Replacing Lead Water Service Lines

Water service lines are the pipes that connect the water main below the street to the plumbing of residences and businesses. Since 1986, the use of lead in water pipes has been prohibited in the United States. Before the lead plumbing ban, some service lines installed in Minnesota were made of lead. Old lead water pipes, solder, and fixtures remain in many homes in Southern Minnesota built before 1986. 

In Minnesota, communities are required to determine where lead service lines are located. As of September 2024, less than 10% had completed the inventory. The status of the community water system inventories can be found on the MN Department of Health website. 

Health Risks of Lead Water Pipes

Lead water pipes are dangerous because lead is a highly toxic metal that can leach into drinking water. Lead exposure can cause significant neurological damage, especially in children. It can lead to developmental delays, learning difficulties, behavioral issues, irritability, weight loss, and abdominal pain. In adults, lead exposure can result in high blood pressure, kidney damage, joint and muscle pain, memory issues, mood disorders, and reproductive problems. Pregnant women exposed to lead in drinking water can experience complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.

Reducing exposure to lead in drinking water is crucial for health and safety. If you suspect your home has lead pipes, call General Rooter of Southern Minnesota at 507-550-2564.

Step-by-step Guide if You Suspect Lead Water Pipes in Your Home or Business.

If you suspect lead pipes in your home, immediately confirming and addressing the issue is essential to your health and the health of your loved ones. 

1. Identify Lead Pipes
   Lead pipes are typically dull gray and can be easily scratched with a key or coin. If the scratched area reveals a shiny, silver color, it is likely lead.
   Magnet Test: Lead is not magnetic. If a magnet does not stick to the pipe, it could be lead.
2. Test Your Water
   You can purchase a lead testing kit from a hardware store or contact a certified laboratory or local water utility to have your water professionally tested.
3. Contact your local water utility to inquire about the materials used in your water service line. They may have completed their inventory or can conduct an inspection.
4. Reducing Lead Exposure
   Flush Your Pipes: Run cold water for several minutes before using it for drinking, baby formula, or cooking, especially if it has been sitting in the pipes for several hours.
   Use Filters: Install a water filter certified to remove lead (look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification).
   Use Cold Water: Always use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water is more likely to leach lead from pipes.
5. Have Your Lead Water Pipes Replaced
   Eventually, all lead water service lines will be replaced at no cost to the property owner. As of September 2024, only about 20% of Minnesota communities have even identified where lead service lines were used.  General Rooter can replace these lead waterlines with safer materials like copper, PEX, or PVC.

Stay updated on local initiatives and resources for lead pipe replacement and water safety.

Replacing Lead Water Pipes

Lead pipes can be replaced using several methods, each with advantages and considerations. Here are the primary methods used by General Rooter of Southern Minnesota.

Traditional Excavation

Open Trenching: General Rooter would dig a trench along the length of the pipe to expose and replace it. While effective and sometimes necessary, the extensive digging and restoration can be disruptive.

Trenchless Methods

Pipe Bursting: While a bursting head is pulled through the pipe to break it apart, a replacement pipe is pulled through to replace the old pipe. 

Pipe Splitting: A cutting head is pulled through the pipe to split it open while the replacement pipe is pulled behind. 

Pipe Lining (Cured-in-Place Pipe, CIPP): A resin-coated flexible tube is inserted into the old pipe and inflated. The resin hardens, creating a protective barrier inside lead pipes. This method is less invasive and can be quicker.

Call General Rooter for Lead Water Line Replacements

The goal is to eliminate lead exposure from drinking water by replacing the lead pipes with pipes made from other materials, such as copper, PEX, or PVC. Would you like to explore the various methods for pipe replacement or have any other questions about lead water pipe replacement technologies? Call General Rooter of Southern Minnesota at 507-550-2564.