When you turn on the tap, you expect to get clean drinking water that will nourish your body and won’t make you sick. You expect clean water that will cleanse and sanitize your dishes and your clothes. You expect to have clean water for a bath or shower. You don’t expect to get sick from the water in your own home.
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what can happen if you have older or damaged pipes that are letting in contaminants such as harmful bacteria. You should routinely test your water for contaminants, and you should talk to a repiping plumber in California if you find any.
Legionella Bacteria
One of the most dangerous types of bacteria you may find in your plumbing in California is Legionella bacteria. This bacteria is found naturally in fresh water such as a lake, and it is what causes Legionnaire’s disease, which is a respiratory illness similar to pneumonia. The disease can clear up quickly with treatment, but in some people, it can be deadly.
If Legionella is in your pipes, you can become infected by drinking it. Under certain conditions, the bacteria can be broken down into microscopic water droplets, which you can breathe in if you are brushing your teeth, taking a shower, or just standing close to a running faucet. Getting the bacteria into your pipes can be a very serious problem.
Symptoms of Legionella Infection
You know about the danger of Legionnaire’s disease, but how do you know if you have Legionella in your home? Or if you have become infected yourself?
You can have your water tested for bacterial infection by calling your local city water office or a private company. You can watch out for symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease to know if you need to see a doctor to be tested. Some potential symptoms include:
- Headache
- Mental confusion
- Coughing
- High temperature or feverishness
- Chills
- Muscle pains
- Diarrhea
You can even develop pneumonia before you are diagnosed with Legionnaire’s disease. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately for diagnosis and treatment. If you find out that you have Legionnaire’s disease, your next call should be to a plumber to inspect your plumbing and your water supply.
Conditions that Allow Legionella to Grow
You can prevent contamination in your water supply to some extent by knowing about the conditions that allow Legionella to grow and being proactive in taking steps to prevent them. Some of the conditions that increase the risk for Legionella bacteria include:
- Low water temperatures
- Low-flow areas in your plumbing, which allow the water to pool
- Accumulation of sediment and other debris that gives bacteria an area to grow
These plumbing issues can have a number of causes. For example, if your water is not getting hot enough, you may be experiencing a problem with your water heater. You may have learned to live with the slightly cooler water, but you shouldn’t. Bacteria can grow in those conditions.
You may have problems with your flow because of damage to the pipes or valves. You’ll need a plumber to inspect the system to determine the cause and let you know if you need simple repipe repair or a more systemic solution.
You may have problems with sediment because you have hard water or because your plumbing is damaged. Again, the only way to know for sure what you need is to consult with a plumber.
Your water supply shouldn’t be a danger to you, your family, or your guests. You should be able to trust that your water is safe and sanitary. If you ever have questions about this, you should consult with a plumber. There may be outside influences that are contributing to the contamination, or there may be a problem with your plumbing that is making your system vulnerable.
Integrity Repipe offers whole house repiping and repipe repair in California. Repiping your house can protect your water supply, ensuring that it is safe and healthy. Aging and damaged pipes can allow bacteria and other contaminants into your system, including minerals and rust. A repiping plumber from our team will inspect your system and help you understand what it needs to perform optimally. Call us today to schedule an inspection and a consultation.
Published by – Integrity Repipe Inc
Integrity Repipe Inc – Mission Viejo, CA
27281 Las Ramblas, Suite 200
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Phone: 877-473-7473
Website: integrityrepipe.com
Integrity Repipe Inc – San Clemente, CA
927 Calle Negocio Suite O
San Clemente, CA 92673
Phone: 949-397-2404
Website: integrityrepipe.com/san-clemente
Integrity Repipe Inc – Long Beach, CA
2201 N Lakewood Blvd, Ste D #297
Long Beach, CA 90815
Phone: 562-362-5040
Website: integrityrepipe.com/long-beach
Integrity Repipe Inc – Chula Vista, CA
591 Telegraph Canyon Road
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: 619-313-5744
Website: integrityrepipe.com/chula-vista
Integrity Repipe Inc – Ladera Ranch, CA
27762 Antonio Parkway L1
Ladera Ranch, CA 92694
Phone: 949-397-2795
Website: integrityrepipe.com/ladera-ranch
Integrity Repipe Inc – Lakeside, CA
8337 Winter Gardens Boulevard
Lakeside, CA 92040
Phone: 619-494-3507
Website: integrityrepipe.com/lakeside
Integrity Repipe Inc – Aliso Viejo, CA
27068 La Paz Rd #771
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: 949-449-1142
Website: integrityrepiping.com/aliso-viejo-repipe-copper-pex-ca
Integrity Repipe Inc – Oceanside, CA
1759 Oceanside Blvd C,
Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: 442-300-3057
Website: integrityrepiping.com/oceanside-repipe-copper-pex
Integrity Repipe Inc – Porter Ranch, CA
19360 Rinaldi
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Phone: 818-630-9265
Website: integrityrepiping.com/porter-ranch/
Integrity Repipe Inc – Oceanside, CA
1759 Oceanside Blvd C,
Oceanside, CA 92054
Phone: 442-300-3057
Website: integrityrepiping.com/oceanside-repipe-copper-pex
Integrity Repipe Inc – Porter Ranch, CA
19360 Rinaldi
Porter Ranch, CA 91326
Phone: 818-630-9265
Website: integrityrepiping.com/porter-ranch/