Epoxy Pipe Lining Can Prevent Lead Contamination

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, caused by pipe corrosion and erosion, was the major source of lead-related health problems in the years before the health hazards of ingesting lead were fully understood. Two of the most serious health problems were stillbirth and high rates of infant mortality. Part of what did and continues to makes it so serious is that, unlike many other plumbing or pipe problems, there is no way to detect it without having your water tested. On its website, the EPA offers general information about lead contamination and how to test for it.

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.

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.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (http://www.wbdg.org/ccb/ARMYCOE/PWTB/pwtb_420_49_35.pdf) and the U.S. Navy (http://stinet.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?AD=ADA327758&Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf) have documented their use of epoxy pipe lining to prevent lead and other contaminants from leaching into drinking water.

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.