DIYorBust
Active Member
Is there a way to check if copper piping installed in the 80s was lead free by inspecting the joints?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Question seems to have changed. I don't know how its determined if lead is in your system, I would doubt that any plumber could certify that none exists unless attesting to have installed all plumbing. whether the building was built before or after doesn't prove what was used. Sorry can't help much about lead but I believe it can be determined might have to throw a lot of money in it, or do you just want to get it signed off or something? Presedent joe wants to rid us of lead in water I don't know how its done I guess just repipe everything with known material is one way. My house is 95 percent PEX built in 2001 but I don't know if someone sweated a fitting with outlaw solder . I suppose some inspection company does water samplesTrue but it has to do with a code compliance issue, a plumber may need to certify its lead free. Is this something a plumber can do? We're don't know if it was done before 1986.
Thanks Terry, so if I unsolder a joint the 50/50 would pop? What does that look or sound like?
Well normally in this area we need to submit a certificate from a plumber saying that all the piping was done in lead free solder, and I guess that would apply even to PEX. So in some circumstances we may connecting to plumbing done around 1986, and then it would not be clear if we could meet this standard without testing the solder, or if the local code officials would accept that.what exactly do you want to accomplish? if your home is old enough you would be code compliant I think. perhaps you are concerned for yourself and family? you mentioned getting someone to certify .
If I was concerned I'd look into testing the water testing one or 2 joints doesn't seem like a good test . If water tested good why worry about fittings? but I've never been involved with lead testing but it seem like the way I'd prefer without consulting an expert in lead.
True but it has to do with a code compliance issue, a plumber may need to certify its lead free. Is this something a plumber can do? We're don't know if it was done before 1986.
A lot of unscrupulous
plumbers did not trust 95- 5 and capped the joint with 50- 50
not getting much help with this sorry. to answer main question Yes I think there are people to inspect the copper to determine lead contentThanks for the help. I agree, we have to figure out what the building department is going to want to see, but that's a separate issue and I didn't think the forum was the right forum for that, I'll talk to an architect or engineer and see what we can figure out. My main question was whether it's possible to determine reliably by inspecting the solder if it's lead, or if it's something that would require a lab test, or cannot even be determined at all.
This is awkward, but...
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