The Hidden Health Risks in Your Tap: How Plumbing Issues Can Affect Women’s Health
When we think about women’s health, we often talk about diet, exercise, hormones, or medication. But there’s one factor we rarely consider: the water coming out of our taps.
In the UK, most people assume tap water is safe and for the most part, it is. But problems can creep in closer to home, in our plumbing systems. Ageing pipes, neglected rental properties, or even hospital plumbing can sometimes allow harmful bacteria like E. coli to appear. And for women, this hidden risk can have very real health consequences.
Why It Matters: The Numbers
Around 50–70% of women will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime.
Up to 10% of women in the UK get a symptomatic UTI each year.
Between 2018 and 2023, over 1.8 million hospital admissions in England involved UTIs, most of them affecting older women.
Women are around 30 times more likely than men to develop a UTI.
These infections are not only common but also painful, disruptive, and in some cases, dangerous. And the surprising truth? Your home plumbing could play a role.
E. coli and the Plumbing Connection
The bacteria most often responsible for UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which causes around 70–90% of cases. While it normally lives in the gut, it can travel into the urinary tract and contaminated water systems can add to the risk.
Ageing pipes can develop cracks or leaks where bacteria collect.
Stagnant water in unused pipes provides breeding grounds for germs.
Backflow problems can push bacteria back into household taps.
It’s not something most of us think about, but poor plumbing hygiene can mean repeated exposure to bacteria, creating an environment where infections thrive.
Why Women Are Especially Vulnerable
Because women have a shorter urethra, bacteria have a much shorter journey to the bladder. Add in other life stages and health factors, and the risk multiplies.
Menopause
As oestrogen levels fall after menopause, vaginal tissue becomes thinner and less protective. This makes it easier for bacteria like E. coli to cause infections. That’s why UTIs are far more common in post-menopausal women.
Weight
Obesity is a known risk factor for recurrent UTIs. Extra weight can place more pressure on the bladder, alter pelvic floor dynamics, and make infections harder to shake off.
Daily Life
Women are often the ones preparing food, caring for children, or managing household health meaning they may face more frequent exposure to plumbing and water hygiene issues.
What You Can Do
While we can’t control every pipe in the UK, there are steps women can take to protect their health:
Be aware of symptoms
Don’t ignore bladder irritation, frequent urination, or burning sensations. Recurrent symptoms deserve medical attention.Check your plumbing
If you rent, ask your landlord about water quality checks or plumbing maintenance. In older homes, consider a professional inspection.Support your body
Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and exploring menopause support (like local oestrogen therapy) can all help reduce UTI risks.Stay hydrated and hygienic
Flush your urinary tract regularly with water, wipe front to back, and avoid holding in urine for too long.
Final Word
Water is life but it can also be a hidden source of risk when plumbing systems fail us. For women, the link between E. coli, UTIs, menopause, and even weight challenges highlights just how interconnected our bodies are with our environments.
By paying attention not only to what we eat and how we move but also to the quality of our household water, we can take another step toward protecting women’s health at every stage of life.
