbing leaks really make people sick?
Yes. Mold spores irritate your lungs and can lead to long-term breathing problems. Kids and elderly folks are especially sensitive.
How do I know if I have a sewer gas leak?
That rotten egg smell is the giveaway. If you smell it indoors and can’t track down the source, call us before it gets worse.
Can old pipes make my water unsafe?
Absolutely. Old lead or corroded pipes can leach metals into your water. That’s a serious issue we can test for and replace if needed.
Is low water pressure a plumbing problem?
Sometimes. It could be sediment in the pipes, a leak, or a backflow issue. We figure it out fast so you don’t have to guess.
Don’t Wait—Fix It Before It Hits Your Health
Bad plumbing issues don’t just mess with your floors and walls—they can mess with your body. The biggest danger is assuming the problem is “just a smell” or “just a drip.” Letting it sit can mean exposure to mold, bacteria, or chemicals that slowly wear you down.
At Five Star Services, we’ve spent years solving plumbing problems that others missed. We’re the stubbornly honest plumbers who’d rather tell you the hard truth than sugarcoat anything. So if your nose wrinkles, your water looks off, or your drains have started singing to you—give us a call. We’ll fix it like we live there. Because your health starts at home—and your plumbing plays a bigger role than most people realize.
