Don’t use Hot Water to rinse produce or Cook

Hot water food prep is not healthy because metal may leach from the pipes onto the produce. You might be tempted to start your pasta with hot tap water since it boils faster. Unfortunately, it isn’t good for your health. The reason being the lead content that leaches through the hot water.

Hot water food prep leaches heavy metal

Hot Water food prep is more likely to leach the heavy metal from your plumbing pipes. In 1986 using solder for pipe joints were banned, however, brass plumbing parts might contain a bit of lead as well. Today Plumbing parts legally considered lead-free may contain up to 8% lead. This means chances are you don’t have lead-free plumbing.

Lead is harmful to the body

So what’s the big deal? It has been proven that too much lead in the body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells.  It’s especially bad for pregnant women and children.  Hot water conducts ions at a faster rate and therefore, particles of lead can leach off of the pipes into the potable water.

EPA recommends not using hot water from the tap for cooking.

The EPA recommends not using hot water taken from the hot tap for cooking or drinking, and especially not for making baby formula. If hot water is needed, draw water from the cold tap and heat it on the stove. If a faucet hasn’t been used for at least six hours, “flush” all the water that has been sitting in the pipes. This procedure can take anywhere from five seconds to two minutes. it is “flushed” when the water stops getting colder.

On January 4, 2014 Federal Law mandates the wetted surface of every pipe, fixture, and fitting sold for or installed in potable water applications not contain more than 0.25% lead by weight.  If you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to email our office: www.cartersmyplumber.com