Consuming lead has some dangerous symptoms, and once the dangers of lead were recognized, its use was prohibited in the mid-1950s by the Ontario Plumbing Code. However, homes built prior to 1950s may still have lead pipes coming from street to a home.
Let’s start with the basics: drinking water with lead contamination is bad. Generally bad, whoever you are, and particularly bad for the developing human fetus and for children under six years of age. Lead in drinking water impairs the proper neurodevelopment of these young people.
Lead is also toxic for adults, with symptoms gradually appearing over time as lead accumulates with continued exposure. Symptoms include abdominal pain or cramps, aggressive or irritable behavior, constipation, headaches and trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, fatigue, high blood pressure, numbness or tingling in the extremities, anemia, and kidney dysfunction.
So CLEARLY, lead pipes are something that homeowners should stay clear from. Now that this is clear, here are some tips on moving forward with this new found information given to you.
How to know if you have lead pipes:
- If you live in a house built before the mid-1950s, then it is very likely that you have lead pipes. If you don’t know, then look at your house papers or if your renting, ask the owner of the house
- If you can, look at the pipes that leads to you water meter. Here appearance can be the key to knowing. If it is grey, does not sound hollow when it is tapped, and scratches easily, it is most likely lead
- If neither of those work out for you, then calling a plumber is advised
- You could also check and see if you city offers free lead testing
What to Do if You Actually Have Lead Water Pipes:
Replace the pipe
You need to get rid of them before they severely negatively affect your health and the health of others that will be drinking that water.
Flush Your Pipes
When you haven’t used your tap for a few hours, let it run until the water is very cold, and an extra minute after that. This will provide you with fresh water from the water main.
Use Cold Water When Cooking and Drinking
When you’re using hot water with lead pipes, it’s easier for the lead to seep into it. But with cold water, it is less likely to contain lead.
Special Consideration:
You have to be especially careful if you are pregnant or have a child under the age of 6. Consuming lead with either of these conditions are a lot more severe side effects than others without these conditions. In these cases you have to take extra precaution. You should install an end of tap water filter.. If you have a baby and are no longer breastfeeding and have chosen to use formula, use cold filtered tap water. Boil it and let it cool down, and give the cooling down process approximately 30 minutes. Or consider simply drinking bottled water and using it for formula.
Safe lead pipe replacement in Toronto: services of true professionals
If you are still using lead pipes in your home or office in Toronto, it may be time to replace them. Before it was banned in 1986, lead was widely used in construction for water pipes due to its soft, pliable nature. When corrosion occurred, lead from the piping went directly into drinking water, posing a serious health hazard. The experts at Rooter Team perform professional lead pipe replacement in Toronto, offering homeowners and businesses safe and durable plumbing solutions. With our work, you can enjoy clean and secure drinking water.
Importance of lead pipe replacement in Toronto
For several decades, strong and flexible lead pipes have been used in conducting plumbing. However, studies have proven that exposure to the metal is negative for human health, especially children and pregnant women. Even small amounts of lead in drinking water can lead to serious health problems such as:
- developmental delays in children;
- impaired kidney function;
- high blood pressure;
- risk of cancer;
Despite this, they are still in use in older buildings built before the mid-1950s. We offer professional lead pipe replacement in Toronto to protect you from these very issues.
How to determine if a harmful pipe needs to be replaced
Not sure if you should replace your plumbing system? Some pipes can be seen with the naked eye. For example, under the sink in your home. But in other cases, you’ll need to ask for professional help. Signs that you need lead pipe replacement in Toronto:
- the house was built before 1955;
- dull gray pipes that scratch easily;
- a metallic taste in the water;
- positive test for lead;
- low water pressure;
- pipe corrosion.
If you find you have any of the above factors, your best option is to order a professional plumbing inspection. Our team at RooterTeam provides an assessment and expert recommendations to ensure a safe water supply.
How it happens
Thanks to the extensive experience and well-coordinated work of RooterTeam professionals, the process of lead pipe removal Toronto is carried out as efficiently as possible. The stages of work are as follows:
- Initial inspection, consultation. Specialists assess the condition of the plumbing system. If the presence of lead pipes is confirmed, the best options for replacement are discussed.
- Permits, planning. The work is carried out in compliance with all permits of local legislation. Compliance with Toronto plumbing codes is guaranteed.
- Pipe replacement. Lead pipes are removed. High-quality alternatives are installed in their place.
- Testing. After the work is completed, Rooter Team Toronto conducts water quality tests. And you can make sure the new system is completely safe.
Having made sure that the plumbing is working properly, the specialists put things in order, just as they were before their arrival.
Advantages
Replacing lead pipes has unconditional advantages. The main ones are:
- good pressure;
- elimination of the risk of contamination of drinking water;
- cleaner and tastier water without heavy metal impurities;
- lead-free plumbing is an argument for increased property values.
To protect public health, many cities, including Toronto, are pushing for the removal of lead pipes. Therefore, your building will be fully compliant.
Why you should contact RooterTeam in Toronto
Before you get started, you should make sure that you contact the professionals. RooterTeam represents:
- experienced and licensed plumbers;
- transparent contract terms, no hidden fees;
- the fastest possible execution of work;
- the use of modern, environmentally friendly materials;
- safe disposal of old lead pipes;
- quality guarantee.
We use methods that minimize damage to the landscape, which saves you the hassle.
Take action today!
Don’t take any chances with your water supply. If you suspect lead pipes in your home, contact Rooter Team Toronto today for professional water line replacement. Our team will ensure your plumbing system is safe, reliable, and meets today’s standards.
Take the first step to improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment for an inspection. Call the number listed on the website or send an email.
