[Lincolnparkdc] Any experience with lead in water pipes abatement?

[Peter R]

There is a lot of information available at www.dcwater.com.  
Try: https://www.dcwater.com/voluntary-replacements
and https://www.dcwater.com/replacelead

For a map showing if DC Water thinks you have a lead service line (they are
not always right), see
https://geo.dcwater.com/Lead/

Many years ago, when the water supplier to DC Water (then called WASA)
switched from chlorine to chloramine, it caused lead to leach into the
water.  They later added chemicals to prevent that from happening, and the
lead levels in our water have gone down significantly.  So much that DC
Water has cut way back on lead line replacements and is no longer considered
to be a "problem city".  Most houses with lead pipes now register
more-or-less acceptable lead levels (including mine).  But they do admit
that all lead lines need to be replaced eventually.

On Cap Hill, the city owns your front yard, up to the face of the house.  DC
Water is responsible for replacing that portion of the pipe, but due to
problems many years ago, they will only replace their part if you replace
your part.  If I recall, DC Water will do your part for a flat fee of around
$500, but I may be recalling wrong.  DC Water's customer service line
(354-3600) is pretty helpful sometimes, so give them a try.  They will
probably transfer you to the lead pipe department.

Replacing the shutoff valve at the same time is a very good idea, and may be
something that is standard.  If you have old copper pipes, or older
iron/steel pipes (that is, not plastic pipes), you may also want to add an
*electric* shutoff valve also.  This can be wired into a basement water
detector so that when the inevitable leak or burst pipe/water heater/washer
hose occurs the detector can shut off your water.  You will still have a
flood, but you won't have a swimming pool.

If you are really concerned about lead and cost, the cheapest solution is to
get a filter pitcher or filter on your kitchen faucet.  Lead won't hurt you
in the shower or laundry, only your drinking water.

--Peter--

-----Original Message-----
From: Cathie Woteki <uygp-hs47 at DoofusCorp.com> 
Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2020 6:08 PM
To: lincolnparkdc at lincolnparkdc.info
Subject: [Lincolnparkdc] Any experience with lead in water pipes abatement?

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We were approached by a representative of United Construction Services about
lining the water pipe coming into our house with new copper pipe as well as
replacing the shutoff valve for a cost of $1200.  Has anyone on the list
done this?  What was your experience?

Thanks for whatever information you can provide!

Cathie Woteki

Cathie, her iPad Mini

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