Understanding Lead Pipes in Your Home

Lead pipes, once common in residential plumbing, pose significant health risks due to potential lead contamination in drinking water. As a homeowner, it's crucial to understand the implications of lead pipes, how to identify them, and the steps to ensure your home's water safety.

Lead pipes were widely used in plumbing systems until the mid-1980s. Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures, or solder. Lead can leach into drinking water, leading to serious health concerns, especially for children and pregnant women.

Identifying Lead Pipes in Your Home

To determine if your home has lead pipes:

Locate the Service Line: Find where the water line enters your home, typically in the basement or crawl space near the main shutoff valve.
Inspect the Pipe Material:
- Lead Pipes: Dull gray in color, soft, and easily scratched with a key. A magnet will not stick to lead pipes.
- Galvanized Steel Pipes: Also gray but harder and a magnet will stick to them.
- Copper Pipes: Distinct reddish-brown color and a magnet will not stick.

If you're uncertain about the pipe material, consider consulting us at Wenger Services LLC for a thorough inspection.

Should You Replace Lead Pipes?

Yes, replacing lead pipes is highly recommended to eliminate the risk of lead exposure. Even low levels of lead can cause health issues over time. Replacing lead service lines and interior plumbing ensures safer drinking water for your household.

Take Action: Unsure if you have lead pipes? Need a PRO to take a look? We can provide a standard water test to diagnose how lead pipes impact your water quality. Results typically take 7-10 days.

Steps to Replace Lead Pipes

Professional Assessment: Hire a licensed plumber to assess the extent of lead piping in your home.
Plan the Replacement: Develop a comprehensive plan to replace lead pipes with safer materials like copper or PEX.
Coordinate with Local Authorities: In Littlestown Borough, the local water authority may have programs or requirements for lead pipe replacement. Contact them to understand any available assistance or regulations. If you need help, we can handle it for you.
Execute the Replacement: Ensure that a certified professional carries out the replacement to comply with all safety standards and regulations. We’ve replaced thousands of feet of lead pipes, and we have the equipment and experience for any size job.

Signs Your Lead Pipes Are Failing

Discolored Water: Brown or yellowish water can indicate pipe corrosion.
Low Water Pressure: Accumulation of mineral deposits can reduce water flow.
Frequent Leaks: Old lead pipes may develop leaks due to corrosion and wear.

If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to act promptly to prevent further issues.

Lead Pipes and Cold Temperatures

Winter's freezing temperatures can significantly impact lead pipes in your home's plumbing system. When the water inside these pipes freezes, it expands, increasing the internal pressure and potentially causing cracks or bursts. This disrupts water supply and poses health risks due to lead exposure.

Key Considerations:

Pipe Material Susceptibility: Lead pipes are particularly vulnerable to damage from freezing and thawing cycles.
Health Implications: Damaged lead pipes can leach lead into your water supply, posing serious health risks.

Preventative Measures:

Insulation: Properly insulate pipes, especially those in unheated areas, to prevent freezing.
Temperature Maintenance: Keep your home adequately heated to ensure pipes remain above freezing temperatures.
Regular Inspections: Conduct routine checks for signs of wear or damage in your plumbing system.

Given the added risks that winter poses to lead pipes, it's advisable to consider proactive replacement with safer materials. This not only safeguards your health but also enhances the durability of your plumbing system.

Be Proactive About Lead Pipe Replacement

Proactively replacing lead pipes protects your family's health and can increase your property's value. Waiting for pipes to fail can lead to more significant expenses and health risks. Taking action now ensures peace of mind and compliance with any future regulations.

At Wenger Services LLC, we specialize in lead pipe assessment and replacement. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing safe and reliable plumbing solutions for homeowners in Littlestown Borough and surrounding areas.

📞 Call us at 1-717-640-6442 or visit www.wengerservices.com to schedule a consultation.