How Poor Plumbing Systems Can Lead to Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires’ disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by the growth of Legionella bacteria in stagnant water. People are infected when they breathe in tiny water droplets containing the bacteria. Symptoms often include cough, fever, headaches, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, it can cause lung failure or even death. While most people think of Legionella as a risk in commercial buildings or cooling towers, poor plumbing Legionnaires’ Disease can occur in homes can also create the perfect environment for bacteria growth.

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Poor Plumbing Legionnaires’ Disease – What is the Cause?

While Legionella is commonly found in large plumbing systems such as commercial cooling towers, it can also appear in residential plumbing systems. It can occur in hot tubs, fountains, water storage tanks, water heaters, sinks, tubs, and showerheads. If your plumbing system is not properly configured, water can be stagnant for long periods of time. This leads to Legionella growth. Similarly, homes that don’t properly maintain their plumbing systems are susceptible. Biofilm, a plaque-like substance consisting of different microorganisms, can build up around the interior of your pipes which feeds and protects the Legionella bacteria. This can then flake off and be transported throughout your water system.

​Poor Plumbing Legionnaires’ Disease – What Contributes to it?

Poor plumbing design or neglected systems can create stagnant water pockets where bacteria multiply. Common causes include:

• Stagnant water: Pipes that aren’t used often allow bacteria to grow.

• Improper plumbing design: Poorly configured systems can leave standing water in dead ends.

• Biofilm buildup: A plaque-like layer of microorganisms forms inside pipes, protecting and feeding Legionella bacteria.

• Lack of maintenance: Homes that don’t regularly service plumbing systems are more vulnerable to contamination.

This combination creates a breeding ground for Legionella, which can then spread through your home’s water supply.

How to Prevent Legionella Growth in Your Plumbing

The good news is that there are proven steps to minimize the risk of Legionnaires’ disease in your home:

✅ Sanitize bathrooms regularly: Clean sinks, tubs, and showerheads with a diluted bleach solution or disinfectant spray.

✅ Set your water heater to 140°F: High heat kills bacteria (but be cautious about scalding if children or elderly individuals live in your home). Consider temperature-regulating faucets for safety.

✅ Install a water softener: Reduce sediment and biofilm buildup, which provides fuel for Legionella bacteria.

✅ Minimize stagnation: Flush seldom-used faucets, showers, or toilets regularly to keep water moving.

✅ Schedule a plumbing inspection: A licensed plumber can identify poor system design, biofilm buildup, or areas where water stagnates.

Professional Plumbing Services in St. Louis

At Bieg Plumbing & Mechanical, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses in the St. Louis area protect their plumbing systems for nearly 60 years. Our team can inspect your pipes, water heaters, and fixtures to ensure your plumbing isn’t putting your health at risk.

📞 Call us today at (314) 487-4564 to schedule an inspection or maintenance service.

Bottom Line of Poor Plumbing Legionnaires Disease

Poor plumbing systems can create the perfect environment for Legionnaires’ disease, but preventive care and proper system design reduce the risk dramatically. If you suspect your home or business plumbing may be contributing to stagnant water or biofilm buildup, don’t wait, reach out to the experts at Bieg Plumbing & Mechanical.

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