The primary material for water pipes in major U.S. cities, between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, was lead. Its durability and malleability made it a very popular choice for pipe material. Eventually galvanized steel and copper would replace lead, and copper pipe would eventually become the most popular material used in home water service and distribution in mid to late 20th century construction.

Lead contamination, caused by pipe corrosion and erosion, was the major source of lead-related health problems in the years before the health hazards of ingesting lead were fully understood. Two of the most serious health problems were stillbirth and high rates of infant mortality. Part of what did and continues to makes it so serious is that, unlike many other plumbing or pipe problems, there is no way to detect it without having your water tested. On its website, the EPA offers general information about lead contamination and how to test for it.

If you have lead in your water, it's generally because of lead-based solder which was the primary material to join copper pipes together, a service line pipe from your house to the city or town water main made out of lead, and brass or chrome-plated brass faucets. In 1986, Congress put and end to the use of lead solder with over 0.2% lead in it. The lead in faucets, pipes and every other plumbing material was not allowed to exceed 8.0%.? ?Lead-free? brass legally can can't have than 8% lead in it and plumbing systems installed prior to the 1986 legislation can possibly contain higher levels of lead.

Water lines from the city or town water main to a home or building's water system may be a lead pipe in older structures. If you or a previous owner of the structure had your plumbing system upgraded since 1960, it's probably composed of galvanized pipe. Galvanized pipe doesn't need lead solder to be joined. Faucets need to be checked for brass or chrome-plating, you're the original manufacturer, a local hardware store, or a licensed plumber should be able to tell you if yours contain either.

If your pipes are the source, epoxy lining will prevent lead leaching into your drinking water. Because the epoxy lining creates a barrier between the metal pipe and the water coming in contact with it, it stops the chemical reaction that causes corrosion. It eliminates and prevents from reoccurring, leaching of lead and other metals into the water, as well as a host of other poor water quality issues such as: discolored water (red, brown, blue or yellow), metallic taste (caused by zinc or iron leeching in galvanized pipes), and water odor or bad taste (caused by bacteria).

Epoxy lining of pipes is not a new technology, just a relatively unkown one. But it's not unproven ?both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have tested and approved the use of epoxy pipe lining to prevent lead and other contaminants from leaching into drinking water. Links to their reports are available at http://curaflo.com/CuraFlo/ResourceCenter.

There is no need for health concerns when it comes to epoxy lining your pipes, CuraFlo's epoxy, CuraPoxy?, is certified to meet ANSI/NSF Standard 61 - the U.S. government standard for safe potable (drinking) water. ANSI/NSF Standard 61 certification means that something is certified safe to be used in potable water pipes at temperatures up to 180? Fahrenheit or 82.2? Celsius. CuraFlo's epoxy pipe lining process protects you from lead (and other metals) in your pipes leaching into your water by preventing these metals from leaching into your water.