Toronto is one of the most famous cities in the world. Known for its culture, theatres, and diversity, it has grown at an exponential rate over the last 100 years.
In order to grow, technology and resources that were available during the different expansion booms were utilized to the fullest. One of these resources was lead, as it was commonly used in water and sewage pipes.
Lead is robust, easy to work with, and resistant to rust for long periods of time, so it was the contractor’s number one choice material for accommodating all the new homes and businesses being developed.
However, as time has gone on, we are now beginning to face issues that were unknown at the time. In this blog, we will discuss five main problems of lead drains and when you should contact a plumbing service.
One of the most common and dangerous issues with lead pipes is contamination, which, even in small amounts, can lead to a build-up of toxins and make you very sick or worse.
With time and constant use, the lead begins to corrode and leech into the drinking water. Thus, lead pipes were banned in the 1970s for this exact reason.
Lead exposure, even in small amounts, can result in big health concerns, such as increased blood pressure, nausea and vomiting, and heart conditions that may be irreversible.
Young children and the elderly are at particular risk if exposed to lead contamination. The best way to find out if you have any lead pipes in your home is to inspect your plumbing and examine the water itself for any signs of lead already present. If so, they should be replaced as soon as possible.
As lead water supply pipes were banned decades ago, you could find yourself at risk of violating provincial and federal by-laws by continuing to have such pipes in your home.
Therefore, upgrading and replacing these pipes as a matter of urgency is recommended.
While, at the time, the best quality of lead was often used, this was not always the case. We are now seeing warping and breaking of the pipes, especially in areas where they are welded to other sections, near bends, or where there is higher than expected water pressure.
Even during home renovation projects, where the water pipes were changed to accommodate new appliances, such movement could result in pipe breakages and weakened materials. However, if a home renovation was completed before 1987, the lead pipes may not have been replaced.
Lead is a soft material in nature. So, when this damage starts, it will quickly break, resulting in bigger problems.
When a sink or toilet clog cannot be moved by a plunger, we tend to grab our snake and run it through the pipes to clear anything blocking them further down.
As it is a softer material, lead can actually become damaged during this process. This damage may go unnoticed for a while, but can result in lead contamination in the water as well as causing the pipe to break.
If you have a stubborn clog and you are unsure what your pipes are made of, calling a professional plumbing service is crucial. They will not only remove the clog but also inspect the pipes and recommend solutions.
When the city first began to expand, pipes were made narrower to be more cost-effective. As development continued, it became clear that wider pipes would be more beneficial to accommodate the rising population’s water flow.
So, newer builds began to use wider pipes. This led to issues connecting existing homes to new pipelines and water systems, as some were narrow and others were wider.
This resulted in poor connections and makeshift solutions, which may have held up at the time but began to weaken and burst over the years. Unfortunately, you won’t know that this happened until the water bill rises drastically or people begin to get sick in the house from lead exposure in the water.
If your home was built after 1987, there is a good chance it does not have lead pipes. For homes older than 1987, it is recommended that you contact a plumber to inspect your pipes. While this should be completed as part of the home inspection before you purchase it, it’s always a good idea to get a separate inspection done.
Any lead pipes need to be replaced as soon as possible, even if they look in good condition. While the outside of the pipe may appear solid, inside, corrosion could be starting, which can lead to issues.
Having your water tested for the presence of lead is another great way to determine whether there is a risk of exposure or contamination already in progress.
Today, new materials include copper piping, PVC, and PEX pipes, all of which have different benefits and uses in the home. With improved technology, these pipes can all withstand the immense water pressure our plumbing now faces.
Replacing the pipes is not only the safest thing to do, but allows you the chance to install water-saving solutions to reduce your water bills and protect the environment. Also, there are rebate plans in place to encourage you to do so.
Identifying and replacing any lead pipes found within your home can only be done by a trusted plumbing service. Plumbers are experts in the field, using up-to-date and advanced plumbing techniques.
Advanced Plumbing has this knowledge and experience and can carry out the work quickly and within your budget. We understand the risks of lead pipes to you and your family, so we ensure the work is done efficiently and with minimal disruption.
Whatever your plumbing needs, from a simple fix and repair to extensive emergency services, call us at 1-866-863-9539 or contact us here to see how Advanced Plumbing can help you today.