Asbestos Pipe Removal
The heat resistant properties of asbestos made it a preferred material to be used as coating for water and gas pipes used in homes unless the health hazards posed by it became a common knowledge. Thus, if your home has asbestos pipe insulation, it is highly recommended that you get rid of the same before you or someone in your family become a victim of the many medical problems that can arise from inhaling asbestos fibers.
While asbestos pipe removal may not be as urgent for a pipe that is in good condition, the same becomes imperative if the pipe is leaking or rusting. If your home was built between the period of 1930 and 1950, there is a high chance of asbestos being used as insulation for your pipes. In such a case, you should get the same checked by a professional and take necessary steps to safeguard yourself and your family members from the ill effects of this hazardous material.
Who to contact for asbestos pipe removal
It is strongly advised that you do not try asbestos pipe removal on your own. It is best to leave the job to the experts who have all the necessary equipment to handle asbestos pipe insulation in the safest way possible. You should contact only certified asbestos pipe removal contractors for the purpose and take quotes from them for the job. In case, you feel that hiring their services will prove too costly for you, you can try to tackle the problem of asbestos insulation on your own but only after ensuring that you have considered all the precautionary steps.
Homeowners guide to asbestos pipe removal
If you have decided to remove asbestos pipe insulation on your own, you need to begin with clearing everything from the room. Remember to turn off the water heater and all the electric appliances in the room as well. Make sure that you are dressed in disposable coveralls during the entire process. In addition to that, do not forget to use a respirator that comes with purple coded HEPA filters. The use of proper eye protection, disposable rubber gloves as well as pull on rubber boots is also necessary while undertaking asbestos pipe removal on your own.
Place two layers of polyethylene plastic sheeting of 6-mil thickness under the pipe from which you have to remove asbestos and use a mixture of water and dish detergent to scrape of asbestos an collect the same in properly labeled asbestos disposal bags. Take care to seal each bag properly after releasing the air from it with a duct tape as it gets filled. Thereafter, wipe the entire area with a damp cloth to get rid of any asbestos fibers that may have fallen off on the ground during asbestos pipe removal.
While performing asbestos pipe removal you should be very particular and sincere about wearing the right set of protective clothing. In addition, the asbestos disposal bags should be disposed off only in approved landfills.