New York plumber Dave Oot, relates the following joke,
“I was an apprentice plumber, working for my dad, putting in cast iron sewers at a very rapid pace. One day, I went to my father, the boss, and complained. 'Heck, this is nothing" he said, "when I was your age, my father used to let us lay the first length of pipe, turn the water on, and we'd have to lay pipe to keep ahead of it!!' “
Even if you are a professional plumber, like The Gentlemen Plumbers “ya gotta laugh”. All smiles aside, however, working so rapidly probably led to quite a few leaky pipes. Unfortunately, leaky pipes can cause no end of problems. Most of us are able to quickly list the usual ones – drips, water stains, flooding. Yet, few of us would think about the problems which leaky pipes can cause to our lungs.
The Canadian Lung Association (CAL) says that indoor air quality is an important factor in maintaining good health. In their article entitled, “Pollution & air quality”, CAL reminds us that excess water (in the forms of moisture and humidity) creates a mould-friendly environment. It is also conducive to the growth of dust mites.
Breathing air filled with mould and/or dust mites is unhealthy. CAL lists the following symptoms that may be seen:
runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes
coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing
headache and fatigue
In extreme cases, a major asthma attack could be triggered.
Fortunately, getting rid of mould and dust mites is rarely a major problem. Regular cleaning with a good household cleaner, removing dust by sweeping or vacuuming, and changing your bedding often will usually do the trick. However, keeping these “pests” away is another issue altogether.
Since the common link is excess moisture, CAL suggests that the solution involves keeping things “just right” with help from professionals, such as The Gentlemen Plumbers. CAL offers the following “to do” list:
Be alert to signs of leaky pipes and have them expertly fixed ASAP.
Arrange for professionals to regularly inspect and clean your furnace, heat pump, and window/central air conditioning unit(s).
Consult with a specialist about installing vents and exhaust fans.
Discuss with experts the value of insulating your toilet tanks and cold water pipes.
If you suspect that your indoor air may have excess moisture, it's a good idea to get the pros in as soon as you can. Both The Gentlemen Plumbers and CAL are sure you'll breathe easier for it.