While lead pipes were once common in plumbing systems, their potential health risks have led to significant changes in construction practices. However, some older homes may still have lead pipes or fixtures, particularly in the service line connecting the house to the municipal water supply.
In the video above, This Old House plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey provides insights into the history of lead in plumbing and discusses methods to ensure water safety. Below, we’ll give more detail on the problem of lead in drinking water and what you can do to prevent it.
Understanding Lead in Water Systems
Lead can enter drinking water through the corrosion of plumbing materials, especially in older homes built before the 1986 ban on lead pipes and fixtures. While many cities have taken steps to replace lead service lines, some areas still face challenges in completely eliminating lead from their water systems.
The History of Lead in Plumbing
In the early days of indoor plumbing, lead was favored for its malleability and low melting point. Plumbers would heat lead and form it into pipes and fittings. Over time, lead was replaced by other materials, offering safer alternatives:
- Threaded brass pipes
- Galvanized steel pipes
- Copper pipes
- Modern plastic pipes
Despite these advancements, many homes still have lead service lines connecting to the municipal water supply.
How Lead Enters Drinking Water
Lead can leach into drinking water when it remains in lead pipes or fixtures for extended periods. Several factors can exacerbate lead leaching:
- Corrosive water chemistry
- High water temperature
- Low mineral content in the water
- Physical disturbances to the pipes
The Flint, Michigan, water crisis underscored how changes in water chemistry can heighten lead leaching. Switching water sources altered the protective mineral coating inside lead pipes, enabling more lead to contaminate the water supply.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure can have serious health consequences, particularly for children and pregnant women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no “safe” blood lead level. Even low levels of lead in the blood can lead to:
- Developmental delays in children
- Learning difficulties
- Behavioral problems
- Reduced IQ scores
In adults, lead exposure can cause:
- Increased blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Reproductive issues
Given these risks, you must take proactive steps to ensure your drinking water is lead-free.
Testing for Lead in Your Water
You can’t see, taste, or smell lead in water, so if you suspect there’s a problem, you’ll need to have your water tested. It’s also advisable to test your water under these circumstances:
- If your home was built before 1986
- After moving into a new home
- If you notice changes in water color, taste, or odor (which may be a sign that something else has changed that could affect lead levels)
Below are your options for testing for lead.
Home Test Kits
Home water test kits, available at hardware stores or home centers, offer a quick and affordable means to check for lead contamination. While convenient, they may not be as accurate as professional testing.
Consumer Confidence Reports
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all community water systems put together an annual report with details about local water quality. Find your local Consumer Confidence Report for more information. If your home’s water comes from a private well, the EPA recommends frequent testing for a number of contaminants, including lead.
Professional Water Quality Testing
For comprehensive and accurate results, consider hiring a water quality expert. These professionals use advanced equipment to detect trace amounts of lead and other contaminants. Your state or local drinking water authority should maintain a list of certified labs.
Methods for Treating Lead-Contaminated Water
If lead is detected in your water, several treatment options are available to ensure safe drinking water for your family.
Faucet-Mounted Filters
Some faucet-mounted filters are specifically designed to remove lead from water. Look specifically for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification for lead reduction. When choosing between different brands of filter, consider their capacity, ease of installation, maintenance requirements, and replacement schedule. Make sure this filter is something you can easily use.
Pitcher Filters
Pitcher filters can be effective for improving taste and odor, but not all are capable of removing lead. If using a pitcher filter, verify that it is rated by NSF International for lead removal, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for filter replacement, and be aware that these filters may not suffice for high lead levels.
Reverse Osmosis Systems
For comprehensive water treatment, we recommend installing a reverse osmosis (RO) system. Here’s what these systems offer:
- Remove virtually all contaminants, including lead
- Provide the highest level of water purification
- Typically include a separate faucet for drinking water
- Require professional installation and regular maintenance
Point-of-use RO systems that provide filtered water to a single faucet tend to cost between $200 and $9,000* for purchase and installation. Point-of-entry systems that filter all the water coming into a house cost an average of $2,265. Point-of-use systems tend to be more efficient and cost-effective, but you must remember to get all your water for drinking, ice, and brushing teeth from a single faucet.
*Cost data in this article sourced from contractor estimates used by Angi.
Plumbing Fixture Replacement
The EPA is working on the process of identifying and replacing lead service lines that connect homes to community water mains, which is currently the most significant source of lead in drinking water. If this issue is important to you, contact your congressional representative to support the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements proposal.
Most homes don’t contain lead pipes any longer, but if your water’s lead levels are high, it’s worth checking. Replace old lead pipes with copper, PVC, or PEX pipes, which don’t pose the same health risks.
Best Practices for Reducing Lead Exposure
Long-term solutions require water treatment as described above. However, if you’re worried about lead exposure before you can put a treatment system in place, follow these steps to minimize lead exposure from your water supply.
- Run cold water for at least 60 seconds before using it for drinking or cooking, especially if the faucet hasn’t been used for several hours.
- Use only cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula—hot water can contain higher lead levels.
- Regularly clean faucet aerators to remove any lead particles that may have accumulated.
Pro tip: Boiling water can neutralize some contaminants, but it has no effect on lead.
Enhancing Your Water Safety and Removing Lead
Beyond filtration and testing, there are additional measures you can take to further safeguard your household water supply from lead contamination.
- Regular plumbing inspections: A professional plumber can identify and address any potential lead sources, providing peace of mind.
- Water softening: Water softeners can reduce the corrosiveness of your water supply, which can help minimize lead leaching from old pipes.
- Educating your household: Ensure everyone knows to use cold water for consumption and cooking and understands the potential risks of lead exposure.
- Collaborating with local authorities: Stay informed about local water quality reports and any ongoing municipal efforts to replace lead service lines.
- Supporting federal regulations: When EPA regulations have broad public support, regulators can address the problem faster and more completely.
Our Conclusion
Protecting your family from lead exposure in drinking water requires vigilance and proactive measures. Regular testing, appropriate filtration systems, and good water usage habits can significantly reduce the risk of lead contamination. By understanding the sources of lead in water and implementing effective treatment methods, you can ensure safe, clean drinking water for your household.
