How to Improve Your Health With Lead Pipe Replacement

Water tubes repair Toronto

Changing old lead pipes can significantly improve your health. Drinking water that’s passed through lead pipes can be very dangerous, ranging from minor health problems to potentially life threatening conditions. Continue reading to learn about the importance of removing lead from water, the associated health risks, and more.

Why Is Removing Lead from Water Important?

In Toronto, lead was a widely popular material prior to 1986 because of its durability and affordability.

As such, many older homes still have and use lead pipes. The primary benefit of removing lead from water is safer drinking and sanitary water.

How do you remove lead from water? 

If you suspect your home still has lead pipes, it’s important to call a plumbing professional such as WaterGuard Plumbing.

We offer lead pipe replacement services in Toronto and the GTA to protect your entire household from major and minor health concerns.

removing lead from water

How Does Exposure to Lead Pipes Happen?

Since lead pipes are incredibly durable, lasting up to 150 years, they were frequently used in plumbing and construction despite their adverse effects on people’s health.

The most common points of exposure are through lead paint and lead water pipes. The majority of lead exposure cases are attributed to the contamination of drinking water as it travels through the pipes.

Lead in Water Symptoms

Lead exposure can have severe health consequences for people of all ages, leading to poor quality of life and even fatalities. Here are some lead-in-water symptoms you may experience: 

People with anemia lack enough red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry sufficient levels of oxygen to organs and tissues.

Lead poisoning can cause hypertension, which is blood pressure readings of 140/90 and over. This puts you at a greater risk of a heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular disease.

Painful muscles and joints can reduce mobility and cause stiffness. Severe muscle and joint pain can lead to irritability, sleep disturbances, and fatigue.

Symptoms of kidney damage include fatigue, swelling in your lower extremities, weakness, and an irregular heartbeat. Untreated kidney problems can lead to kidney disease and failure.

Lead-related headaches involve feeling increased pressure at the front, sides, and back of your head. Your neck scalp and shoulder muscles can also become tender.

High levels of lead exposure can put you into a coma, cause convulsions, and result in a loss of muscle control.

Cognitive delay, hyperactivity, hearing impairments, and speech delays are among the effects lead exposure can have on a developing brain.

Loss of hearing and hearing impairments are especially prevalent in children who have been exposed to lead.

Chronic lead poisoning causes both short-term and long-term memory loss. Related symptoms include an inability to concentrate, increased irritability, and depression.

how to remove lead from water
lead in water symptoms

Signs of Lead in Water

Toronto homes that were built before 1986 are more likely to have lead water pipes or copper pipes with lead soldering.

There are many ways to tell if your home has signs of lead in water such as contacting your water utility company, calling a professional plumber, and using at-home lead water testing kits.

How to Get Lead Out of Water? Next Steps

After confirming the signs of lead in water, the next question is: “How to get lead out of water?” The answer is quite simple. Contact WaterGuard Plumbing or nearby professional plumbers. Our licensed plumbers will replace lead pipes in your home with great customer support and efficiency. For lead pipe replacement Toronto residents can trust, contact us today.

Related Article: All You Need to Know About Toronto Lead Pipe Replacement