Lead pipes in buildings and residences are a major worry for both building owners and health authorities. Professional moling firms are being hired by an increasing number of people to replace lead pipes due to the growing awareness of the health dangers linked to lead in drinking water. To make sure you’re knowledgeable and ready for this important home repair job, this guide will show you all you need to know before contacting a moling company to replace your lead pipes.
Discovering Why Lead Pipe Replacement Is Necessary
You must know why replacing lead pipes is so crucial before you can go into the details of hiring a moling company. Because of their longevity and pliability, lead pipes were widely employed in plumbing systems up until the 1970s. But today we know that lead can seep into water systems and cause major health problems, particularly for pregnant women and children. So, to make sure the water is safe to drink, many homes and government agencies are making lead pipe replacement a top priority.
Water treatment firms use chemicals to decrease lead leaching, but the most effective option is to replace all lead pipes. The UK government has set tight restrictions for lead levels in drinking water. When it comes to replacing underground pipelines, moling businesses provide a less invasive alternative to typical excavation methods.
How Does Moling Work, and Why Is It Recommended for Replacing Lead Pipes?
Installing new pipes underground using moling, a trenchless process, eliminates the need for heavy digging. Lead pipe replacement projects benefit greatly from this procedure because it causes the least amount of damage to buildings, roadways, and landscaping. The moling technique entails excavating a tiny hole in the earth and then boring a passageway for the new pipe using a’mole’ that is powered by pneumatic or hydraulic fluid. In comparison to more conventional forms of excavation, this technology is not only less disruptive, but it is also frequently quicker and cheaper.
Moling is a popular choice among homeowners looking to replace lead pipes because of all the advantages it offers. If you want the work done right and safely, though, you must get a respectable moling company that has replaced lead pipes before.
First Evaluation and Price Estimate
It is common practice for the moling company to perform an initial inspection before to replacing lead pipes. At this appointment, a specialist will look over your home, find the lead pipes, and advise you on how to replace them. When planning the replacement, they will take into account the pipe’s depth, the length of the pipe, and the presence or absence of any potential obstructions, such as tree roots or other utility lines.
After this evaluation, the moling company will provide you a complete quote for the project of replacing the lead pipes. A detailed estimate should contain all expenses, a projected timeframe, and a list of any specific tasks or materials you will need to accomplish your part. Do not be shy about enquiring about the lead pipe replacement process; a respectable business will gladly explain their procedures and answer any queries you may have.
Preparation for the Replacement of Lead Pipes
The moling company will set a date to start replacing the lead pipes once you’ve given them the go-ahead. You should probably get a few things ready before this date:
Accessibility: Make sure that the places that will be worked on are easily navigable. Transportation of automobiles, patio sets and plants in containers may be required.
For the purpose of preventing any unintended harm when replacing the lead pipes, the moling company may coordinate with utility providers to indicate the site of any subsurface services.
Make sure you have a backup plan for drinking water and other necessities before the lead pipe replacement begins, as your water supply will be turned off.
Well in advance of the scheduled lead pipe replacement date, the moling company should give you a detailed list of preparations and any unique requirements.
How to Change Lead Pipes
The moling crew will show up on the scheduled day of the lead pipe replacement with all of the required tools and supplies. Usually, the following stages are involved:
The crew will figure out the ideal spots to dig little holes called “entry pits” and “exit pits” to gain access to the subterranean pipelines.
At the entrance, we will set up the moling machine and all of the other instruments that are needed.
In order to build the bore hole, a’mole’ is utilised to carve out a channel underground that runs parallel to the existing lead pipe, connecting the entry point and the exit point.
After the hole has been bored, the old lead pipe is removed and replaced with a new pipe—often made of plastic or copper—by pulling it through the hole.
Both ends of the new pipe are linked to the existing plumbing system. Extensive testing is then performed to guarantee that the water flow is ideal and that there are no leaks.
Last but not least, the site is restored to its original state by filling in the entrance and exit trenches and restoring any affected areas.
The moling crew is required to keep you updated on their work and any problems that arise while replacing the lead pipes.
Prolonged and Interrupted
The less disturbance compared to conventional excavation methods is a major benefit of moling when replacing lead pipes. Depending on the job’s intricacy and the length of pipe being replaced, the full process of replacing lead pipes can usually be finished in a day or two.
You should still anticipate some noise and activity surrounding your house throughout the lead pipe repair process, even though moling is less disruptive than open trenching. The moling company is responsible for giving you a timeframe and keeping you informed of any modifications or delays.
Ideas for What to Do After Changing Out Lead Pipes
Following the completion of the lead pipe replacement, it is crucial to remember the following:
It is recommended to get your water tested after replacing the lead pipes to confirm that the levels of lead have been much lowered or removed.
If any debris or impurities got into your water system when the moling company replaced your lead pipes, they should have provided instructions on how to flush the system.
Certifications and guarantees for the new pipes, as well as any other paperwork pertaining to the replacement of the lead pipes, should be obtained.
To get the most out of your new plumbing system and extend its life, be sure to consult the moling company for maintenance tips.
Prices and Available Financing
The length of the pipe that needs to be replaced, the job’s complexity, and your location are a few of the variables that can significantly impact the cost of lead pipe repair using moling procedures. Lead pipe replacement may seem like a big expenditure at first, but it will pay off in the long run with better water quality and more value for your home.
Subsidies and other forms of financial aid are available for lead pipe replacement projects from certain local governments and water providers. It would be wise to look at these possibilities before moving forward with the project. Lead pipe replacement can be an expensive ordeal, but some moling firms even provide payment options to make it more manageable.
Picking the Appropriate Moling Firm to Replace Lead Pipes
When choosing a moling company to replace your lead pipes, keep these things in mind:
You should hire a business that has experience replacing lead pipes using moling procedures if you want your job done well.
Make that the company follows best procedures for lead pipe replacement and maintains applicable industry accreditations.
Protect yourself and your property from financial loss during the lead pipe replacement procedure by verifying that the company has sufficient insurance coverage.
Request references from clients who have used the company’s lead pipe replacement services in the past.
Guarantee: Before you hire someone to replace your lead pipes, find out if there is a guarantee on the labour and the materials.
Honesty: When replacing lead pipes, choose a business that is eager to explain everything and gives you detailed estimates.
Choosing a reliable moling company to replace your lead pipes is easier if you give serious thought to the aforementioned aspects.
In summary
In order to preserve your family’s health and the water supply in your home, lead pipe replacement is an essential first step. To replace your lead pipes in a way that causes you the least amount of inconvenience, choose a professional moling company. To make sure everything goes well and according to plan when replacing lead pipes, it’s a good idea to know what to expect beforehand.
In spite of how high the expense of replacing lead pipes may appear at first, the advantages will be well worth it in the end. Lead pipe replacement is a smart move for any homeowner who is still using old-fashioned lead plumbing because it improves water quality, gives you peace of mind, and could even boost the value of your property.
Make sure you do your homework before choosing a moling company, ask lots of questions, and keep yourself informed as you undergo the lead pipe replacement process. You will be helping to ensure that your community does not suffer from lead poisoning in the future and protecting the health of your family by doing this.