Lead is a toxic substance. It may still be found in many homes across the United States. Lead water piping was considered standard usage in many homes until the mid 1900s. Today, it is essential you contact plumbers in Nassau County to remove this threat to the health of all living within a residence you own, live in or rent. It is time to truly get the lead out.
A Brief History of Lead Water Pipes in the America
Lead pipes have long been common for carrying water into and throughout homes. Although lead was linked to poisoning by the late 1800s in the US, little was actually done about the problem at the time. In fact, large cities throughout the country used lead lines as a matter of choice. Municipalities and plumbers chose them for several reasons but the major two were:
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Lead pipes outlasted any other type of pipe, including iron by several years
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Lead is a more malleable substance, easy to bend and curve when required
The 1920s, however, saw a reduction of usage. Cities, towns and villages across the nation began to reject lead. This resulted in a downward trend from the 1930s onwards. However, this was not the end of the problem. Many homes continued to have plumbers, Nassau County included install lead pipes and some homes were constructed up until the 1980s with lead pipes, or using brass faucets or lead solder. A survey conducted in 1984, by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), found that the use of lead service mains and lines had continued long after the 1930s.
The result was the passage of the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1986. It prevented and installation of lead water pipes in America. Yet, even after 1986, homes continued to use brass faucets and were soldered together with lead. A survey in 2004 in Washington still found that over half the homes involved in the survey had lead amounts exceeding the action level implemented by the EPA guidelines.
New Laws
On January 4, 2014, the EPA is implementing U.S. Senate Bill No. S. 3874. This is the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act. It affects all new plumbing, and therefore, plumbers, as well as any renovations to “wetted surfaces.” It dictates further the use of lead, lead solder and related lead-based materials and equipment in plumbing.
Yet, landlords and property managers can take pro-active measures. They can work hard to ensure the water in their homes and rental units are safe from lead contamination. In New York, contact plumbers in Nassau County to take care of the problem. Pay attention and “Get the Lead Out.”
