Tag Archives: lead water line replacement in chicago

Jan '25

The Dangers of Lead Water Pipes in Chicago

Lead water pipes have been banned in the US since the 1980s, notes Invest West Management. Yet many Chicago homes and offices still have them in their plumbing. What are the dangers of having lead water pipes in your building, and how can you remove these toxic metal pipes?

The problem of lead in water was first addressed in 1986 with an amendment to the Safe Drinking Water Act. Although this law prohibited the use of lead pipes for providing drinking water, it did not force cities to replace existing lead water pipes.

As a result, most of Chicago’s lead water pipes were never removed. Before the ban, Chicago’s city code required the use of lead service lines, which meant that several Chicago buildings had lead water pipes in their plumbing.

Even today, Chicago has more lead water pipes than any US city, with an estimated 400,000 lead pipes serving around 2.7 million people. These lead pipes pose an enormous health risk to the city’s people, especially children.

The dangers of lead water pipes

The principal danger of lead water pipes is that lead can leach into drinking water, causing “lead poisoning.” Even in tiny amounts, this heavy metal causes major health problems, and this is why there are no safe levels of lead exposure.

What are the health implications of using lead water pipes?

Young children and pregnant women are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning.
In young children, lead poisoning can cause brain and nervous system damage.
Lead poisoning has a lifelong impact on cognitive development, neurological function, and IQ levels.
In adults, lead poisoning is linked to kidney damage, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems.

Do you have a lead service line in your home?

To check if the water pipes in your home are made of lead, follow these steps:

How old is your home?

If your home was built before 1986, the chances of having lead water pipes are high (because that was the standard in Chicago then).

Check your home’s records

To replace the main water line in a home, you need a permit. Check to see if a building permit was ever issued for replacing your water lines.

Inspect the service line

If the service line is accessible, you can examine it to see if it is made of lead. Use the following steps to test the exposed portion of the pipe.

Scrape the pipe surface with a coin. If it is easily scraped, it could be made of lead.
If the exposed surface (after scraping the pipe) is dull gray, it could be lead.
Try sticking a magnet to the pipe to see if it adheres. If it doesn’t, it is likely lead pipe.

Have the line inspected professionally

To remove all doubt, have a plumber check your plumbing. Even if your service line is not made of lead, you may have a lead gooseneck. Since goosenecks are hidden from view, it makes sense to have a plumber inspect the entire plumbing.

Test your drinking water

Lastly, you may want to have a certified laboratory test your drinking water to see if it has lead. Remember that there are no safe exposure limits for lead.

What should you do if you have lead water pipes in your home?

If lead water pipes are in your home, the best solution is to replace them. To start the process, contact your local water utility or health department for information on how to do this. You never know. You may even qualify for some financial assistance.

That is because Chicago has a program that offers limited free lead pipe replacement for low-income families and other qualified applicants. Also, the city recently started to replace lead pipes if they break. There may be other programs you can take advantage of.

In the interim, however, what can you do to protect your family from lead poisoning?

Run your water before using it

Before drinking or cooking, run the water for a few minutes. That will remove water that has been inside the pipes for several hours. If your service line is very long, this step won’t help much.

Clean faucet aerators regularly

Tiny pieces of lead can break away from the pipes and get trapped inside your faucet. Cleaning the aerator often will get rid of the debris.

Use cold water

Lead dissolves faster in hot water than in cold water. Use only cold water for drinking and preparing baby formula.

Install a lead filter

While waiting to remove the lead water pipes in your home, consider getting a water filtration system that is certified to remove “total lead.”

Finally, you need a professional plumber with experience handling lead water pipe issues to advise you on the best approach to your lead service line replacement.

Apr '23

Water Line Replacement in Chicago: Who is Responsible?

Water Line Maintenance Chicago

Living in the city Chicago can be a struggle—literally and financially. Dealing with water line maintenance and repair can seem like an overwhelming task. After all, you don’t want to make mistakes that will cost you time and money. Understanding who is responsible for water line maintenance and repair can make the process much easier and less expensive.

When it comes to water line maintenance and repair in Chicago, it’s important to know who is responsible for the bill. In most cases, the homeowner is responsible for the cost of any water line maintenance and repair. This includes installation, repairs, or emergency visits by a water line repair company. The City of Chicago typically owns up to the street curb in front of a home, but the homeowner assumes responsibility for the total care of the water line.

It’s important to know that household piping—from the meter to the tap—is also the responsibility of the homeowner. This includes your main line, supply lines, flex lines, and occasionally even the meter. It pays to make sure your plumbing system is running efficiently and that you’re doing everything you can to prevent future problems from arising.

Chicago Water Line Installation

If the time has come for a full replacement of your water line, you’re likely asking who is responsible for replacing it and how you should go about it. The answer to this question depends on the situation. If your water main is broken, aged, has been damaged due to weather conditions, or is connected to an old lead line, the City of Chicago is responsible for its replacement. But, if your water line is being disconnected for cosmetic reasons or other reasons on the homeowner’s part, then the cost of water line replacement is the responsibility of the homeowner.

Water line installation is a job best left to a professional. A professional plumber can safely and efficiently install a new water line and make sure it’s up to code. If you want to avoid costly mistakes, it’s important to use a licensed, experienced plumber. Not to mention, it’s important to hire a licensed Chicago plumber because many municipalities require a permit for any underground excavation work.

Water Line Replacement Responsibility

Knowing who is responsible for lead water line replacement is the first step in getting the job done. But, it’s also important to be aware of the potential problems you may run into when replacing a water line. First and foremost, it’s important to understand that there is potential for future repairs. Any water line connection, regardless of whether it is newly installed or replacement, could potentially leak due to soil or ground movement. If this happens, the homeowner will be responsible for footing the bill for the repair.

Also, if you’re not doing the work yourself, you will need to find a qualified, insured contractor and obtain any required permits. Lastly, as a homeowner it’s important to ensure that your water line is replaced to code and up to the City of Chicago’s standards.

Replacing a water line in Chicago can be a costly and complex job. Be sure to understand the rules and regulations and know who is responsible for the cost of the project. Make sure to understand the potential for future repairs and potential permits that might be necessary. When it comes to water line replacement, knowledge is power and can save money and time.

—

Looking for the best water line repair or replacement service in Chicago? Call us at 773-599-9181 or contact us below!

Mar '23

Benefits of a Water Line Replacement in Chicago

Improving Water Quality

One of the major benefits of a water line replacement in Chicago is the significant improvement in water quality. Over time, old water lines can become corroded and deteriorate, resulting in a decrease in the quality of the water that flows into homes and businesses. By replacing the outdated water lines, residents and businesses can enjoy clean and safe water that is free from contaminants, rust, and other impurities.

Enhancing Water Pressure

Another advantage of a water line replacement is the enhancement of water pressure. Aging water lines often experience leaks and clogs, which can lead to a decrease in water pressure. This can be particularly frustrating for residents who rely on adequate water pressure for various household tasks such as showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry. By replacing the old lead water lines, water pressure can be restored to optimal levels, ensuring a steady flow of water.

Reducing Water Loss

Old and damaged water lines are prone to leaks and cracks, which result in significant water loss. This not only wastes valuable water resources but also leads to increased water bills for residents and businesses. By replacing the outdated water lines, the occurrence of leaks and cracks can be minimized, resulting in a more efficient water distribution system and reduced water loss. This is not only beneficial for the environment but also helps to lower water bills for consumers.

Preventing Costly Repairs

Proactively replacing water lines in Chicago can help prevent costly repairs in the future. As water lines age, they become more vulnerable to damage, such as leaks and bursts. These issues can result in significant property damage and require expensive repairs. By investing in a water line replacement, property owners can avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with emergency repairs caused by water line failures. This provides peace of mind and saves both time and money in the long run.

Ensuring Reliable Water Supply

An outdated water line system can lead to unexpected disruptions in the water supply. Whether it’s due to leaks, bursts, or other infrastructure issues, an unreliable water supply can cause inconvenience and frustration for residents and businesses. By replacing the aging water lines, the reliability of the water supply is greatly improved. This means residents and businesses can have confidence in a consistent and uninterrupted water supply for their daily needs.

Increasing Property Value

Investing in a water line replacement can also have a positive impact on property value. Potential homebuyers and tenants often prioritize the quality and reliability of utilities, including the water supply. By upgrading the water lines, property owners can attract buyers and tenants who value a well-maintained and efficient water system. This can lead to higher property values and increased demand for the property.

Supporting Sustainable Development

Replacing outdated water lines is not only beneficial for individual properties but also contributes to sustainable development on a larger scale. By reducing water loss, improving water quality, and enhancing water distribution efficiency, a water line replacement in Chicago supports sustainable water management practices. Conserving water resources and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations is an important aspect of sustainable development.

In Conclusion

A water line replacement in Chicago offers numerous benefits, including improved water quality, enhanced water pressure, reduced water loss, prevention of costly repairs, reliable water supply, increased property value, and support for sustainable development. Property owners and residents who invest in this upgrade can enjoy clean and safe water, lower water bills, and peace of mind knowing that their water infrastructure is efficient and reliable. By prioritizing the replacement of outdated water lines, Chicago can maintain a modern and sustainable water distribution system for the benefit of its residents and the environment.