How to Remove Lead from Water

House construction has changed over the years to accommodate modern preferences and replace dangerous materials and techniques.  Such is the case with lead pipes, which were common in houses built before the 1950s. Many homeowners of these older houses are looking for lead pipe replacement in Toronto for improved health.

Why is Lead Pipe Replacement in Toronto Important?

In Toronto, lead pipe replacement is important due to the dangers that lead pipes pose to water supply. As homes ages, many lead pipes are nearing the end of their lifespan, increasing their lead-leaking potential.

It is best to replace any lead pipes now to prevent costly emergency replacements. Doing so also allows you to play an active role in ensuring high-quality drinking water for your family.

How Does Exposure to Lead Water Pipes Happen?

There are several ways that lead exposure through pipes can occur. Sometimes, the issue is with the lead water pipes themselves as is the case with lead leaching, which is when lead from corroded pipes leaks into the water. Another way is when the pipes are disturbed through construction, excavation, or some other interference, causing lead particles to get into the water. Lead exposure could also occur through water pressure and temperature issues.

Health Issues Linked to Lead Pipes

Lead pipe replacement is a must because lead exposure leads to health issues. Although lead is unhealthy for everyone, certain groups are more vulnerable, namely children, older adults, and pregnant women.

  • Anemia – Lead interferes with hemoglobin production and reduces the lifespan of red blood cells, leading to anemia.
  • High blood pressure – Lead can cause the blood vessels to constrict, increasing blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Muscle and joint pain – Lead exposure can cause muscle and joint issues, including muscle weakness, cramps, joint pain, arthritis, tendinitis, and gout.
  • Kidney damage – The increased blood pressure associated with lead stresses the kidneys and increases the risk of kidney stones.
  • Headaches – Exposure to lead often causes inflammation, leading to headaches. Damaged blood vessels, including those in the brain, can also cause headaches.
  • Brain and nervous system damage – Lead interferes with the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, deteriorating blood vessels and nerves and leading to several neurological symptoms.
  • Developmental issues and learning disabilities in children – Children can develop speech, language, and cognitive delays causing learning disabilities, behavioural problems, and emotional difficulties.
  • Hearing disorders – Lead can permanently damage hair cells in the ear, causing hearing loss, tinnitus, and auditory processing disorders.
  • Memory loss – Lead exposure has been linked to short- and long-term memory loss, the decline of cognitive abilities, and even dementia.

How Do I Know If My Home Has Lead Pipes?

It is crucial to determine whether your home has lead pipes. If your home was built before the mid-1950s it probably has lead pipes.

You can have a licensed plumber inspect your pipes, ask the city for a free lead test, or contact 311 to put in a service request to check the city records.

Start Your Lead Pipe Replacement Today

Get reliable lead pipe replacement in Toronto at Summit Drain. We are experts in lead pipe replacement and are committed to ensuring clean drinking water for you and your family. Contact us today for a free estimate or to book a consultation.    

Related Article: 5 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Plumber

FAQ

A main sewer line blockage can cause water to backup in random places. For instance, you run your washing machine and notice your sink overflowing – this can be a clear sign that you have a clogged drain line.

If you have ruled out a potential sewer drain clog, you can rinse your sewer drain by flushing it with water. When you flush your lines, try adding a bit of drain cleaner to the water. A great place to flush your sewer line is the toilet – a larger amount of water and drain cleaner can enter your system quickly and easily. Unfortunately, if you do this when you have a clog, it can cause backup and potential flooding – if this is the case, clear the clog first.

You should generally know if your sewer line is blocked with slow drainage. The purpose of the sewer line is to take all the water drainage away from your house via sinks, bathtubs or toilets – if you find that there is slower drainage in one drain then you can essentially clear that yourself using a drain snake or a plunger.

There is confusion regarding when you are responsible for sewer line repair. While some may believe that the homeowner is only responsible for repairing the part of the line that’s on their property, this is not the case. Sewer lines consist of multiple sections, the upper lateral, lower lateral and the main line. The city is only responsible for repairing the main sewer line.

If issues with the main sewer line cause damage to your lower lateral, which is most likely where the damage would generally first start – the city would repair this damage when they work on the main sewer line. Unfortunately, if there is backup and flooding on your property from the main sewer line, then the city would not be responsible. It is best to follow up with the city to see if they will repair any damage in these cases.

Unpleasant smells coming from your drains is indicative of sewer line issues and damage. You should always take these types of smells seriously as it could be toxic fumes slowly releasing from the sewer below into your home.

There are a number of ways to clear a slow drain using products found around the home:

Bent Wire – If you do not have a drain snake, you can try using a stiff wire – like one from a clothes hanger, leaving the hook to enter pipes and pull out any clogs. Try to make sure you don’t push debris further into the pipe.

Homemade Flush – Mixing baking soda and vinegar can dissolve any materials that are potentially clogging your drain pipes. This is a good and much safer alternative to store-bought chemical cleaners.

Toilet Plunger – Like plunging a toilet, you can try using this on your drains. Using a plunger on your drains can help get things moving by using suction. This should be enough to fix any mild blockages.

Aged drain pipes are at risk for corrosion which can lead to breaks. Summit Drain has both the technology and expertise to fix this if necessary.

Yes. Drain pipes are durable, but not meant to last forever. If you live in an older home in Ottawa, most likely the pipes are made from copper and can collapse in this day and age.

When it comes to a collapsed drain, call Summit Drain. We use trenchless technology to replace sewer pipes made from original materials without ruining your property.

Rock salt
Rock salt helps by removing moisture from the roots, which in turn kills them. Two lbs should do the trick, pour 1 down the toilet. Flush until gone. And repeat with the next. Then leave for 12 hours and don’t run any water.


Foaming root killers
Another effective way to treat roots in pipes is with foaming root killers. Pour powder into toilet and flush. It will foam upon contact with water. Not only does it help dissolve current roots, but also helps to protect against future ones.


Copper sulfate
Copper sulfate is another good option. Available at most hardware stores, pour roughly half a cup into toilet and flush until gone. Leave the home and take all pets and family members along. This is a toxic substance and banned in some places.


Should I replace old pipes?
There does come a time where it makes sense to replace your pipes. Over time they crack and corrode. It is recommended to begin routine inspections once your home reaches 50 years in age. For plumbing Services in and around the Ottawa area, nobody does it like Summit Drain.

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