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Re: Copper repiping and drinking water

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From: Aporce
Category:
Email: DotScoub@raf.com
Remote Name: 68.41.190.245
Date: 26 Jul 2007
Time: 06:42 AM

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From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Plumbing
Date: 24 Nov 1999
Time: 10:59:30
Remote Name: 205.188.192.151

Comments

The only scientific way to answer this question is to have your tap water tested periodically to see if it meets minimum EPA drinking water standards. However, since most people are unlikely to go to that expense, there are several precautionary measures that you should consider:

1) The process of installing new copper pipe can lead to temporary contamination of the drinking water supply. Sources include flux residue during the soldering process as well as small copper chips or filings. In addition, the copper pipe itself can have residual oils or lubricants from the manufacturing and handling process which require time to flush through. Periodically remove and clean your tap filters or screens to clear out any accumulation of minerals and metals.

2) Other sources of contaminants include other minerals and even trace amounts of lead which can leach out into the water from the pipe itself. Although pipes are made of copper, the copper is not 100% pure. Other minerals and metals combine with copper ore during the mining and fabrication process. Depending on the acidity of the water (PH less than 7), higher degrees of copper and lead may be present. Some municipalities are adding Sodium Hydroxide to the drinking water supply to bring the PH to slightly above 7 to help reduce corrosion in copper pipes. Corrosion is due to slight acidity and accelerates the introduction of contaminants into the water supply. Since 1986, the use of Lead solder has been prohibited and has been replaced by Silver alloys, so the solder joint itself should not be a source of concern.

3) Also, your fixtures are probably made of brass, which typically contain lead. Older fixtures, including some made in Mexico and other countries with lax regulations, can have higher levels of lead. For this reason, it is always a good idea to allow the water to flush through for several seconds prior to drinking it. Furthermore, always use cold water for drinking water, not hot water. Hot water can contain more contaminants.

4) While the use of water filters can help to eliminate some contaminants and odors from your water, they generally do not eliminate many of the trace metals, including lead, which can leach into the water supply from a variety of sources.

5) Since bottled water is not regulated either, the purest water you can drink is distilled water if you have particular concerns about the health effects of your water.

6) Finally, the EPA has an excellent tutorial on this topic, which can be found at:

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/Pubs/lead1.html

This paper indicates that new homes (or homes with new plumbing) can leach unsafe amounts of lead and other minerals for as long as five years after installation. While it's easy to overreact to all this information, if you have concerns, play it safe and err on the conservative side.

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