Signs You Might Have Lead in Your Wisconsin Sewer Line
If you live in an older neighborhood or city in Wisconsin, there’s a chance that your home might have lead sewer lines. The state of Wisconsin banned the use of lead in homes in 1984, so if your home was built before then, there’s likely lead in your pipes. Plus, some drinking water fixtures were manufactured with lead throughout the country until 1996.
Some communities, such as Madison, Wisconsin, started building sewer systems in the late 1880s and authorized the first sewerage plant in 1895, about 50 years before most other communities had such a facility.
However, the cost of replacing these lead service lines is astronomical, and most of the cost would be borne by the taxpayer. That’s why it is important to know if your home has lead pipes and what you can do to mitigate potential harm. Advanced Trenchless Solutions has some advice on how to detect lead service lines in your home and what you can do about it.
Signs of Lead in Sewer Lines
There are many signs of lead in sewer lines. Check these signs in your home, or call a professional plumbing company to help.
Age of the House
If your home or city’s sewer system was built before the 1950s, lead is likely in the sewer lines and possibly in your plumbing lines.
Water Color & Staining
Lead can get into your water, which causes it to appear discolored. If you see brown or reddish water coming from your faucets or in your toilet bowl, it could be a sign of lead corrosion.
However, red and orange stains can also be caused by hard water or high iron in the water.
Unpleasant Taste or Odor
Water that has lead in it will taste metallic or have a metallic odor. If your tap water has that unusual taste or odor, it might be contaminated by lead.
Leaks & Corrosion
If able, you can visually inspect your plumbing pipes for corrosion. Lead pipes may exhibit a bluish-white or grayish color and can appear pitted or have a rough texture if corroded.
Health Symptoms
While this is not always directly related to lead sewer lines, there are certain health symptoms that are from lead poisoning, whether directly or indirectly. Some of the symptoms include abdominal pain, headaches, irritability, fatigue, and developmental issues in children.
Testing for Lead in Sewer Lines
If you suspect that your plumbing or sewer lines have lead, there are ways to test for it. One way is to conduct water tests, which can be done with a kit you can purchase. You can also hire a professional to conduct a thorough analysis of your water.
If you wish to hire a professional, have them perform a camera inspection on your sewer line. These camera inspections can help determine if your sewer line is made of lead.
Replacing Lead Sewer Lines
Sewer lines from the house to the city sewer are typically the homeowner's responsibility. If you need to replace your lead sewer line, there are a few ways to go about it. The best way is to opt for trenchless pipe repair.
Companies like Advanced Trenchless Solutions can provide lead service line replacement by using methods like pneumatic moles and pipe bursting.
There are many additional benefits of pipe bursting, so making that choice can result in better sewerage flow and protection from invasive tree roots.
Contact Advanced Trenchless Solutions for Lead Pipe Replacement
Advanced Trenchless Solutions is based in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and can help repair and replace lead service lines and other types of pipes through trenchless pipe repair. Our innovative methods reduce digging and cause less disruption to your yard and community.
If you have any questions about trenchless pipe replacement and how we can remove lead service lines, give us a call to schedule an appointment. We will have to perform a camera scope to provide a quote.
You can reach ATS at 844-513-4106 or send us a message online!