The primary material for water pipes in major U.S. cities, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was lead. Its durability and malleability made it a very popular choice for pipe material. Eventually galvanized steel and copper would replace lead, and copper pipe would eventually become the most popular material used in home water service and distribution in mid to late 20th century construction.
Pipe corrosion and erosion-caused lead contamination, was the top source of lead-related health issues before the hazards of ingesting lead were realized. Stillbirth and high infant mortality were two of the worst effects of lead ingestion. Many other plumbing or pipe problems are easy to detect by seeing or listening, but without specifically testing for it, there is no way to detect lead in your water. The EPA offers general information about lead contamination and how to test for it on its website.
If you have lead in your water, it?s generally because of one (or more) of these: lead-based solder which used to be the primary way to join copper pipes, a lead service line pipe linking your house to the city or town water main, and brass (or chrome-plated brass) faucets. The U.S. Congress banned the use of lead solder containing greater than 0.2% lead in 1986. It also limited the lead composition of pipes, faucets, and all other plumbing materials to 8.0%.? As a result of this legislation, ?lead-free? brass legally can contain no more than 8% lead and plumbing installed before 1986 possibly contain higher levels of lead.
In older buildings and homes, the service line from the municipal water main to the house may be a lead pipe -- something you should definitely confirm. Unless your piping has been upgraded in the past 40 years, it is probably galvanized pipe (iron with a zinc coating) which does not require lead solder to join the pipe. You may already know if your faucets are brass or chrome-plated, but if not, you might want to consult with a licensed plumber or take them with you to a local hardware store. CuraFlo??s website offers a brief history of lead materials in water pipes.
Once installed, epoxy pipe lining is a barrier to prevent lead leaching from your pipes into your drinking water. The epoxy lining prevents the water going through the pipe from coming into contact with the metal of the pipe, the chemical reaction that creates pipe corrosion is prevented. Epoxy pipe lining will prevent lead and other metals (from your pipes) from getting into your water. The lining also prevents other poor water quality issues, for example: red, brown, blue or yellow water, zinc or iron leeching from galvanized pipes into your water, causing a metallic taste, and bacteria can cause terrible tasting or smelling water.
A relatively unknown technology, epoxy pipe lining is not a new technology, --in fact it?s well proven. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Navy have both ested and approved the use of epoxy pipe lining to prevent contaminants, including lead, from leaching into drinking water. Their reports are published and links to them can be found at http://curaflo.com/CuraFlo/ResourceCenter. The epoxy used by CuraFlo in epoxy pipe lining, CuraPoxy?, is certified to meet the U.S.
CuraPoxy, CuraFlo's epoxy, is certified to meet ANSI/NSF Standard 61 - the U.S. government?s standard for safe drinking water. This means that it?s certified safe for use in potable (drinking) water pipes up to 180 Fahrenheit (82.2 Celsius). CuraFlo?s epoxy pipe lining process prevents pipe corrosion and erosion, protecting you from lead in your pipes leaching into your water. - 15465
Pipe corrosion and erosion-caused lead contamination, was the top source of lead-related health issues before the hazards of ingesting lead were realized. Stillbirth and high infant mortality were two of the worst effects of lead ingestion. Many other plumbing or pipe problems are easy to detect by seeing or listening, but without specifically testing for it, there is no way to detect lead in your water. The EPA offers general information about lead contamination and how to test for it on its website.
If you have lead in your water, it?s generally because of one (or more) of these: lead-based solder which used to be the primary way to join copper pipes, a lead service line pipe linking your house to the city or town water main, and brass (or chrome-plated brass) faucets. The U.S. Congress banned the use of lead solder containing greater than 0.2% lead in 1986. It also limited the lead composition of pipes, faucets, and all other plumbing materials to 8.0%.? As a result of this legislation, ?lead-free? brass legally can contain no more than 8% lead and plumbing installed before 1986 possibly contain higher levels of lead.
In older buildings and homes, the service line from the municipal water main to the house may be a lead pipe -- something you should definitely confirm. Unless your piping has been upgraded in the past 40 years, it is probably galvanized pipe (iron with a zinc coating) which does not require lead solder to join the pipe. You may already know if your faucets are brass or chrome-plated, but if not, you might want to consult with a licensed plumber or take them with you to a local hardware store. CuraFlo??s website offers a brief history of lead materials in water pipes.
Once installed, epoxy pipe lining is a barrier to prevent lead leaching from your pipes into your drinking water. The epoxy lining prevents the water going through the pipe from coming into contact with the metal of the pipe, the chemical reaction that creates pipe corrosion is prevented. Epoxy pipe lining will prevent lead and other metals (from your pipes) from getting into your water. The lining also prevents other poor water quality issues, for example: red, brown, blue or yellow water, zinc or iron leeching from galvanized pipes into your water, causing a metallic taste, and bacteria can cause terrible tasting or smelling water.
A relatively unknown technology, epoxy pipe lining is not a new technology, --in fact it?s well proven. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. Navy have both ested and approved the use of epoxy pipe lining to prevent contaminants, including lead, from leaching into drinking water. Their reports are published and links to them can be found at http://curaflo.com/CuraFlo/ResourceCenter. The epoxy used by CuraFlo in epoxy pipe lining, CuraPoxy?, is certified to meet the U.S.
CuraPoxy, CuraFlo's epoxy, is certified to meet ANSI/NSF Standard 61 - the U.S. government?s standard for safe drinking water. This means that it?s certified safe for use in potable (drinking) water pipes up to 180 Fahrenheit (82.2 Celsius). CuraFlo?s epoxy pipe lining process prevents pipe corrosion and erosion, protecting you from lead in your pipes leaching into your water. - 15465
About the Author:
Dr. Dave Dunn is Vice President of Research and Development for CuraFlo which provides epoxy lining solutions for homes & commercial buildings. Dr. Dave holds a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Keele in England. You can contact dr dave about plumbing problems or plumbing repair. Internet Advertising