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Plumbing codes have been developed over the years to promote health and safety, and while the specifics vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, they all share a common element, to minimize the spread of disease.

The basic principles involved are to ensure that the source of water remains pure, and that wastewater stays isolated and free flowing. As long as the plumbing system is installed by a licensed contractor and is properly inspected, the homeowner needn't be concerned whether his home is safe in this regard.

However, homeowners face many other hazards in or around the home. Some of these hazards can lead to tragic consequences if left unattended. Keidel sells a number of products that can serve to safeguard the home against some of these hazards

• Flooding
• Scalding
• Fire
• Falls
• Earthquake
• Black Mold
• Radon Gas
• Homeland Security

Flooding:

Prevention:
A Flood Guard^TM, which connects to your basement floor drain can help prevent sewers from backing up into the house.

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) - Protecting Your Property from Flooding

Floodwater:
After a flood, failure to quickly remove contaminated materials and reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks.

Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

The following websites offer excellent information on what precautions to take after a flood.
Iowa State University Extension Flood Cleanup Information
Consumer Product Safety Commission - Safety Tips for Flood Victims EPA Fact Sheet: Flood Cleanup - Avoiding Indoor Air Quality Problems

Due to past reports of accidents resulting from improper do-it-yourself repairs of flood-damaged appliances, the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has issued a warning that all flood-damaged plumbing, heating, cooling and electrical appliances and related systems should be replaced, rather than repaired.

Attempts to use equipment such as water heaters, furnaces, boilers, room heaters and air conditioners with flood damaged gas or oil control devices can result in fires, flashbacks or explosions.

And in the case of electric appliances, the result can be injury or even death from a powerful electric shock.

In addition, GAMA strongly recommends that all work on flooded equipment be performed by a qualified, licensed contractor, not by homeowners. Control valves are manufactured to extremely close tolerances. Once submerged in flood water, they must be replaced. Field repairs should never be attempted by the homeowner. Learn More

Stormwater:
Most new homes are protected by sump pumps, but even these systems can fail. The power could go out or they could just wear out, and the resulting flood can cause just as much damage as would occur if there were no pump at all. A battery backup pump can reduce this risk and keep the home safe. Anti-backup valves are also available to prevent sewage backups which can be even more destructive.

             About Sump Pumps
             Manufacturers - Pump

Frozen Pipes:
If pipes freeze, they will rupture, and if the homeowner is not there to turn off the water, severe damage can occur. Pipe insulation in crawl spaces or exposed areas, and freezeless faucets can reduce this risk.

    See: About Exterior Valves/Faucets (freezeless)
            DIY: The Safe Way to Thaw Frozen Pipes
            Manufacturers - Valves

Ruptured hoses:
Washing machine hoses become brittle with age and will eventually rupture, flooding the house. Heavy-duty hoses can reduce the risk, but a Watts Intelliflow valve set can eliminate the problem altogether.

    See: About Laundry Valves
            Manufacturers - Valves

Pressure tank failure:
Every water heater is required to have a pressure relief valve to protect it against excess heat buildup. If your system includes a well pressure tank, or a pressure booster, or if your system contains an expansion tank, each of these will be protected by a similar valve. If this valve develops a leak, it should be replaced immediately. It should never be removed.

    See: About Pressure Regulator Valves
            About Well Pumps / Pressure Tanks
            About Pressure Boosters
            Manufacturers - Valves

Scalding:

Insufficient water flow:
When water lines are inadequate to supply several faucets simultaneously, turning on a second will reduce water flow to the first, resulting in severe temperature changes. A pressure-balancing valve will minimize these fluctuations and are required in new homes.

    See: About Water Pressure / Flow
            About Pressure Regulator Valves
            Manufacturers - Shower Head Valves
            Manufacturers - Valves

Careless use:
If the water heater is set too high, it may deliver dangerously hot water to the faucets. To protect children and the elderly from accidental injury, a thermostatic (tempering) valve can be added to a system, either for the whole house, or at an individual sink.

    See: Hot Water Heaters & Scalding
            About Thermostatic Valves
            Manufacturers - Shower Head Valves
            Manufacturers - Water Heater
            Manufacturers - Valves

Fire

The plumbing system is not often considered in connection with protection from fire, but what system could be better, since it contains the means to extinguish flames before they destroy the house? Although rarely used in residential homes, automatic sprinkler systems could easily be incorporated into the plumbing system, particularly in the high-risk areas of the kitchen and furnace areas.

    See: Manufacturers - Fire Prevention
            

Falls

The most common source of injury in the home is falls in the bathroom. This is of increasing concern as the population ages. Every bathroom should be equipped with strategically placed grab bars, and the floor should be non-slip.

    See: ADA and Bath Design
            University of Missouri - Bathroom Safety for Older People
            Manufacturers - Accessories (grab bars)

Earthquake

Those of us who live in the Midwest tend to pay little attention to earthquakes, even though the highest earthquake risk in the United States outside the West Coast is along the New Madrid Fault.

Should a major tremor occur, mechanical systems could be severely damaged, or severed. A water heater can weigh as much as 500 lbs when full with a high center of gravity and a small support platform. They have been known to collapse during seismic activity and cause severe damage. Simple earthquake straps can minimize this risk, and swapping rigid supply lines with flexible pipes helps even more.

    See: Red Cross Disaster Safety

Black Mold

Virtually everyone has one type or another of mold somewhere in their home. Although not all types are toxic, even exposures to non-toxic mold types poses a health risk (allergies and asthma)< It is sometimes difficult to distinguish types without lab testing.

Common Mold (Non-Toxic)
The black mold that you may see growing on shower walls and grouting on showers and bathtubs is unlikely to be dangerous.

The most common black mold is Cladosporium. While it can be an irritant to those suffering from asthma or respiratory disease, it is not known to pose any toxic hazard.

It can be removed with various household cleaners and bleach, but the most effective way to prevent it is by providing adequate ventilation. Vent fans should be installed in all areas where dampness can occur.

    See: About Bathroom Ventilation
            Manufacturers - Accessories (vent fans)

Toxic Mold
"Black Mold" is a term commonly used to describe a slimy, greenish-black substance which can result in serious health risk. While black mold is less common than other mold species it is not rare.

Cellulose is the only known host for the dangerous strains of Stachybotrys and Memnoniella, which produce mycotoxins.

Areas and substances where black mold can be found where water has soaked wood, ceiling tile, wall paneling, cellulose insulation, drywall (gypsum board), cardboard, even items made of cotton. It can infest areas in the floors, walls and ceilings. Mold problems resulting from flooding should be treated professionally to avoid health risks.

If the black mold is growing on materials that do not contain cellulose, it is unlikely that either Stachybotrys or Memnoniella are present.

If you suspect Black Mold, have it tested before attempting to remove it.
Samples can be taken with transparent sticky tape and analyzed by a laboratory providing microbiological analytical services.

Spores from dried mold are very dangerous and should be cleaned with caution. Never scrape or scratch dried mold, because the spores will become airborne and create a serious inhalation risk. A respiratory mask and eye protection are necessary and adequate clothing to prevent skin contact is recommended.

Most mold infested areas are relatively small and are usually the result of small leaks or plumbing problems. If the problem is more internal such as on insulation or throughout a carpet, the only solution is to have the items professionally removed, before being replaced.

Some insurance companies will cover the cost of mold removal under certain circumstances. Check with your insurance agent to find out if you are covered.

Black mold growing on grouting and painted bath walls and ceilings, can be treated with bleach (a cup to a gallon), saturate the area for approximately fifteen minutes, then wash with a strong detergent. The area must then be thoroughly dried.

Walls and ceilings can be then repainted. Note: the bleach will kill the mold, but it may not remove the black pigment associated with it.

• Keep the humidity level in the house below 40%.
  
• Use an air conditioner or a dehumidifier during humid months.
  
• Be sure the home has adequate ventilation, including exhaust fans in kitchen and bathrooms.
  
• Add mold inhibitors to paints before application.
  
• Clean bathrooms with mold killing products.
  
• Do not carpet bathrooms and basements.
  
• Remove or replace previously soaked carpets and upholstery.
  

    See: Center for Disease Control - Molds
             Ohio State University: Is the Mold in Your House Dangerous?

Radon Gas
Radon, symbol Rn, colorless, odorless radioactive gaseous element that is the heaviest of the noble gases of the periodic table This colorless gas forms from the decay of uranium and radium, elements that are naturally present in rock and soil.

Radon gas occurs naturally and tends to accumulate in a closed environment. Therefore, it can likewise be reduced by adequate ventilation.

Radon can concentrate in basements and other unventilated indoor areas built into the soil. Indoor accumulations of radon pose a serious health hazard. When radon breaks down, it produces charged particles that adhere to dust and other fine matter that can be inhaled by people.

    See: Airborne Radon Abatement Methods And Procedures
            EPA: Home Buyer's and Seller's Guide to Radon
            EPA: Radon Publications
            About Ventilation

Homeland Security
All Americans should begin a process of learning about potential threats so we are better prepared to react during an attack or a major environmental disaster.

Knowing the current Alert Status is not enough. Learn what a condition 'yellow' means to you or your family ... your business or school.

Ready.gov is the government website that provides information about steps to take in the event of threats from Biological, Chemical, Nuclear, Radiation and Explosions.

The American Red Cross has prepared a complimentary set of guidelines, explaining the color codes and details recommendations for actions to take by Individuals, Families, Neighborhoods, Schools and Businesses.

See Also:

Other Links to Related Websites:
Parents Magazine - Bathroom Safety Basics

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