A true story: I was working in a 19th century “brownstone” in downtown New Haven. As I descended to the basement I noticed this dwelling was being fed by solid lead pipes! I quickly turned for the stairs to seek out my lady client, as soon as I saw her I exclaimed: “Mrs. --- you have lead pipes in this house, you need a blood test!” How would you have felt if you were told that? She was very kind and understood my intent; she in fact did not have lead poisoning. But why? The fact is there are many lead pipes in municipal and residential plumbing systems, along with the now banned lead solder.
The lead piping and the oxygen in the water forms an oxidation that coats the piping and does not allow the poison lead to leach through at alarming rates. Does this mean there is no concern about lead in our drinking water? Hardly! It is estimated that to upgrade municipal plumbing systems it would cost an estimated 276.8 billion dollars over 20 years! The acceptable levels for lead in water is 15 parts per billion, you can have your water tested for peace of mind. You can also follow these simple procedures to reduce lead at the tap.
1. Never use hot water for cooking or drinking, heated water causes much more impurities.
2. Run the cold water for at least 30-60 seconds to flush water that has been sitting in
piping.
3. Use lead free faucets and fixtures on all new work.
These are a few ways to get the lead out of your water system. If a young plumber tells you to get a blood test remember, he means well. Next month we will continue on the subject of lead in plumbing and the home.
Thanks, J J
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