Many homes built before the 1960s still have galvanized plumbing according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, galvanized pipes are prone to corrosion and can expose homeowners to serious health problems over time. Robinson Plumbing, a plumbing service Macungie PA company, discusses why you should replace the galvanized pipes in your home.
Avoid Lead Poisoning
Contents
Galvanized pipes are essentially steel pipes covered with a layer of zinc. They have a lifespan of about 40 years. Nevertheless, the zinc layer corrodes over time and leaches into the water passing through such pipes. This is according to a study published in the journal Environmental Engineering Science. The researchers involved in this study found that lead levels in some instances were more than 100µg/L. During lab tests, the level of lead concentration in galvanized pipes peaked at 172µg/L. Consequently, this is an extremely high and dangerous level. It is more than ten times the safe limit set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Drinking water with such high levels of lead can cause health problems. These issues include:
- stillbirths
- kidney damage
- depression
- brain damage
- anemia
- infertility in both sexes
Moreover, the CDC says lead poisoning tends to be more severe in children than in adults.
Avoid Plumbing Blockages
Eroding zinc builds up inside the walls of the galvanized piping thereby blocking proper water flow. In fact, the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority says buildup of corrosion-related material inside galvanized pipes can cause low water pressure. Therefore, the most effective way of dealing with such blockages is by replacing the galvanized pipes with alternatives that are not prone to corrosion issues.
Enhance Education
A study published in the Occupational & Environmental Medicine journal found that children exposed to lead tend to have a “lower lifetime occupational” status than those who were not exposed to lead. In addition, a follow up study published in the journal Environmental Health found that even exposure to low-levels of lead causes irreversible IQ effects that persist into adulthood. Also, a Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital publication says lead exposure causes:
- intellectual ability delays
- poor speech articulation
- hyperactivity
- gross motor coordination problems
- learning issues
- delays in language or motor milestones
- problem-solving problems in children
- As such, affected children struggle in school and are more likely to drop out of school. By removing galvanized pipes from your home, you will enhance the education and career prospects of your children.
Better Water Quality
Corroding galvanized pipes degrade water quality in several ways. First of all, high levels of lead give water an unsavory, bitter taste. In addition, corrosion-related material that builds up inside galvanized pipes is prone to flaking off and mixing with passing water thereby making it dirty. Luckily, you can resolve these problems by replacing all galvanized pipes.
Plumbing Service Macungie PA
In conclusion, galvanized pipes cause lead poisoning and blockages in piping systems. Fortunately, you can avoid these problems as well as prevent other problems associated with lead exposure by hiring a professional plumber to replace the galvanized pipes in your home with non-galvanized pipes.
For a qualified plumber, contact Robinson Plumbing. Our experienced and skilled certified plumbers are known for being friendly, trustworthy, and professional. We are a local, family owned company that is known for trusted, high quality service.
We service Alburtis PA 18011, Breinigsville PA 18031, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Hereford PA 18056, Macungie PA 18062, Old Zionsville PA 18068, Trexlertown PA 18087, Zionsville PA 18092, and surrounding areas.
Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!