Illinois became the third state in the nation to require full replacement of lead drinking water pipes, which can contaminate drinking water. Lead pipes can seriously harm health. According to the CDC, lead exposure can cause brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth and development, learning and behavior problems, and hearing and speech problems.
Some water lines, like galvanized pipes, are not made 100% from lead, but should be replaced due to the high amount of lead used in the manufacturing process. Underground galvanized steel piping will eventually leak, with a life span between 30 and 70 years. All new plumbing fittings and pipes must now be lead-free. We recommend that any old water line, which can leech lead into the potable water supply, be removed.
For a free, no-obligation quote to replace/repair your water service line or have a sewer line that needs to be repaired/replaced, please call us at 217-586-7473.
Learn more about lead and drinking water at Illinois American Water.
Watch NRDCflix's video on what you need to know about lead service line replacement
BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE PROCESS:
- We will meet with you to verify whether the water lines should or shouldn't be replaced.
- Before beginning work, we will contact the local utilities for an underground location of the existing service line
- This includes, but is not limited to: gas, electricity, cable, telephone, high-speed internet, etc.
- Once the pipe's location is determined, we excavate the dirt along the same route as the old water service pipe, remove the old piping, and install a new LEAD-FREE water main pipe.
- After installation our work is inspected and approved by the local plumbing inspector.
- After inspection we replace the dirt or use fill material.
- Check out our Facebook page to see how much care we put into ensuring we keep your home the way we found it once we are done.