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Water additive causing rise in plumbing problems

Tradesman Ken Russo, who says he suffers respiratory and skin problems resulting from chloramine in the water, points to another "cause and effect" of the chemical additive: a dramatic increase in plumbing problems.

Callers desperate for help with leaks, broken pipes and busted water heaters keep his phone ringing all hours of the day, he says.

Although he prefers to work on remodeling projects, "Lately, all I've been doing is a lot of plumbing."

Mr. Russo attends Citizens Concerned About Chloramine community presentations equipped with a 20-gallon water heater he uses to show the corrosive effects of chloramine.

The SFPUC acknowledges on its Web site that "the lead corrosion concern associated with chloramine is something new and unexpected both by the regulators and the industry." And chloraminated waters "are more aggressive" than chlorine in reacting with rubbers and their derivatives.

Mr. Russo says rubber fittings and polyurethane fixtures lose their elasticity and are "more prone to cracking" because of chloramine.

"Parts are corroding and failing at an accelerated rate," he says.

The SFPUC notes on its Web site that chloramine-resistant toilet flapper valves and washers can be purchased at hardware and plumbing supply stores.

—By Renee Batti