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| Can Epoxy Lining Prevent Lead Contamination from Water Pipes |
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| Written by Dr. Dave Dunn |
| Monday, 15 September 2008 06:03 |
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During the 19th and early 20th century lead was widely used in major U.S. cities for water pipes because of its durability and malleability. Lead pipes were eventually superseded by galvanized steel and copper, and copper pipe became the predominant material selected for domestic water service and distribution in post-World War II residential 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 lead-based solder which was the primary material to join copper pipes together, a service line pipe from your house to the city or town water main made out of lead, and brass or chrome-plated brass faucets. In 1986, Congress put and end to the use of lead solder with over 0.2% lead in it. The lead in faucets, pipes and every other plumbing material was not allowed to exceed 8.0%. "Lead-free" brass legally can can't have than 8% lead in it and plumbing systems installed prior to the 1986 legislation can 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. If your pipes are the source, epoxy lining will prevent lead leaching into your drinking water. Because the epoxy lining creates a barrier between the metal pipe and the water coming in contact with it, it stops the chemical reaction that causes corrosion. It eliminates and prevents from reoccurring, leaching of lead and other metals into the water, as well as a host of other poor water quality issues such as: discolored water (red, brown, blue or yellow), metallic taste (caused by zinc or iron leeching in galvanized pipes), and water odor or bad taste (caused by bacteria). 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 tested and approved the use of epoxy pipe lining to prevent contaminants, including lead, from leaching into drinking water. 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. Dr. Dave Dunn is Vice President of Research and Development for CuraFlo which provides plumbing maintenance solutions for condo associations and commercial buildings Dr. Dave holds a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Keele in England. You can also ask general pipe repair questions at pipe problems |
| Last Updated ( Monday, 15 September 2008 17:58 ) |
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