I am living on a low income. I qualify for a warm front grant to get a boiler and heating improved in my home I was told that this can not go ahead because the water pressure is to low,the original old lead pipes carring my water supply need replacing. i can not afford to pay a plumber to do this,is the water board obliged to do this.
2006-09-11 05:58:04 · 33 answers · asked by Dianne L 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
the old lead pipe was used for sewage drains. More than likely, they are galvanized if they are incoming water supply lines. They tend to corrode on the inside of the line. PVC lines are not very expensive,and will not corrode. They are also easy to install. If you have a friend that could replace them for you, It would be the cheapest and easiest way to go. But if I were you, I'd check it out to see if you can get them replaced by the grant since it is essential to the boiler heating unit. Good luck.
2006-09-11 07:56:45 · answer #1 · answered by ? 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Do you own your home I expect you do or you would not be mentioning the grant. At any rate, Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, if you have a home older than that (I suspect so) then you may have those pipes. Corrosion is what makes them most dangerous. Depending on the type of water that has been running through, there can be some or lots of corrosion. You would not easily know which. You can have your water tested. See below for info:
EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
National Lead Information Center: 1-800-424-LEAD
www.epa.gov/lead3
If you were a renter you could read about he lead and copper rule, probably get the landlord to replace.
Depending upon where you live, the lead test may be free, in some places it could be up to $50.00.
Perhaps you can solve your low pressure problem and lead issue by getting a Grant to replace those bad pipes. Call your local water district first. Ask. Then call your local health department. Ask.
Thing to know, how far are you away from the main? Is it considered city water? Hopefully the distance is short so it would be a short job/line. Also contact big local churches like Lutheran and Catholic Community Services, the often assist low income at risk folks.
Gee, that should keep you busy for a while.
Good luck!!!
Are you in the United States?
2006-09-11 13:40:33 · answer #2 · answered by Valerie 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, you have to pay a plumber to put a new plastic pipe from the road into your house. However the water board will connect the new pipe free of charge. I now see you are on a low income. You could ask the water board just in case. Also unless your water pressure is extremely low, it should not stop you having a boiler. Tell them you want an " ordinary 2 boiler, not a Combi
2006-09-11 12:32:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends where the pipes are. If they're between the water meter and your faucet, you demand the city pay for it.
Something about your post isn't quite making sense?
A boiler is a closed loop. It heats water or water+antifreeze and pumps the warm water through radiators to heat the rooms. It has nothing to do with your city water.
Maybe you mean water heater? But this also doesn't require much water pressure. As long as it refills as fast as it drains, you're fine.
You have not hired a plumber, but you're sure the supply lines are lead. How do you know that? And why are you still willingly drinking lead-tainted water? In most cases the lead was from the lead solder used to join iron/galv metal pipes. It's been a looooong time since people used solid lead in pipes. If these were indeed solid lead pipes in the street, your city should've torn them out in the 70s when lead /leadpaint/ leadpipes were banned.
2006-09-11 09:47:51 · answer #4 · answered by Funchy 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The water board are only responsible for the pipes in the road, as soon as it enters your property you are responsible. Therefore it is extremely likely you would have to foot the bill.
However, if you are on income support then you local JC+ or Civic Centre should be able to direct you to a fund that allows you a grant to help fund the works. Additionally, those who complain the most often get the most, I would suggest letters to the water board crying that you can't afford to get your pipes replaced and you can taste lead in the water.
Just hope that this happens sooner rather than later for you. Good luck. x
2006-09-11 23:31:26 · answer #5 · answered by slug dance 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would assume a person is responsible for the pipes from the water meter to the House. The Water Board responsible before and including the meter. Same with Gas and Electric, the owner responsible after the meter. If, you qualify for a Grant, it may cover this additional expense. I not really sure.
2006-09-11 14:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In the USA, every place I've ever lived or owned a home, the County or city is/was only responsible for plumbing and sewage draining, at the street and up to any easements they have on your property.
You don't say if you rent or own, but I'd certasinly ask that grant org about info on having plumbing replaced, or if you rent, ask the lanlord/owner. Hopefully you aren't drinking or using the water.
Are you even certain the plumbing is lead and not galvanized steel or cast iron?
Rev. Steven
2006-09-11 06:07:37 · answer #7 · answered by DIY Doc 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
The home owner is responsible for all pipes from the water meter to the house and within the house. You can replace with 3/4" soft copper or 3/4" hard copper, but it is your responsibility. I certainly would not mess around with lead pipe..if you disturb it, it will release lead into the water...not a good thing. Good luck
2006-09-11 14:33:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It is wonderful that you qualify, though I lament the reason.
As a general rule, the property owner is responsible for the line from the street to the home.
Since this is beyond your income, you might try asking:
a) your/a church for help esp youth group
b) a local service group such as veterans/Lions/grange
c) the provider of the grant for suggestions
d) The local plumber's union.
God's speed.
s
2006-09-11 17:48:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Not in my town. That is what happened to us. There was a leak. And they would not fix it, The city REQUIRES that you put a new line in. At your own cost. They did not even cut us a break on the water bill. I also had to hire a plumber to find out what was going on. The water department made it very clear... that it was our responsibility. It ended up costing about 2,000 dollars. So best of luck. This was just 2 months ago.
2006-09-11 15:39:18 · answer #10 · answered by hello 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋