Could Your Plumbing Be Making You Sick?

Let’s be honest, when you think about your plumbing, you probably just hope nothing explodes or leaks all over your floor. Maybe you get annoyed when the water pressure is low or the shower takes forever to heat up. But have you ever stopped and thought: “Wait… could this stuff actually be hurting my health?”

If you haven’t, you’re not alone. Most folks in Amarillo, Texas never connect their sore throats or weird rashes to their water pipes. But here’s the truth: plumbing problems can make you sick. And not in a “my toilet overflowed and now I’m annoyed” kind of way. We’re talking real, health-affecting stuff

Need a trusted plumber? Call Plumbing Amarillo TX for fast & reliable service.

The Gross Truth About What’s in Your Pipes

Okay, picture this. You’ve got pipes running through your walls and under your floors. Some of them have been there longer than you’ve been alive. Over time, stuff builds up in them, minerals, rust, dirt, bacteria… even bugs. Yes, bugs.

Water that flows through those pipes can pick up all that grime and bring it right to your tap. You brush your teeth with it. You shower in it. You cook with it. Yikes, right?

If your plumbing system hasn’t been checked in a while, here’s what might be lurking:

Lead from old pipes
Rust from corroded metal
Bacteria like E. coli or Legionella
Mold spores from hidden leaks
Hard water minerals that carry extra gunk

And let’s not forget the funky smells. If your water smells like rotten eggs, that could be sulfur bacteria. That’s not just unpleasant, it could mess with your stomach or skin.

Can Water Really Make Me Sick?

Absolutely. And we’re not just saying that to scare you. Let’s go through what can actually happen:

1. Stomach Problems

If bacteria like E. coli or parasites get into your water, they can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. It might feel like food poisoning, but the water could be the real problem.

2. Skin Issues

Hard water and bacteria can irritate your skin. If you’ve got dry, itchy skin or random rashes, your shower water might be part of the problem. And if there’s mold growing from a leak? That’s even worse.

3. Breathing Trouble

Mold from hidden leaks (under sinks, behind walls, or in crawl spaces) can mess with your lungs. People with asthma or allergies are especially at risk. You might notice coughing, sneezing, or shortness of breath without even realizing why.

4. Lead Poisoning

This one’s no joke. Lead can leach into your water from old pipes or fixtures. It doesn’t have a taste or smell, but it’s harmful, especially to kids. It can cause learning problems.

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Amarillo Has Hard Water

Our water has lots of minerals like calcium and magnesium. It’s not dangerous by itself, but it can wear down your pipes, clog up your appliances, and create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow. You’ll see it in your sinks, faucets, and showerheads, the white, chalky buildup that just won’t go away.

Old Homes = Old Pipes

Amarillo has a lot of older houses. If your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance your plumbing might still have lead pipes or old galvanized steel. These pipes break down over time and can release harmful stuff into your water.

Hot, Dry Weather

Our dry Texas weather can actually mess with underground pipes. The soil shifts when it’s really dry, which can crack old plumbing lines. Those cracks let dirt and bacteria sneak into your water supply.

Frozen Pipe Risks in Winter

We may be in Texas, but Amarillo still gets cold winters. Pipes can freeze and crack during those cold snaps, which opens the door to contamination and leaks.

Signs Your Plumbing Might Be Hurting You

Here are some warning signs you should never ignore:

Water tastes weird or metallic
It smells like rotten eggs or chlorine
You see rust or dirt in your water
You keep getting stomach bugs for no clear reason
Your skin is irritated after showering
You smell musty odors near sinks or walls (hello, mold!)

If any of that sounds familiar, it’s time to stop brushing it off.

What You Can Do About It

Alright, enough of the scary stuff. Let’s talk about solutions. There’s a lot you can do to make sure your plumbing isn’t making you sick.

1. Get a Water Test

The first step is knowing what’s in your water. You can grab a DIY water test at a hardware store or call a pro (like us) to test it for you. It’ll check for lead, bacteria, chlorine, hardness, and more.

2. Fix Those Leaks

Even small leaks can cause big problems. That tiny drip under the sink? It could be hiding mold or damaging your wood. Plus, it runs up your water bill.

We offer leak detection and repair across Amarillo. We’ll find the problem fast and get it fixed right.

3. Install a Water Filter

Filters can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a whole-house system or a faucet filter, it can help remove lead, chlorine, bacteria, and weird smells.

We can help you figure out what kind of filter is best for your home and install it for you.

4. Replace Old Pipes

If your pipes are ancient, it might be time to say goodbye. Upgrading your plumbing can protect your health and your wallet in the long run.

Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it and make it as stress-free as possible.

5. Keep Up with Maintenance

Regular checkups aren’t just for your car or your doctor. Your plumbing needs love too. A yearly inspection can catch small issues before they turn into big ones.

Wrapping Up

Let’s face it, no one wants to think their own plumbing could be making them or their kids sick. But it happens more than people realize, especially in places with older homes like Amarillo.

At Plumbing Amarillo TX, we’re here to help our neighbors stay safe, healthy, and worry-free. We don’t just fix pipes, we help families feel good about the water they drink, cook with, and bathe in.

So if something feels off, or even if you just want peace of mind, give us a call. Let’s make sure your home is a place of comfort, not concern.