Old Lead Piping in Homes: Should You Be Worried?

An estimated 9.2+ million homes across the U.S. may still have lead service lines supplying their water, primarily those built before the 1980s and mid-20th century. Even in small amounts, drinking water containing lead can pose serious health risks.

The EPA currently advises that no level of lead in drinking water is considered safe, with the maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG) at zero.

Why Are Lead Pipes Still in Some Homes?

Historically, lead was a commonly used material for home construction and many industrial applications due to its ease of use to work with. By 1986, lead pipes, solder and flux were banned in plumbing and public water systems following the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act.

Because of the cost and complexity of replacement, however, older cities and neighborhoods can still have lead-containing pipes, plumbing materials and service lines, which connect a home to the municipal main water line. Water utilities and municipalities across the U.S. are still actively conducting lead service line inventories and replacements, in order to comply with regulations.

Source: U.S. Congress, Safe Drinking Water Act, Amended 1996 (public domain). “Lead-free” is defined as containing less than 0.2% lead in solder and flux, and 8.0% in pipes, fittings/fixtures.

How Lead Gets Into Your Drinking Water

Lead in municipal drinking water will most commonly come from corroding lead service lines, as well as pipes, solder and older brass and bronze fixtures. As water passes through the plumbing, lead can gradually leach into the water, leading to contamination at the tap.

For private well owners, lead can leach into water through a similar corrosion of aging well and pump or tank components including old brass fittings, valves and lead-based solder.

In both cases, the degree of corrosion will change over time, based on the plumbing systems themselves, the water’s temperature, chemistry and how long it sits in pipes.

Health Risks of Lead Exposure

Lead is a toxic metal harmful to human health at low exposure levels, and with no known safe levels for young children. Ingestion or inhalation of materials contaminated with lead pose the highest level of risk to health, such as in paint, candy, toys and drinking water. Lead-contaminated drinking water also contributes to repeated, chronic exposure over time.

In children, lead exposure can harm brain development, learning ability and behavior. For adults, lead can cause cardiovascular issues, reproductive harm and kidney damage.

Risk factors will vary by the individual and amount of lead consumed; children, infants and those who are pregnant or nursing are at an increased risk of harm.

What About Bathing, Showering or Washing Your Hands?

Lead cannot be absorbed through the skin, making bathing and showering in water containing lead safe in most cases for adults and children. To mitigate risks completely, it is advised to replace lead-containing plumbing and to install appropriate water treatment at the whole-home level.

How to Identify Lead Piping in Your Home

Because lead has no taste, color or smell in water, detection usually requires confirmation from a water test. If you suspect your water is contaminated, reach out to your local water authority or provider or schedule a water analysis with us, at Kinetico Advanced Water Systems.

As for assessment of the pipes, this can be done by a licensed plumber, visually using a scratch test or using an EPA-recognized lead test swab. Keep in mind that these types of tests will only identify the presence of lead on or in metal surfaces and can’t indicate its presence in the water.

You can also use the NRDC’s free online map to see which water service lines across the U.S. still contain lead, or the EPA’s quick lead in drinking water checklist.

Are Landlords and Home Sellers Required to Disclose Lead Pipes?

Lead-based paint hazard disclosure is federally required, though for lead pipes and plumbing the requirements vary by state. Many jurisdictions will require disclosure of known lead service lines and documented issues with lead in drinking water.

Can You Remove Lead From Water Without Replacing Lead Pipes?

Yes. If you’re unable to replace lead-containing plumbing lines, the best approach will be to install water treatment specifically listed and certified to remove lead from your home’s water.

Look for reverse osmosis systems certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 58, such as the Kinetico K5® Drinking Water Station, which are specifically designed and tested to remove 95 to 99%+ of dissolved metals, including lead. Both the EPA and CDC list reverse osmosis as one of the most effective methods for treating lead in drinking water.

Other options include water softeners for whole-home protection, and water filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53, reducing approximately ≥90% of lead from water. These types of filters are usually point-of-use and easier to install — under-sink, faucet-mounted or using a pitcher system. Effectiveness will depend on factors such as the filter media, cartridge design and proper maintenance.

Protect Your Home and Family With Kinetico

If you have questions about your home’s plumbing systems or suspect lead in your drinking water, contact Kinetico to learn more about our 12-point plumbing inspection and water testing services. Together, we’ll help ensure your home’s water is safe for drinking and that your plumbing is safeguarded against risks.