Vector Illustration of Bacterium Pattern

Is Bacteria Growing In Your Plumbing System?

Big B's Plumbing - Your Plumber for Life!
hero-text-bg

Do we really know what’s in our water? After reading an article about how bacteria can multiply in our plumbing system, I thought, “What next?” The study was on indoor tap water sitting in our plumbing system for days or even weeks. Professor Wen-Tso Liu from the University of Illinois leads the team of researchers. They discovered that bacteria could grow in a plumbing system when the water has been sitting for an extended period. For example, when we go on vacation or move into our new home, water sits in our plumbing system. The article stated that although waterborne infections are rare, “the new research may help public health authorities assess drinking-water quality.”

Flush Your Plumbing System By Running Your Faucets When You Return From Vacation

After students left for school break, water samples were collected from the UI dormitories, and the team carefully monitored. Liu said, “We performed a variety of analyses, including tests to determine the concentration of bacteria present before and after-building-closure samples.” They noticed that the highest bacterial concentrations came in the first 100 milliliters, which is less than a half cup of water, and would suggest running your faucets for a short time after returning from an extended stay. 

The CDC Say Germs Can Get Into Your Water

According to the Center For Disease (CDC), Public water utilities are required by federal and state law to provide safe drinking water that fulfills specific quality and safety requirements. Tap water, on the other hand, is not sterile and may contain pathogens. Even if the public water system is operating well, a limited number of bacteria that naturally originate in the environment may be present in our plumbing system.

Most people don’t know that if hazardous waterborne microorganisms get consumed, they can cause stomach ailments such as vomiting or diarrhea. However, these germs can cause ailments of the lungs, brain, eyes, and skin as well. When you turn on the water, germs from biofilm can flow out of the tap, especially if the water has been stagnant in your home’s plumbing system for longer than normal (for example, a week or more). Always run your water for a few seconds after water has sat stagnant in your pipes. Furthermore, avoid inhaling the mist from a shower and water from entering a wound until your water has had a chance to drain from your pipes. Visit the CDC for the full story.

So Is Our Drinking Water Safe To Drink?

The debate goes on whether our water potable water in California is safe to drink, bathe, or prepare food. Since the word safe was never clearly defined regarding our drinking water, it’s hard to say if it is safe. The California Water Quality Council defines “safe drinking water means water that meets all primary and secondary drinking water standards.” It also states that drinking water standards are established based on probable health effects as well as the expense of meeting the requirement. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines drinking water like this “drinking water is safe when humans can drink it with a low risk of immediate or long-term harm to your health.” They also said certain contaminants found in drinking water might pose health concerns, but not all contaminants are inherently dangerous. That doesn’t sound too reassuring when it comes to our drinking water.

Water Filtration Systems Is A Good For Your Water And Plumbing System

Because of all the rumors surrounding our water and water filtration systems have become a booming business. We now have water filtration systems that can eliminate contaminants. The Enviro Filtration System uses no salt, electricity and has no water waste. It is also 99.6% effective in preventing scales. Additionally, it removes sediment and debris that seep into our water supply. 

Water filtration is part of your plumbing system

California Is A Leader In Recycled Water

Water is a hot topic in California and around the world. Water usage and water quality are still well debated in California. California alone has increased in population by over 20 million since 1970. California is also a leader in agriculture, and to sustain the water demand, we’ve become the world leader in recycled water. The use of non-potable recycled water has been well established in California for years. Keeping our water sources held to the highest standard is one lawmaker’s top priority. 

Related Articles:

Advice For Maintaining Your Drains

Low Flow Toilets Have Revolutionized Toilets

Plumbing Obstacles From An Aging Home?

Brandon and Family, Licensed plumbing contractor

Family Owned & Operated

My name is Brandon Mageno. I'm the founder, President, and CEO of Big B's Plumbing Company. As the founder, I never thought about being average or good. My passion for being the best plumbing company in Southern California has always been the same. Providing plumbing services to this great county is simply in my DNA. Nothing makes me happier than to see a satisfied customer. Learn More About Us

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

What People Are Saying...

I called Big B's Plumbing because I the hot water would not turn off in our master bathroom. I tried to turn the valve off under the sink and it broke off, so I had to shut off the main water to the house. It was noticeable the valves were original to the home. When I called, the rep stated that I would be informed about the service tech and their experience along with services offered "On The Spot". I was on a bit of a time crunch...
Read More on Google My Business

vill

Vill M
google-reviews-5-stars

Found them on Google and they had good quality reviews. Made the call and set up the appointment for same day. Dispatch called me a few hours later to confirm our appointment and let me know that the technician Mathew was on the way. This was supposed to be an easy job once Mathew arrived. But it turned out to be so much more than that. Without hesitation or a sour look on his face, he dove deep into his van...
Read More on Google My Business

jeremy

Jeremy T
google-reviews-5-stars

Randy was very knowledgeable and professional. He helped us figure out what we could do with the space given for our bathroom with our remodel. He picked out perfect fixtures and the work he did was beautiful. The cleaned up properly when they were done and everything was handled in one day! I will be calling for Randy anytime we have any plumbing needs. Thank you for doing such a great job!
Read More on Google My Business

crystal

Crystal M
google-reviews-5-stars

Call Today!
Your Plumber For Life!

Contractors License #986152

Scroll to Top