Lead and fish

[DRLashambe]

Hey folks:

If anyone has any knowledge about this, it would be a real help. We just moved into an older home, and we have one sink that has old lead lined pipes. Didn't think it would be a problem, it is an un-used laundry sink. It turns out, however, that it very close to where we have to put the fish tanks, and is the only tap available without going up a bunch of stairs. Does anyone know what kind of filitration I would need to use this tap? Is there any way to still use this without pulling out all the plumbing?

[Diana]

Look into RO/DI, but by the time you get a proper set up you will have spent enough money to redo the plumbing. (Maybe)

[chefkeith]

Probably best off to run new lines to the basement for the fish. You don't even need to tear out the old plumbing if you don't want to. I would though if it wasn't too much work.

[cweg71]

Is it possible to have it tested. It may have enough oxidation or gunk covering it that there is no leaching into the water.

[DRLashambe]

I'll bring some into my LFS. We also have a company here in London (Ontario, Canada) that is one of the world's largest manufacturers of water filtration systems, I might be able to find out through them.

[Diana]

Ask the company that sells water filtration. They likely can test for lead. Remember their motive is to sell you something, but you might get quite a few tests done, and you might actually decide you really do want to buy something.

At this point it is more of comparison shopping: Filter (and what sort of filter) or re-plumbing?

[grizzlyone]

You can also try one of the water conditioners that removes heavy metals.

I'd mention the name of one that does it, but I'd be called a shill again.


Kevin