Is Your Home Secretly Piping Water Through Lead or Polybutylene?

Lead Pipes (Lead Solder)

According to the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986, lead pipes and solder were banned in drinking water systems. However, some older properties still use lead pipes to supply water, leading to safety risks and health hazards. If your home was built before the 1990s, it may be time to call a local plumbing repair service for an inspection.

Why Lead Pipes Are Bad

Lead pipes allow tiny particles to break off and infiltrate your drinking water if it’s part of your plumbing system. This is more likely due to corrosion, which causes the inner walls to allow tiny pieces into the water supply. While the impact may not be instantaneous, lead enters the body and causes a wide range of health problems, such as increased blood pressure and brain damage. In pregnant women, this metal can be transmitted to the fetus and even after birth through breastmilk.

Remember, even pipes that aren’t made of lead can still have lead solders that hold various pieces together pose a serious risk. This is a common concern in older properties with copper pipes, as plumbers often help sections together by soldering 50% tin and 50% lead. Additionally, older brass faucets can also contain lead parts, prompting a whole-house repipe and faucet upgrade if necessary.

Polybutylene Pipes

While the issue of outdated plumbing lines is common in older homes, properties built in the mid-1990s may still contain hazardous polybutylene pipes. These pipes were primarily made as a cost-effective solution to residential and commercial plumbing, but things can take a wrong turn. Today, polybutylene pipes are banned in many states due to the risks they pose to people and the environment.

Why Galvanized Steel Pipes Are Bad

Polybutylene pipes were introduced between 1975 and 1996, supplying water to nearly 10 million homes across the United States. These pipes were not only cost-effective but also showed great promise in their longevity. Unfortunately, polybutylene reacts with common disinfectants like chlorine used in water plants.

Prolonged exposure to treated water breaks down polybutylene, compromising structural integrity and increasing the risk of leaks. This problem resulted in thousands of gallons wasted and millions of dollars in water damage. Furthermore, insurance companies restricted homeowners’ insurance coverage or refused to cover damage caused by these pipes.

Call a Local Plumbing Repair Service

Whether you are a seasoned homeowner or are looking to purchase a property, identifying the pipe material in plumbing can help you make informed decisions. Schedule an inspection with a reputable plumber to pinpoint the type of pipe material used or detect lead solders that can lead to hazardous situations down the line.

If your plumbing doesn’t guarantee the safety of your water supply, a whole-house repipe may be the most effective solution. That’s where Mr. Rooter Plumbing comes in as your trusted partner for comprehensive services. Our trained pipe repair team can assess your layout and recommend a suitable material for your plumbing system. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experts and enjoy a safe, reliable, and durable system for years to come.