Importance of Replacing Stops Upon Fixture Installation
When you get a new Faucet or Toilet, replacing the water shut off is often overlooked. The reason why this is so important is the Neoprene rings inside the valve get very brittle over years of sitting. Then your valve is open and closed when your fixture is replaced. The neoprene ring will often times break down or get dislodged, when these begin to fall apart they will get stuck in supply lines or cartridges of your new fixture and could make it so your brand new faucet is going to need worked on or often times even replaced. This is something that often goes overlooked by plumbing companies and they are left with unhappy customers.
New Style Quarter Turn Stops
These new style stops have way less issues over time and often times will not need to be replaced unless they are broken physically or the ball gets dislodged from the handle, causing it to not turn off properly. The reason is they do not have these Neoprene gaskets on a stem, they instead have a turn style ball connected to the valve handle. These have less parts to fail and are better in the long run.
Dual Stops
Dual stops have the same styles of valves, therefore you will run into the same issues upon replacement of fixtures. These stops are commonly used for your kitchen faucet and dishwasher or your kitchen faucet and fridge supply. These do not take much longer to install in comparison and can be worth the time so you do not damage your appliances or faucet.
Lead Valves
The new regulation for lead free valves in potable water systems is very recent. The federal law in effect since January 2014, dictates much lower lead content for certain systems and components than in the past. Potable water systems being involved in this standard. Water stops touch all your drinking water. Its very important to be aware that your old stop does contain lead. The new stops can give you peace of mind that your family is not being effected by this lead.
Lead Poisoning
Lead Poisoning can be very hard to notice and often times will go undetected for years before a proper analysis will be made. Signs and symptoms usually don’t appear until dangerous amounts have accumulated.
Symptoms of lead poisoning in Children
Developmental delay, learning difficulties, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness, fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, hearing loss and seizures.
Lead Poisoning symptoms in newborns
Premature birth, lower birth weight, slowed growth and loss of appetite
Lead Poisoning in adults
High blood pressure, joint and muscle pain, difficulties with memory or concentration, headache, abdominal pain, mood disorders, reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm, miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women.
Living an older homes puts you at risk for lead exposure. Lead based paints were banned since 1970, older homes and buildings often retain remnants of this paint. People renovating an older home are at even higher risk.
