Consumer Alert: Freezing Weather, Clogged Pipes Can Create Risks to Health and Home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) December 15, 2008 -- For_Immediate_Release:

United States of America (Press Release) February 28, 2008 -- Brookfield, Wis.-based ASE Flo-Rite, Inc., says homeowners and commercial building owners alike need to be aware that clogged water pipes caused by rust and encrustation buildup are at greater risk of bursting in freezing winter weather and greatly increase the potential of human health hazards.

The company says that clogged water pipes have decreased water flow, so the likelihood of slow-moving water freezing increases as temperatures plunge. Once ruptured, pipes can cause added damage by soaking walls, floors, carpets, drywall, basements and more.

ASE Flo-Rite suggests two quick and simple self-tests to help determine if pipes might be clogged. If hot or cold water suddenly rushes forth in a shower or water pressure drops significantly when a nearby toilet flushes or faucet is turned on, there is likely a problem.

Another test is to fill an empty gallon milk jug at a kitchen or bathroom tap fully open. If it takes more than 24 seconds to fill, chances are the water pipes are clogged with rust and other encrustations, creating low water pressure. Pinhole leaks can also develop in weakened copper and galvanized pipes, leading to an eventual and many times undetected rupture.
Pipe leaks and ruptures are only half the problem, however, according to ASE Flo-Rite. Dangerous lead and copper oxide can enter water flowing through clogged pipes. The Centers for Disease Control has identified solder used in copper piping as a source for lead and copper contamination. Both can cause serious health problems.

Blue Water Phenomenon

Water with a bluish tint that stains fixtures is a symptom of high levels of copper oxide in the water, ASE Flo-Rite says. Simply put, the company says, it means copper is leaching from copper pipes into the water flowing through them. Prolonged exposure to copper oxide can lead to liver, kidney and neurological damage, the company added. People with Wilson's Disease especially need to be aware of too much copper intake, the company points out.

If pipes are corroded or the pipes are causing water to be contaminated, ASE Flo-Rite recommends its new system of relining the pipes instead of replacing them. The company recently introduced an established system from Europe called the LSE System. The process dries the pipes first, then sandblasts the corrosion and obstacles out of them, and finally coats the interior walls of the pipes with a safe, clean, NSF/61-approved epoxy that creates a barrier between the pipe and water and virtually eliminates the risk of leaks, ruptures and future contamination.

Relining water pipes provides far quicker, less expensive and immediate results, says the company. More information on ASE Flo-Rite, Inc., may be found at the company's Website, www.aseflorite.com, or by calling the company at 262-649-4555.