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Home Home and Family Children Epoxy Pipe Lining Can Prevent Lead Contamination
Epoxy Pipe Lining Can Prevent Lead Contamination PDF Print E-mail
Written by Dr. Dave Dunn   
The primary material for water pipes in major U.S. cities, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was lead. Its durability and malleability made it a very popular choice for pipe material. Eventually galvanized steel and copper would replace lead, and copper pipe would eventually become the most popular material used in home water service and distribution in mid to late 20th century construction.
by Dr.DaveDunn


The primary material for water pipes in major U.S. cities, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was lead. Its durability and malleability made it a very popular choice for pipe material. Eventually galvanized steel and copper would replace lead, and copper pipe would eventually become the most popular material used in home water service and distribution in mid to late 20th century 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 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.

In older buildings and homes, the service line from the municipal water main to the house may be a lead pipe -- something you should definitely confirm. Unless your piping has been upgraded in the past 40 years, it is probably galvanized pipe (iron with a zinc coating) which does not require lead solder to join the pipe. You may already know if your faucets are brass or chrome-plated, but if not, you might want to consult with a licensed plumber or take them with you to a local hardware store. CuraFlo??s website offers a brief history of lead materials in water pipes.

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.

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.

About The Author:

Dr. Dave Dunn is Vice President of R & D for CuraFlo which provides epoxy lining solutions for homes & commercial buildings. Dr. Dave holds a PhD in Polymer Chemistry from the University of Keele in England. You can contact dr dave about Low Water Flow. Internet Ad Agency

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