Should you be worried about lead pipes? Useful insights by one of the leading manufacturers of UPVC pipes and fittings

The use of lead as a material in plumbing dates back to the times of the Romans. However, as the toxic effects of lead came to light, lead pipes have become a matter of concern. As one of the manufacturers of cPVC and uPVC pipes and fittings, we offer plumbing solutions that are lead free. Here we discuss some useful insights on lead pipes and lead poisoning:

1.    Why is lead a problem?

Lead is a metal that can be found in paint, air, soil, household dust, food and tap water. High levels of lead in tap water can cause serious health effects. It has been found that lead exposure can lead to cognitive impairment in children. As per UNICEF, almost 800 million children across the world are affected by lead poisoning.  It can also cause hypertension, kidney damage and interfere with the production of red blood cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

 

2.   Is lead harmful for everyone?

 

Lead is harmful to everyone, but it is especially dangerous for infants, young children and pregnant women.  As discussed above, lead can cause impaired mental and physical development. Also, lead in the blood during pregnancy can increase risk for miscarriage or premature delivery.

 

 

3.   How does lead get into drinking water?

 

Lead in drinking water usually comes from plumbing lines or household pipes. Older homes are most at risk of having lead in water as it was common to install lead pipes earlier. Lead-containing water pipes ultimately rust, letting lead contaminate water supply,  making the water unsuitable for drinking.

 

4.   How to test your tap water or lead?

 

These days, instant lead water test kits are easily available that will show whether water has lead or not. You can even use a digital kit. Usually, to test the water, you need a sample that has been stagnant in the pipes for at least six to eight hours. Don�"�t run taps before taking the sample. The best way to collect the sample in the morning as you will get water that was in the pipes overnight.

 

5.    What can be done to reduce or eliminate lead in drinking water?

 

Here are some ways to  reduce or eliminate lead in drinking water:

â�"      Use water filters:  RO water filters can remove most lead from your drinking water.

â�"      Avoid using hot water: If you have lead pipes at home, do not use hot water as it dissolves lead. Do not use hot water directly from the faucet to cook or make hot drinks.

 

Replace lead pipes with lead-free plumbing pipes

 

The most effective way to prevent lead from entering your tap water is to use uPVC or cPVC pipes that are lead-free.  Our uPVC and CPVC pipes and fittings are not just lead free, they are also resistant to chemicals, corrosion and UV rays. They are manufactured with the best sourced raw materials and adapted to international standards.

 

What is the difference between uPVC and CPVC?

 

Both uPVC and CPVC pipes and fittings are made from different types of vinyl chloride. uPVC is treated with UV light, which makes it more resistant to degradation from sunlight. CPVC is treated with chlorination. This makes it more resistant to heat and chemicals.

 

 

Properties	uPVC	CPVC
Material type	PVC + additives	(vinyl chloride)
Temperature	Suitable for cold water application	Suitable for cold and hot water application
Usage	â�"      Residential plumbing â�"      Swimming pools â�"      Industrial process lines â�"      Food and beverage â�"      Salt water lines â�"      chemical sector	â�"      Water mains for residential and industrial use â�"      Industrial water lines â�"      Plant piping â�"      Transporting chemicals and salt  water