Drinking water needs to be as safe as possible. You want this for yourself, and undoubtedly for your family as well. The materials your drinking water runs through is yet another factor you must consider. There are several materials available to run your home plumbing in. It is difficult to say which material is best. Each material has its pros and cons. Though, more and more we are wondering if materials thought safe in the past are still considered to be safe with new information.
Unfortunately this makes it impossible to give a black and white answer. Copper pipes are still considered a viable option for drinking water. Perhaps one of the largest concerns around copper pipes is that the old ones were often soldered with lead solder. If this is a worry for your home, it is worth getting it checked out. Copper pipes are an expensive option and new piping may leach copper into the drinking water. However, most sources state that you can run your tap for a few seconds in the morning or when you first get home from work to clear any water that has been sitting for over six hours. Running the water like this for a few seconds should clear any water that has been sitting in the copper pipes long enough for the copper to leach into it.
Drinking water is best at a ph of 7 or above, it is thought that this will also help minimize copper and other metals leaching into the water. New pipes are more susceptible to leaching than old pipes that have built up a layer of mineral deposits over time. This is important to keep in mind for new installations. However, a good quality water filter that can remove heavy metals is always a good idea if you can afford it. Just make sure to do your research and change your water filters regularly. If in any doubt, get your water tested. There are many at home kits and most counties offer a mail-in water test as well for a fee. Make sure to follow their instructions carefully to ensure accuracy. Having your drinking water tested annually is always a good idea.
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