Lead pipes were extremely common
around 1900 and most cities including New York City, Chicago and Boston used
lead pipes. Lead pipe was also common in
Cape Town, South Africa used as early as 1812.
However, “it was not until the late 1920s that health officials began to
discover cases of lead poisoning that they were willing to attribute to the use
of city water” (Werner Troesken).
Lead
pipes were capable of inducing “0.05 and 0.4 parts per million (ppm), 3-27
times the modern EPA standard” (Werner Troesken).
“Perhaps as many as eight million people were
affected by an epidemic of water plumbism (lead poisoning, from Latin plumbum,
lead) in the North of England during the 1880s” (Werner Troesken).
These facts gave clear incentive a century
ago that a change needed to be made in the transportation of potable water,
which is why the transition to iron pipes became more common.
Cast iron is the primary type of
pipe used for potable water mains in the United States. Water mains have been constructed from this
material since 1900. The older pipes
have had plenty of time to corrode and accumulate a buildup of minerals, both
causing a decrease in efficiency and water quality.
Most new cast iron water mains come from the
factory pre-lined with cement mortar to prevent corrosion and mineral
buildup. Pipelining began in the 1920’s
as an alternative to replacing entire mains; this new process was faster, less
labor intensive, and cost less. Since
its conception, pipelining has evolved and branched into several diverse and
effective methods.
One of the major reasons for the
pipe’s corrosion is the nature of its environment in water main usage. The underground environment accelerates the
corrosion process, creating a need for an alternative way of laying sustainable
pipe.
Pipelining technology first began
in 1922, where cement mortar was first used to protect the interior walls of a
pipe and to improve the drinking water quality.
Before this technology, pipes were exposed to deterioration, but because
of the strength and durability of iron pipes, it was not uncommon for the
un-lined pipes to last over 150 years.
Concrete lining is being used throughout the US and
other countries, lining sewer and water pipelines. These linings provide
protection from chemicals and other attacking sources that cause mineral build
up in pipes anywhere concrete surfaces come into contact with corrosive
chemicals, including alkaline solutions, aggressive salts, solvents and gasses.
This includes sewage systems, waste water treatment facilities, drinking water
treatment facilities.
The water hardness is a primary factor in the mineral
buildup within the pipe. There are several companies that offer a solution to
this growing problem with the use of concrete, polyethylene and also epoxy pipe
lining.
As opposed to completely replacing
decayed pipe, cement mortar lining of in-place pipes is a very beneficial, cost effective, sustainable alternative. Some of the major
advantages are:
- It is cost effective and
generally saves between 30-90% over replacement
- Increases the water main
pipe carrying capacity
- Extends the life of the
existing pipe
- Prevents leaks from
occurring and stops current leaks that may exist
- Eliminates red water,
from the iron being precipitated
- Prevents further
corrosion in the cast ion pipe
Nice job, Willems, you described another possible threat to our potable water supplies, one that we rarely consider. I like that you have a nice theme around water and are exploring it with your blog.
ReplyDeleteI have seen similar lining technology advertised in Gainesville. As a homeowner with older cast iron pipes that failed, I was looking at all solutions including this new pipe liner. I consider myself a moderate technology adopter, so I went with new PVC pipe to replace my old cast iron. However, I am still keeping an eye on this technology. It will be interesting to see how this works over the years as it gains in popularity as well as reputation.
ReplyDeleteGreat, now every time I drink out of a faucet I wonder if the pipes have been updated. It just goes to show just how little we know about the things we can't see. We just have to trust that people are doiing their jobs and concerned about our health. That process of converting the pipes must have been a messy and a long one. Potability is so crucial to our health. I just think of all the countries who don't have the infrastucture or the funds to ensure safe, clean water. We are certainly blessed!
ReplyDeleteYou made some fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found a good number of persons will go along with your blog. sewer pipe repair
ReplyDelete