The federal government banned the use of leaded pipe and solder in new plumbing systems in 1986, but many remaining pipe networks in older cities and homes predate the policy; the EPA estimates there are still 6 to 10 million lead service lines across the country.
Congress banned the use of lead pipes in 1986 but allowed those already in the ground to remain. Three decades later, an estimated 15 to 22 million Americans still cook with and drink tap water entering their homes through lead pipes, known as "service lines."
They were commonly made of lead from the late 1800s through much of the 20th century. In 1986, as pressure mounted to address the clear health risks, Congress enacted an amendment to the Safe Water Drinking Act, officially prohibiting the installation of new lead service lines and other plumbing.
National model plumbing codes approved lead into the 1970s and 1980s, and most water systems based their regulations on those codes.
Homes with lead pipes pose serious health risks. If it is determined that you home has lead pipes, it is recommended that you replace your lead pipe to an entirely new material that is modern and thus safer for your health. Copper and PVC are now the main materials used.
Boiling water does not reduce lead levels and may actually increase them. Test your water. The only way to know if lead has been reduced by letting it run is to check with a test. If letting the water run does not reduce lead, consider other options to reduce your exposure.
There is no safe level of exposure to lead, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lead exposure causes developmental delays, difficulty learning and behavioral problems. Lead exposure also poses a significant risk for adults.
If a magnet sticks, it is a steel pipe. Magnets will ONLY stick to steel. They will NOT stick to lead or copper. Lead is dull, very soft, and will turn a shiny silver color when scratched.
Should I Buy a House with Galvanized Water Pipes? Absolutely not. I explain something similar in this post about buying a house with a cast iron sewer system. If you do buy a home with a galvanized pipe fresh water system and the seller won't replace it, you are assuming all of the risk and responsibility.
Homeowners insurance typically does not cover pipe replacement if the damage is due to gradual wear and tear, corrosion, or lack of maintenance. However, if the pipes are damaged by a sudden and accidental event, such as a burst pipe caused by freezing, homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairs or replacement.
Lead pipes occur in all 50 states, but some states have a disproportionate problem. These include Illinois, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and Florida, which are especially heavy hit.
If lead particles are caught in the aerator, lead can get into your water. Use cold water. Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Remember, boiling water does not remove lead from water.
If you're concerned about you or your family's blood lead levels, consult your family doctor or pediatrician about testing. You can also get your water tested for lead, and you can find a certified lab on the E.P.A. website. But the bottom line: If you suspect your home has lead pipes, you should get them replaced.
Buying Options. If you just want to check your water for lead, and you don't care about testing for other chemicals, we recommend the Safe Home Do-It-Yourself Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit.
If the scraped area is shiny and silver, your service line is lead. A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe. If the scraped area is copper in color, like a penny, your service line is copper. A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe.
Plumbing fixtures that are not “lead-free” were banned from sale after August 6, 1998. The 1988 Lead Contamination Control Act (LCCA) was enacted by Congress to reduce lead exposure and associated health risks by decreasing lead levels in drinking water at schools and child care centers.
If you drop a bar magnet in a vertical copper pipe it will fall slowly because it induces a magnetic field in the pipe that resist motion of the magnet. Currents are created by conducting metal like copper.
Using a filter system or a water filtering pitcher can reduce or get rid of lead that may be in your tap water. Be sure to look for products certified by NSF, WQA, or UL under Standard 53 for lead and follow all manufacturer's guidelines on the installation and care of the filter.
Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes, fixtures and solder.
Lead service lines are generally a dull gray color and are very soft. You can identify them easily by carefully scratching with a key. If the pipe is made of lead, the area you've scratched will turn a bright silver color. Do not use a knife or other sharp instrument and take care not to puncture a hole in the pipe.
As water passes through the filter, the nonwoven element reduces sediment, while the carbon block traps smaller contaminants. * Brita® faucet filters reduce lead, chlorine, asbestos, benzene, particulates and other contaminants. See this chart for a complete list of what Brita reduces or removes from tap water.
FLUSH YOUR SYSTEM. Let the water run from the tap before using it for drinking or cooking any time the water in a faucet has gone unused for more than six hours. The longer water resides in plumbing the more lead it may contain. Flushing the tap means running the cold water faucet for about 15-30 seconds.
Is lead poisoning curable? The effects of lead poisoning aren't reversible. But you can reduce blood lead levels and prevent further exposure by finding and removing the sources of lead from your child's home or environment.