Can Epoxy Lining Prevent Lead Contamination from Water Pipes
Lead used to be a primary material for water pipes in major U.S. cities, until the early 1900?s. It was so heavily favored because of its durability and malleability. Galvanized steel and copper eventually replaced lead, and copper pipe became the most popular material used in home water service and distribution in post 1950 construction.
Lead contamination was the top source of lead-related health issues before the hazards of ingesting it were known. The cause was pipe corrosion and erosion, and it raised stillbirth and infant mortality rates. Other plumbing or pipe problems are much easier to spot, but if you?re not testing for lead in your water, you?ll never know it?s there. You can find general information about lead contamination and how to test for it on the EPA?s website.
If your water is lead contaminated, it’s most likely because of one or more of the following: lead service line pipe(s) connecting your house to the municipal water main, lead-based solder (used to join copper pipes), and brass or chrome-plated brass faucets. In 1986, Congress banned the use of lead solder containing greater than 0.2% lead, and restricted the lead content of faucets, pipes and other plumbing materials to 8.0%.? This so-called ?lead-free? brass can still legally contain up to 8% lead and plumbing systems installed prior to 1986 can contain high levels of lead from both plumbing components and lead solder.
Water lines from the city or town water main to a home or building?s water system may be a lead pipe in older structures. If you or a previous owner of the structure had your plumbing system upgraded since 1960, it?s probably composed of galvanized pipe. Galvanized pipe doesn?t need lead solder to be joined. Faucets need to be checked for brass or chrome-plating, you?re the original manufacturer, a local hardware store, or a licensed plumber should be able to tell you if yours contain either.
If you have lead contamination from your pipes, epoxy lining can be your solution. Once installed it is a barrier to lead leaching into your drinking water. The epoxy lining prevents the metal of the pipe and the water flowing through from coming into direct contact. This prevents the chemical reaction that causes pipe corrosion. Epoxy pipe lining eliminates and prevents lead and other metals (from your pipes) leaching into the water, as well as a host of other poor water quality issues such as: water that?s red, brown, blue or yellow, zinc or iron leeching in galvanized pipes causing a metallic taste, and bacteria that causes bad tasting water or water that smells.
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.
There is no need for health concerns when it comes to epoxy lining your pipes, CuraFlo?s epoxy, CuraPoxy?, is certified to meet ANSI/NSF Standard 61 - the U.S. government standard for safe potable (drinking) water. ANSI/NSF Standard 61 certification means that something is certified safe to be used in potable water pipes at temperatures up to 180? Fahrenheit or 82.2? Celsius. CuraFlo?s epoxy pipe lining process protects you from lead (and other metals) in your pipes leaching into your water by preventing these metals from leaching into your water.
