
There may not be anything wrong with your drinking water, but your household plumbing may still harbor certain kinds of disease-causing bacteria. This is not only disgusting but can be dangerous for you and your family, especially if someone suffers from a compromised immune system. It is therefore important that you do everything you can to determine whether your household plumbing is safe.
Below we offer tips on how to test your plumbing. However, if you would rather have a professional test your plumbing, or if you do discover bacteria in your pipes, give our technicians at Ambient Edge a call. Here at Ambient Edge, we are no strangers to plumbing bacteria, and we take the appropriate measures to get rid of that bacteria for good.
Kinds of Bacteria
You might be surprised to learn that there are several different kinds of bacteria that may be thriving in your household plumbing. Here are some of the more common kinds of bacteria we have discovered in our customers’ pipes.
Legionella
Legionella bacteria is, as it sounds, the same bacteria responsible for causing Legionnaire’s disease. Legionnaire’s disease is a severe form of pneumonia that can, in some cases, be fatal. The symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease are similar to those of the flu (aches, fever, and coughing), so those affected often don’t seek help until the disease has already progressed.
The ideal conditions for Legionella bacteria growth all come together in a homeowner’s bathroom, namely:
- A temperature between 68- and 120-degrees Fahrenheit
- Biofilm buildup
- Water
You then inhale the Legionella as it becomes airborne upon its release from your showerhead or faucet.
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is perhaps one of the less dangerous types of bacteria you can find in your drain, but it can still make you miserable. While those with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick, this bacterium can still cause issues in those who are perfectly healthy.
One sign that you may have pseudomonas aeruginosa in your pipes is if you or another member of your family gets frequent ear infections. Infections are not limited to the ears, however. You may find you get frequent skin or eye infections as well. These ailments can all point to the presence of pseudomonas aeruginosa in your water.
Mycobacterium avium
Mycobacterium avium is the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. As such, in today’s world, it is thankfully rare. However, it does thrive in water, which is why you may still be able to find it in your household plumbing. Typically, those who are healthy can fend off mycobacterium avium, so this is more of an issue if you have someone with a compromised immune system in your home.
Combatting Bacteria in Your Water
The good news is that while it is still possible, it is less likely that you will find these kinds of bacteria in your household plumbing. More likely locations for these kinds of bacteria are places where large groups of people congregate, such as in an office building or hospital.
The bacteria you have to be concerned within your household plumbing is Legionella. Out of all the bacteria, this is the kind you are more likely to encounter. The best way to combat this is to do what you can to avoid growing biofilm in and around your plumbing.
Biofilm
Biofilm is that slimy, smelly goo that collects in and around your faucets and drains in your kitchen and bathroom. You may already be actively cleaning it because it looks and smells gross, but it can actually encourage the growth of these harmful bacteria. You should, therefore, do what you can to remove as much of it from your household plumbing as possible.
Here are some things you can do to improve on your process of getting rid of biofilm in your home:
- Use dental floss to clean some of the harder-to-reach areas of your plumbing, like under faucets and between cracks
- Clean out a clogged drain as often as possible – letting it sit practically asks potentially dangerous bacteria to grow in there
- Clean with baking soda, as its grittiness does a great job of scrubbing away biofilm
Need Help Getting Rid of Harmful Bacteria in Your Household Plumbing? Call Ambient Edge!
Bacteria in your household plumbing is disgusting, but some bacteria can be downright dangerous. That’s why it’s important you do all you can to remove as much bacteria from your household plumbing as possible.
If you would like or need help with this process, give us a call, or fill out the contact form on our website. We service several locations throughout both Arizona and Nevada, and plumbing bacteria is something we know a lot about. So, give us a call today!