Plumbers in Fort Worth, TX estimate that if one faucet is dripping only one drop of water per minute that is around 35 gallons of water per year that is wasted. Scale this up to every home in Dallas County alone which was 1,002,962 in July, 2016 and that would be over 35 million gallons of water wasted per year. Keep in mind; this does not include other leaks that would be common in these homes over the year, such as toilet seal leaks, pinhole leaks, pipe bursts, and more that plumbers in Fort Worth, TX deal with every day. With that included water waste could easily go into the billions per year.
Leaks are not always visible and it is possible for these hidden leaks to go undetected for a very long time until the damage is already done and then the damage itself to the home becomes visible. Leaks not only can damage your home but they are also possibly damaging to your health. Hidden water leaks, especially inside the walls of a home, will promote the growth of bacteria, mildew and mold. Troubling enough that can be it gets worse. Plumbers in Fort Worth, TX say that these hidden leaks can lead to the growth of a certain type of black mold that is called Stachybyotrys.
Stachybyotrys is a type of toxic black mold that is also more commonly known as Stachybyotrys chartarum. It is one of the most infamous black molds that can grow in homes across the world, especially in warm environments, and it is extremely dangerous to humans. This type of mold is toxic because it produces toxins that are called mycotoxins. It appears as a greenish-black gelatinous mold, which is typically slimy on the top, as long as it is still receiving a steady supply of water. If not, it will appear dry and powdery. There are multiple molds that can look like Stachybyotrys, so the only sure-fire way to inspect the mold is by microscope.
The mycotoxins found in Stachybyotrys can cause all sorts of problems in people, even leading to death. Some of the general symptoms that can be contracted by exposure to this ‘black mold’ are as follows:
- Respiratory problems
- Skin inflammation
- Hemorrhage
- Irritation of the mucous embranes
- Damage to internal organs
- Mental impairment
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Immune system suppression
Black mold can cause neurological symptoms, such as increased irritability and mood swings. The mycotoxins do this by literally killing neurons in the brain and impairing our mental abilities. Neurological symptoms are widespread and they are as follows:
- Confusion
- Brain fog
- Shortened attention span
- Difficulty concentrating & paying attention
- Slowed reflexes
- Disorientation
- Dizziness
- Memory loss and memory problems
- Impaired learning ability
- Hallucinations
- Shock
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Aggression & other personality changes
- Tingling
- Trembling
- Shaking
- Seizure
- Numbness
If this wasn’t enough, black mold causes a whole slew of other problems. Respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, pulmonary edema, pulmonary hemorrhages, sore throat, oral burning sensations, bleeding gums, runny nose, itchy nose, stuffy nose, and even nose bloods.
Whenever the mycotoxins find their way into the bloodstream it will only get worse from there. Circulatory symptoms will range from, irregular heartbeats, heart inflammation, permanent damage to the heart, liver disease, low blood pressure, bone marrow disruption, lack of blood clotting, internal bleeding, vomiting up blood, bleeding in the brain and other organs. If you suspect you have hidden water leaks in your home and you are concerned of the growth of mold and bacteria give us a call and we will send professional plumbers in Fort Worth, TX to assess your home.
This list goes on and on with skin symptoms ranging from dermatitis to jaundice. With eye problems ranging from inflammation of the eyes, eye damage, blurry vision to jaundice in the eyes. Then there is suppression of the immune system ranging from immunosuppression, to reoccurring infections. Mycotoxins will even effect reproductive systems by causing infertility, miscarriages, impotence, and even fetal development problems. Tiredness and discomfort such as chronic fatigue, drowsiness, weakness, aches and pains, muscle pain, chest pain, abdominal pain, joint pain, malaise, hair loss, headaches, hearing loss, cold or flu-like symptoms, fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and even diarrhea.
Black mold is no joking matter and with that neither are water leaks. There is more than 21.8 million people in the United States alone that reported to have asthma. Approximately 4.6 million cases are estimated to be due to dampness and mold exposure found within their homes. There is an estimated 37 million or more people in the United States alone that suffers from chronic sinusitis. Indoor and outdoor air pollution kills an estimated seven million people per year globally. The EPA estimates that one third to one half of all structures in the United States have damp conditions that may encourage the development of molds and bacteria.
There is a lot that we can do to curb these numbers and it all starts at home. If you are concerned about the possibility of your home being at risk for the growth of mold or bacteria or you suspect you have a water leak then give Ben Franklin Plumbing a call. Our professional and licensed plumbers in Fort Worth, TX can assess your home for leaks and take care of any found for you.
About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, TX has professional plumbers in Fort Worth, TX servicing Fort Worth and surrounding areas. Our experienced, courteous and friendly plumbers provide on time plumbing related services to not only Arlington but surrounding areas also. If you are in need of a professional plumber that you can count on for plumbing repairs, maintenance and / or installation then you can count on us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas.
Ben Franklin Plumbing is a leader in the field for plumbing related repairs. We are also one of the most trusted plumbing service brands in the industry with high standards of service that you can rely on. When you contact us you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving the best plumbers in Fort Worth, TX. Our commitment to service and excellence is reflected in our stone solid A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you have a plumbing related problem in your home or business and you need help, do not hesitate to contact us today. Our professional, courteous and friendly plumbers in Fort Worth, TX will be more than happy to assist you and answer any of your questions and schedule an appointment with you to assess the plumbing related problem and resolve it at your earliest convenience. Give Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Arlington, Texas a call today if you are looking for professional plumbers in Fort Worth, TX. If there’s any delay, it’s you we pay®