What Should Plumbers Do If They Find Asbestos Pipes?
What Should Plumbers Do If They Find Asbestos Pipes?
Many plumbers working on older properties throughout Auckland and Waikato still come across asbestos cement pipes. These pipes were commonly used for water supply, stormwater, and sewer systems from the 1940s through to the 1980s.
If you suspect a pipe contains asbestos, the most important thing is don't cut it, break it, grind it, or disturb it unnecessarily.
How Can You Identify an Asbestos Pipe?
Common signs include:
- Grey or off-white cement appearance
- Brittle, chalky material
- Older pipe installations (generally pre-1990)
- Pipe markings that may indicate asbestos cement (AC)
However, the only way to confirm whether a pipe contains asbestos is through laboratory testing.
What Should You Do?
1. Stop Work Immediately
If you suspect asbestos is present, stop any work that could damage the pipe and prevent others from disturbing the area.
2. Assess the Risk
Consider whether the pipe is damaged, cracked, or likely to be disturbed during the planned work.
3. Arrange Testing
A small sample can be safely collected and sent to an IANZ-accredited laboratory for asbestos analysis.
4. Contact a Licensed Asbestos Removalist
If removal or disturbance is required, engage a licensed asbestos removal contractor who can assess the work and determine the safest removal method.
5. Follow Legal Requirements
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, workers and PCBUs have duties to manage asbestos risks and prevent exposure.
Can Asbestos Pipes Be Left in Place?
In some cases, yes. If the pipe is in good condition and does not need to be disturbed, it may be safer to leave it in place and manage it appropriately. Every situation should be assessed individually.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?
When asbestos-containing materials are broken, cut, drilled, or crushed, microscopic fibres can be released into the air. Breathing these fibres can cause serious diseases, including:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
These illnesses often develop many years after exposure.
Need Help?
PropertyHelp Ltd is a licensed Class B asbestos removal company servicing Auckland and Waikato. We work alongside plumbers, drainlayers, builders, and civil contractors to safely manage asbestos pipes, contaminated soil, and other asbestos-containing materials.
If you discover a suspected asbestos pipe on site, contact PropertyHelp Ltd before disturbing the material. Early advice can save time, reduce risk, and help keep your project compliant.
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