Updated  01/23/20



Improving Drinking Water Quality
I urge everyone to watch this eye-opening presentation:

Why is our Plumbing Harming Us?

–  Dr. Andrew J. Whelton, PhD; 
Purdue School of Civil Engineering and Environmental and Ecological Engineering
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mv1EoUG0Hj4     (54 minutes)

"Crucial Information about Flushing":
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz3Y7rjnqEs     (8 minutes)

​
".....Until researchers have definitive answers, Bryant says homeowners with existing
PEX piping should use carbon-based filters on all taps."

Rebecca Bryant, NSF study participant and managing principal with Watershed LLC: 
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/does-pex-piping-affect-drinking-water-quality.htm 

​
Plumbing Quality Issues:
https://ourimaginalcells.info/plumbing-quality-issues.html


Tap Water Checkup

EWG (Environmental Working Group) Tap Water Database (enter zip code):
https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/#.WejTzDBryp0

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) WATCH  (send in water sample):
http://www.epawatch.org/EPAWatch-Water-Sample-Custody-Form.pdf


Compare Water Sources 

Tap, bottled, distilled*, filtered, spring, reverse osmosis....
https://www.naturalnews.com/2017-10-19-water-sources-compared-tap-bottled-filtered-spring-water-reverse-osmosis.html
*See FAQ regarding water distillation below.


Water Filter Studies

http://waterfilterlabs.com/
http://waterfilterlabs.com/Introduction-gravity-water-filter-heavy-metals-lab-results.html

https://bottomlineinc.com/life/appliances/beware-counterfeit-water-filters

After learning my own home had been constructed in 2000 with problematic
KITEC plumbing* I began looking into issues raised by concerned homeowners in my area.

One issue I did not come across at that time, was whether any corroding plumbing fixtures
might impact drinking water quality ​or safety  --  leaks, or no leaks.


What about, our drinking water quality and safety?

I was disconcerted to learn, that our country has apparently not done very much
testing to ensure that today's popular plastic plumbing always delivers safe drinking
water over long periods of time.  
(Most research concerns itself with a relatively small time window after manufacturing.)

I learned that not all unhealthy water contamination has an odor, or can be tasted.  

“Little is known about the degree to which plastic pipes sold in the U.S. affect
drinking water quality over long periods,”
says researcher Andrew Whelton, an assistant professor of civil engineering at Purdue University:
June 4, 2015
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/does-pex-piping-affect-drinking-water-quality.htm 
 

​
"Drinking water odors, chemicals above health standards
caused by 'green building' plumbing":

"....some chemicals released by plumbing pipes can be transformed into 
carcinogenic chemicals regulated by the EPA;
chemicals leached by certain plastics are conducive to bacterial growth......" 
August, 2014
http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/drinking-water-odors,-chemicals-above-health-standards-caused-by-green-building-plumbing.html​


A National Science Foundation study published in 2015 observed leaching issues
for PEX types A, B, and C, from hazardous chemical contamination which can 
accumulate over time, and this affected water may or may not, have a noticeable odor
or taste:

”....Contaminants such as pesticides, oil, gasoline and benzene have a greater chance
of permeating through PEX piping when compared to other types of piping, including copper,
according to the research team."
.
"....Pipes consumed as much as 0.5 mg/L as Cl2 during each 3 day stagnation period. 
Sixteen organic chemicals were identified, including toluene, pyridine, methylene 
trichloroacetate and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol."
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135414006289 

​
Those researchers have recommended that all PEX users install carbon water filters
at the tap, and make a point of thoroughly flushing out plumbing systems after being absent
for 3 days ​or longer.  
Again, unhealthy water contaminants may or may not ever have a noticeable odor or taste.


Other points of interest regarding PEX plumbing:

--  Plumbing companies may prefer selling PEX pipe because, at less than 50 cents per foot,
it has a significantly higher price markup value than copper these days -- and highly paid, skilled
plumbers may not be required for installation. 
 
However, 9 out of 10 plumbing contractors** do not use PEX in their own homes.... 

--  While European countries appear to have successfully used PEX for much longer than we
have, this was primarily for non-potable, enclosed HVAC systems. 

--  European drinking water also does not contain our mandated, high levels of chlorine, 
which reportedly has potential to break down these porous forms of plastic over time, rendering
more prone to the unhealthy chemical leaching discovered by NSF research published in 2015.



What about copper plumbing?

I learned many things I had not known about copper plumbing .....

such as the fact that the EPA regulates the acidity in our public water supplies to ensure
minimal corrosion of copper pipe;
copper has been used very successfully in our country for over 70 years -- 85% have copper  
plumbing, while 9 out of 10 plumbing contractors have it in their own homes;
and, it has ​antibacterial properties.

My own project cost estimates indicated that it cost only 200 - 300 dollars more to re-pipe 
in copper versus PEX these days when dealing with a copper pipe discount warehousing 
company such as REPIPE1.COM --  which also included a Lifetime Warranty on all parts 
and labor. 

** Other homeowner benefits from copper plumbing:
http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/restools/cu_brchrs/why_chse_cu.html  



* How do I know if there is KITEC in my home? 
KITEC pipe was manufactured in two colors: blue for cold water and orange for hot water. 
The side of the pipe is typically marked “IPEX” and the fittings, stamped “KITEC”.


--  Regarding KITEC plumbing defect specifics, I found these two articles very helpful:

KITEC Plumbing....Should You be Concerned? 

May 13, 2016  BPE Law Group  KITEC Plumbing Part 1

"Statistical information suggests that it is not a matter of  'if'  the KITEC will fail 
but rather  'when'  the KITEC will fail."  
https://web.archive.org/web/20160819163501/http://www.bpelaw.com/kitec-plumbing-should-you-be-concerned/
About BPE Law:  https://www.bpelaw.com/firm/



August 16, 2016   BPE law Group KITEC Plumbing Part 2

"Failure Causes, Conclusions, and Recommendations (It's Not Just the Pipe Fittings)"
“Unfortunately, weakening of the Kitec piping may not be visible until it bursts....."
http://www.bpelaw.com/kitec-plumbing-part-2-failure-causes-conclusions-and-recommendations-its-not-just-the-pipe-fittings/
About Steve Beede:  http://www.bpelaw.com/attorneys/steve-beede/

"From the studies that I have reviewed, I have become convinced of three things:

      1) that KITEC plumbing will fail eventually;
     2) that here in Sun City Lincoln Hills that failure will most likely be bursting pipes,
         not leaking fittings; and
     3) that the failure of KITEC plumbing will result in substantial property damage
         far in excess of the cost of replacement."

"...Also, since KITEC would likely be considered a  "pre-existing condition"  under
most home warranty and home insurance policies,
there probably would not be any coverage for water damage replacement or repair
of KITEC issues." 

NOTE: 
My own State Farm insurance agent confirmed that KITEC water damage and replacement
issues were NOT covered.
As she explained it, homeowners are responsible for repairing 'suspected' defective property
before significant damage results.....(so insurance companies do not go broke).  

--  I suggest having an agent sign a formal statement guaranteeing that all KITEC 
water ​damage is in fact covered on your policy, and will not result in any rate increase 
or cancellation.


I concluded that I'd be money ahead ..... by looking at this depressing development
as an opportunity for home improvement adding to resale value. 

In any case, we legally have to disclose our KITEC plumbing to potential buyers, which 
can be a tad off-putting --  or even lose the sale. 

I also conjectured ..... that the local re-piping prices would likely be going up, and project
lead times could become significant --  potentially, invoke lessor-skilled plumbers, as more
homeowners got on this bandwagon.

 

The next step, was to decide what kind of plumbing to use
instead of KITEC:

​
What about the heavily marketed plastic pipe called PEX?

I learned that KITEC pipe was actually a brand of PEX, and that other forms
of PEX -- including type A -- can have different brands experiencing different
lawsuits: 

Read the unhappy consumer comments at the end of this article, describing issues
with various PEX brands:
https://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/zurn-pex-plumbing/zurn-pex-time-bomb-behind-walls-10673.html
Other pending lawsuits:
http://failures.wikispaces.com/PEX+Plumbing+Failures
https://www.classaction.org/pex-plumbing-lawsuit

(I also suggest doing a simple Internet search on "PEX, lawsuits"....)


ALERT:
"It is important to note that some insurance companies are now refusing to 
provide insurance on houses with PEX plumbing or requiring, for example, 
additional / higher premiums, re-plumbing / modifications, and / or an inspection(s) 
by a licensed plumber."
May, 2017
https://web.archive.org/web/20190106214156/http://www.isourcerealestate.com/blog/p/pex-plumbing-and-kitec-explained-by-graham-ashdown


Perhaps most significantly, regarding my initial water safety concerns:

"Researchers in 2014 find that popular PEX plumbing may harm the water coming from
the tap in your home, and recommend further studies." 

This was the first time that PEX types A, B, and C had such tests ....
the research detected more serious concerns than unpleasant water odor and taste:

"....Pipes consumed as much as 0.5 mg/L as Cl2 during each 3 day stagnation period. 
Sixteen organic chemicals were identified, including toluene, pyridine, methylene 
trichloroacetate and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol.

".....Until researchers have definitive answers, Bryant says homeowners with existing
PEX piping should use carbon-based filters on all taps.  

(This includes sinks as well as bathtub and shower.)

Homeowners with PEX may also want to consider flushing their system on a regular basis.  Contamination builds up as water stays stagnant in the piping."

"....To study the rate of contamination, his research team monitors standing water in PEX piping
for three-day intervals.
“It would be like somebody going away on a Friday and coming back Sunday night,” he says.

“What we’re finding is that during that three-day period, chemicals DO build up in the water."
(These contaminants may or may not be detected by smelling and tasting.)

June, 2015, By Jason Michael White, Angie's List
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/does-pex-piping-affect-drinking-water-quality.htm 


“The FIRST  US  STUDY detailing impact of multiple PEX pipes on drinking water quality."
December, 2014
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0043135414006289 

NOTE:  
“PEX pipe meets the NSF standards, according to the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association.”

”Whelton does not dispute that, but his team found that contaminants were present 
even in plastic water pipes that passed safety tests.... “

“The research, funded by the National Science Foundation, also is showing that there are
differences in the quality of PEX products on the market, and different PEX brands cause
different odor and chemical-leaching impacts.”
​

"Several types of plastic pipes in eco-friendly green buildings in the United States
have been found to leach chemicals into drinking water that can cause odors
and sometimes exist at levels that may exceed health standards.
http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2014/Q4/drinking-water-odors,-chemicals-above-health-standards-caused-by-green-building-plumbing.html



Another consideration: 
rodents can easily chew through plastic pipe.  

Rodents will chew just about any material; they are not necessarily thirsty when attacking 
drinking water pipe. (If rats decide to nest in an attic, they will become thirsty sooner or later.) 

I was not reassured by one sales rep's disclosure that their brand of PEX was coated
with "rodent repellent" -- after recent studies indicated that pesticides and other chemicals
can permeate PEX pipe, ending up in my drinking water: 

”....Contaminants such as pesticides, oil, gasoline and benzene have a greater chance
of permeating through PEX piping when compared to other types of piping, including copper,
according to the research team....
Contaminants from the pipes themselves also can leach into the water...”
https://www.angieslist.com/articles/does-pex-piping-affect-drinking-water-quality.htm


--  Nor, is trying to repel rats with moth balls the way to go --
this strategy is actually ILLEGAL.
Mothballs used outside airtight containers vaporize and can seriously harm humans and pets: 
"Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles.
Any such use is illegal." 
And ....
"This will almost always result in a persistent and noxious odor throughout the home.
Family members may experience the adverse health effects or even have to leave the home."

http://npic.orst.edu/capro/mothball.html
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/node/1023



Back to considering copper pipe:

This article lists many benefits:  "Why Choose Copper Plumbing?" 

(.....9 out of 10 plumbing contractors do not use PEX in their own homes.)
http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/restools/cu_brchrs/why_chse_cu.html  

--  Our Lincoln building inspector also told me that all the Sun City Roseville homes 
(several years older than ours) were built with copper plumbing before the price of copper 
skyrocketed due to shortages in early 2000s.

The market price for copper has apparently dropped significantly, because the re-pipe
estimates I was given by a copper pipe warehousing company (REPIPE1) were only
a few hundred dollars more than any of my PEX estimates.


For minimal corrosion issues, my understanding is that the copper re-pipe company
should use USA-made, hard, grade L copper, and we should always ask for workmanship
references from other customers; copper welding is an important skill best performed by
professionals.
The EPA also regulates public water acidity to protect copper plumbing.


What's the best plumbing choice for resale value?

As buyers become more informed via the Internet about the pros and cons for replacing Kitec
with yet another form of plastic pipe, compared to installing a traditional plumbing metal used  
successfully for over 7 decades......(85% of all American homes have copper plumbing). 
--  I concluded, that the difference between paying for copper versus plastic plumbing could
conceivably be offset by my home's increased marketability.


I decided to replace my home's KITEC plastic pipe with
USA-made, hard, grade L copper .......  

After talking to half a dozen plumbing vendors and getting quotes ranging from $7K to $24K,
last June I went with a company offering not only the lowest estimate, but a Lifetime Warranty
on all parts and labor, regardless of homeowner:   REPIPE1:   www.repipe1.com


My re-plumbing project detail ....

Total cost for my 1160 square-foot Millpond copper re-plumbing project came to $7200
plus about $300 for the plumbing and hot water heater building permits =  $7500.
The new copper pipe runs from the city water meter to my garage, then up through the attic over
to standard kitchen and laundry facilities, two bathrooms, the hot water heater and two hose bibs. 

This price included several items missing from other quotes:

--  Re-plumbing all my water pipe with highest level, USA-made, hard, grade L copper.
--  Insulating all the hot and cold water pipe now in the attic.
--  Digging 30+ foot long trench 2' deep to replace Kitec water supply line to city water meter.
--  Connecting the main water supply line to my irrigation system.
--  New Bradford White water heater and new expansion tank.
--  New hose bib location.
--  New water pressure regulator
--  Removing all the old plumbing hardware (KITEC pipe remains in the slab).
--  All dry wall repair.
--  Reconnecting / repairing all front yard irrigation drip lines after filling in the trench
which had carefully circumvented mature plants and trees instead of following original water
pipe route to house (KITEC pipe remains in the ground).

After their predicted, four-week project lead time, a team of three REPIPE1 workers completed
the above tasks in just two days.....I did not need to move out, but I really appreciated the close
proximity of kindly neighbor bathroom facilities during the day ;-).

--  Early AM on day #3 everything passed the requisite Lincoln city inspection with flying colors. 
--  Dry wall repair was completed in less than an hour 2 days later, also passing first inspection.
--  Happily, there was a notable improvement in my drinking water.**

Regardless of project status, ALL my appliances were connected to hot and cold running
water each night before workers went home, just as promised.   (I was frankly amazed.)

I was very pleased with results -- however, for minimal cleanup afterwards, I suggest using
your own protective covers on furniture and floors, and keeping possessions a good distance
from work areas.  (Dry wall dust can be very fine and it can drift very far....)


Lifetime Warranty on all parts and labor at my address, regardless of home owner.   

For more information, see web site:  www.repipe1.com

NOTE: I am not compensated in any way by REPIPE1 for customer referrals.

 
Be aware .....


COST ISSUES:

Many re-pipe companies are heavily pushing the inexpensive plastic form of pipe
called PEX which may require less experienced / less expensive plumbers.

--  My own research indicated that some sales commissions and markups on PEX  
re-plumbing might cost the end customer nearly as much these days as going with
the traditional, highest grade copper plumbing which has come down significantly in price.

(This was personal experience; I encourage everyone to do their own research; bear in mind any
untested water quality issues with plastic pipe in addition to lawsuits for physical defects.)



CORROSION ISSUES:  

--  For minimal corrosion issues, my understanding is that the copper re-pipe company should
use USA-made, hard, grade L copper, and always ask for workmanship references from other
customers, because copper welding is an important skill best performed by professionals.
http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/restools/cu_brchrs/why_chse_cu.html 


"How to Stop Copper Pipe Corrosion" 
This Old House, August, 2014: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nD5lMITzx_Y    (6 minutes)
   
TIP:  
Replace hot water heater's 'sacrificial anode' every 3 - 5 years.  
This can significantly extend water heater life by preventing rust deposit buildup  --  
which is also potentially damaging to copper pipes.

 

SOIL ACIDITY ISSUES: 

"...The belief by knowledgeable engineers, architects, and water utility personnel that copper
is not adversely affected by the majority of soils worldwide is well founded. 
"Copper is essentially immune to corrosion. It behaves like a noble metal in most underground  
environments because of the naturally protective film that forms on the metal's surface.  
If this film, which often consists of reddish-brown cuprous oxide (Cu 20), is destroyed and cannot  
be repaired, copper will corrode.  
Fortunately, the protective film on copper remains intact or is readily repaired under most
soil conditions. 

"Conditions Contributing to Underground Copper Corrosion" https://www.copper.org/resources/properties/protection/underground.html


NOTE:  I have been unable to find any building code restrictions, or official cautions
against the use of copper water mainline pipe in our local communities....
(Sun City Roseville, built several years earlier and just a few miles away, uses copper water pipe.) 

As a precaution, it seems logical to fill trenches for copper mainline water pipe with a variety  
of soil that is NOT considered 'too acidic'......?



TRENCH ISSUES:

-- Replacing one-inch Kitec water supply pipe with 3/4-inch PEX ....

Recently, plumbing contractors have begun inserting 3/4-inch PEX pipe
into the old, one-inch Kitec water supply pipe in order to avoid digging a trench
from house to city water meter.

One of my neighbors reported a "$500" discount for permitting this shortcut. 
She was not too thrilled, when I told her that my project was charged $3000
for digging standard trench  --  apparently, plumbing contractors are passing
along very little resulting profit to these customers:
her plumbing requirements were the same as mine, but the trench-less project
cost nearly $3000 more!

Warning:
This practice is reportedly a violation of California State Plumbing Codes,
and may expose homeowners to lawsuits for such code violation when they sell,  
despite the fact that their building inspectors are signing the repipe permits.
(In California, inspectors are not liable for wrongly approving building code violations.)

See:   "CA Plumbing Code Water Supply Pipe Restrictions"
http://ourimaginalcells.info/plumbing-pipe-restrictions--concerns.html




** My drinking water visually improved after copper re-plumbing:

During the plastic KITEC plumbing era (2000-2016), I'd noticed a sticky, smelly residue
in my water distillation chamber at the end of each process.  After the copper pipe
installation, the nasty gunk never reappeared; water smells fresh and clean right out
of faucet.

--  As a side note, I've distilled my own drinking water for nearly four decades,
ever since our doctors recommended my husband do so for an immune-compromised
system.  I reasoned that if distilled water was deemed healthier for him to drink, then
it was not likely to hurt me to follow suit.

Read on ..... https://ourimaginalcells.info/distilled-drinking-water.html