Lead can cause serious health problems if you consume it. Years ago, people would unintentionally drink lead because pewter mugs, cookware, and lead pipes would gradually leach lead into their food or water. In the modern era, lead consumption is often linked to the pipes in your home or community. By replacing lead pipes, you can help protect your family’s health and well-being here in Springfield, IL.
Why Do Homes Have Lead Pipes?
Today, you can hire a plumberand get new, non-lead pipes installed in your home. Professional plumbing services no longer rely on lead pipes because we can use better materials, like copper. In the past, lead was used because it was easy to shape, durable, and resistant to corrosion.
Lead has been used in pipes since the Roman Empire. In fact, the word “plumbing” came from the Latin word for lead. While it was quite popular, lead was eventually discovered to be a neurotoxin.
What Are the Dangers of Lead Pipes?
Replacing lead pipes is more than just a good idea for your health. Starting in 2022, Illinois began requiring community water suppliers to replace all of their their lead pipes. This change was brought about because of the many dangers involved in using lead pipes.
- Lowered IQ
- Issues with the production of red blood cells
- Brain and kidney damage
- Heart disease
- Memory and learning deficits
Lead accumulates in the body over time, so gradual exposure will eventually start to compound. Unfortunately, lead is particularly dangerous for young children and pregnant women.
Fortunately, there is an easy way to reduce your family’s exposure. By replacing lead pipes in your home or business, you can reduce the lead in your drinking water.
Get Support With Replacing Your Home’s Pipes
Once you discover that your home has lead pipes, the next step is finding out how to get them replaced. Besides replacing lead pipes, the experts at HRI Plumbing can help with leak detection, drain cleaning, and toilet repair services.
Learn more about repiping your home’s lead pipes today.
