Can water pipes be exposed?

Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break. Pipes that freeze most frequently are: Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.

How do I know if I have exposed water pipes?

Look for actively dripping water and signs that water is leaking out of sight, such as damp drywall, rings on the ceiling, unusual odors or bubbling, banging, clanking or whistling noises. Finally, examine any exposed pipes, looking for frost, condensation or bulging areas.

Can lead water pipes cause illness?

Although children are at increased risk of the effects of lead poisoning, exposure via drinking contaminated water can also result in illness in adults. Even if you are experiencing these symptoms, it does not always mean you have lead poisoning. Symptoms in adults can include: high blood pressure.

How does PEX pipe affect the water quality?

While PEX has passed many water quality tests, there have been studies showing that various brands of PEX piping affect water quality and that it may contain enough material contaminants to affect the smell and taste of water.

When do you Know Your Water pipes are corrosive?

If it is necessary to flush or run your cold water in the morning for a few minutes before you drink because the water has a bitter taste, YOUR Water is probably CORROSIVE. If you see blue-green stains in your basins or some staining along the joints of your copper piping, YOUR Water is probably CORROSIVE.

What are the dangers of PVC water pipes?

Hydrochloric acid is corrosive and can cause respiratory damage. This is also a problem during building fires, where exposure to burning PVC puts firefighters at risk. According to the Global Development and Environment Institute at Tufts University, up to 70 percent of homes in the United States have PVC piping.

Is it safe to drink water out of plastic pipes?

Not so for PEX. PEX is vulnerable to UV rays, so it can’t be exposed to the light of day. And finally we get to the heart of your question: There are indeed concerns about plastic pipes leaching chemicals into your water. The rub is, we don’t know much about the whys, hows, and how-muchs right now, as PEX hasn’t been studied much in the U.S.

What do you need to know about exposed pipes?

Instead of trying to figure out how to hide exposed pipes, show them off with these 13 creative ways to make exposed pipes chic in any room. Ceiling pipes, plumbing lines, air ducts, and electrical pipes – they are important for the appropriate functioning of the power, heating, cooling, and drainage systems in our homes. But, let’s face it.

What are the dangers of asbestos in water pipes?

Another recent study, however, has shown that asbestos in drinking water could potentially lead to the risk of cancer, including mesothelioma. The problems of old pipes in the nation’s infrastructure is nothing new. In its heyday, asbestos was widely used in cement pipes to create a stronger, longer-lasting product.

Why are PEX pipes more susceptible to pests?

PEX can be damaged by chemicals and pests. Some pest control companies argue against installing PEX because it’s so susceptible to pest damage. Since PEX is plastic, it’s more sensitive than copper and other metal pipes. Mice can chew right through the pipe, causing major problems.

How concerned should you be about freezing pipes?

It has to get quite a bit colder. The threshold temperature for most pipes — those in attics and other areas not directly exposed to the cold — is about 20 degrees. What can you do about it? The following resource from the Institute for Business and Home Safety is about as good as it gets.