Written by Admin | Dec 4, 2023 2:47:45 AM
You can’t see them, but that doesn’t mean they’re not dangerous. The dangers of old decaying water pipes are real. Here’s how to spot them and what to do about them.
Water pipes don’t last forever! The truth is, all that water flowing through them consistently can wear them down and make them susceptible to damage, as well as unhealthy build-up on the walls of the pipes.
It’s likely to be something you’ve never considered before, as we can’t really see the pipes that lead to our homes. But thinking about it now can change your and your family’s health!
Here’s what you need to know.
Why Are Old Decaying Water Pipes Dangerous?
Material
Do you know what material your water pipes are made from? Each one has its own disadvantages and possible health concerns.
- Copper: Copper can leach into the water, exceeding the recommended healthy daily intake. It can also cause a metallic taste.
- Lead: Like copper, lead can leach into the water and cause lead poisoning. This is very dangerous, especially for young children. Elevated blood lead levels can cause cognitive issues and foetal death.
- Iron Cast: Also called galvanised steel, these pipes have a habit of rusting and eroding, leaving you drinking rusty residue in your water.
Bacteria
All pipes are susceptible to bacteria growth, but if they’re old and dirty, they’re more likely to develop fungi or bacteria. Typically, the water treatment process gets rid of a lot of the bacteria that’s naturally present in the water source.
But when the “clean” water flows through old decaying water pipes to get to your home, there’s a chance of it picking up more along the way.
How to Tell If Your Pipes Are Decaying
You can have your water tested at a lab if you’re worried about it being unsafe. But keep an eye out for these signs of old decaying water pipes:
Water Taste & Odour
If your water looks unusual, has a coloured tinge to it, gives off an odour, or has a metallic kind of taste, it’s likely that your pipes aren’t as safe as they should be!
Physical Symptoms
Even if you don’t taste or smell anything unusual in your water, unexplained physical symptoms could be a sign of contaminated water. If you have any of the following symptoms without an apparent cause, your water could be to blame:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea & vomiting
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Trouble concentrating
What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
It’s always a great idea to have your home’s pipes replaced, especially if you’ve been living there for years and have never had it done!
But we understand that it’s not always easy. It’s a big job, costs a pretty penny, and takes time. We highly recommend planning for it, but in the meantime, the best thing you can do to ensure your own and your family’s safety is to install a
whole-house water filtration system
.
This will filter out any harmful stuff in your drinking water, cleaning water, and shower water. From heavy metals to bacteria, you and your loved ones can live safe and free from worry.