As technology develops and our scientific understanding of the world improves, the kinds of materials used in all sorts of industries have changed. This is no more true than in the construction and plumbing industries, two inter-related professions that have consistently updated their material requirements to reflect our knowledge of materials.

Toxic Levels Of Lead In Drinking Water

One popular example of this change is lead pipes. For a long time, lead was thought to be the best substance to make pipes with. It is sturdy, durable, and relatively rust-repellent. It was the industry standard in construction all the way through the 19th century and up till the early 20th century. Lead was present in city water filtration systems, residential homes and commercial properties – it was everywhere. However, scientific research in the early 1990s showed that lead was present in people’s drinking water. It came to be understood that most people’s drinking water across Canada and the United States was toxified by the presence of lead, which, at certain levels, is extremely harmful.  

Very quickly a campaign to remove lead pipes from people’s homes was undertaken, a project which continues to this day.  

Clay Pipes Are Another Thing Of The Past

Homeowners should know that modernizing a plumbing system means incorporating some of the most resilient materials that are more durable and effective than ever. A great example of this modernization is the transition from clay pipes to plastic pipes.  

Before plastic existed, clay pipes were used for plumbing of all types, from homes to sewers and commercial buildings. The fact of the matter is that dried clay is not very durable. People with clay pipes will probably know about them because they probably have an issue with leaks. Clay is prone to cracking and is also very susceptible to root infestation. It is, after all, a form of earth.

Today, a lot of hold homes will still have clay pipping, usually in the outbound drainage plumbing system connecting to the city’s sewage system. A homeowner can rest assured that when cracking emerges there is a suitable alternative in the form of plastic pipes. Plastic is cheaper and more durable than clay, the two major reasons why it has replaced clay in plumbing since the 1960s. Clay pipes are still used in some instances today, but more so in municipal project instead of residential properties.  

Options With Clay Pipes

Older homes with clay pipes have not fallen too far behind the times though. In most cases, depending on the layout of the piping, it’s possible to re-line the clay piping with a no-dig drain liner. This retains the structural integrity of the piping and supports it in case of leaking.  

An experienced plumbing company in Toronto will be able to answer any questions regarding lead or clay pipes. As the industry changes, professional plumbers have an increasing number of tools at their disposal to improve the plumbing infrastructure of a home. It’s nice to know that modernization in the plumbing industry means homeowners can be safer and save money on maintenance.

partnered post