Need a certified contractor for lead drain pipe replacement in NJ?
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Some older homes in New Jersey may still contain outdated lead plumbing pipes or lead drain pipes, which can lead to water contamination and create a serious health risk. Lead accumulates in the body over time, meaning that even low level exposure can build up gradually and cause serious nervous system and kidney problems. Lead pipes have fallen out of use since the 1970s and 1980s, but outdated pipes may still lurk on a few older properties. If your home has lead drain lines or lead plumbing pipes, or even copper pipe with lead solder dating to before the 1980s, you’ll need lead pipe replacement as soon as possible with newer, safer, EPA-approved materials that meet New Jersey plumbing codes.
Lead Pipe Replacement with Safe Drain Line Materials
Lead was the material of choice for plumbing pipes of all kinds, from ancient Rome up until the 20th century. In recent decades, when scientific investigation showed that lead pipes lead to unsafe lead exposure over time, it was superceded by safer materials like cast iron, copper, PVC, and PEX.
Because lead accumulates inside the body, where lead ions take the place of calcium ions, even low dose exposure can be dangerous over time. Regardless of whether the pipes have been damaged by corrosion, you’ll need to replace them to remain up to code. The cost and time for completion for drain pipe replacement can vary, depending on how easily accessible the pipes are, whether they’re buried underground, and how many pipes will need to be replaced. If there’s a lot of lead in your plumbing system, this can be a considerable undertaking. If you’re purchasing an older home that hasn’t been renovated in quite some time, we recommend plumbing inspection from a certified local plumbing company prior to moving in.
Replacing Other Metal Drain Pipes
Lead isn’t the only reason to replace old metal drain pipes. Even if the pipes are made from safe, nontoxic metals like copper or cast iron, their service life is ultimately limited. Even high quality drain pipes will eventually succumb to corrosion, scale, or other problems that can’t easily be repaired. You may need drain pipe replacement for very old metal pipes, to prevent water leaks and other problems.
When to Replace Your Copper or Cast Iron Drain Pipes
Copper pipes have a typical service life of around 50 years, while cast iron can last even longer. There are still working cast iron plumbing pipes in service that may be over a century old. However, age takes its toll on metal when it’s constantly exposed to running water, and especially in certain local water conditions, they’ll eventually need to be replaced.
- Corrosion is practically inevitable with metal drains, although PVC and other modern thermoplastics are highly resistant to most forms of electrochemical corrosion. Corrosion rates are affected by local water pH, water oxygenation, dissolved mineral ions, and other factors. In sewer lines, bacteria that break down sewage can speed corrosion by emitting hydrogen sulfide gas that is converted into corrosive sulfuric acid. Corrosion leads to cracks and holes that leak water, potentially damaging surrounding structures or weakening the soil that surrounds underground drainage pipes.
- Scale is particularly common in areas with hard water. These mineral deposits build up inside a pipe over years of use, constricting water flow and making the drain line more likely to clog. Severely scale-afflicted pipes will need drain pipe replacement, as scale cannot be easily removed.
Once installed, new copper drain lines will last for decades, and corrosion-resistant PVC is predicted to last for up to a century when installed in underground or indoor locations sheltered from UV light.
Plumbers in NJ for Lead Drain Replacement
Lead drainage pipes aren’t up to code, and can pose a risk to your health and to the environment. At A1 Sewer & Drain Services, we provide professional drain line replacement service with newer, safer materials. Call us any time for same-day service, including a free consultation and cost estimate, at 201-645-0888. We’re also available for 24/7 emergency drain pipe repair for burst, frozen, or collapsed pipes in NJ.