Many homes built before the 1970s may still have lead water pipes, which can pose health risks if lead seeps into your drinking water. If you’re unsure whether your home has lead pipes, this guide will help you identify them and understand what steps to take next.
Why Does It Matter?
Lead can be harmful, especially for young children and pregnant women, as it can affect brain development and overall health. The UK government and water suppliers have been working to reduce lead exposure, but many older homes may still have lead plumbing.
How to Check If You Have Lead Pipes
Find Your Main Water Supply Pipe
- Look under your kitchen sink, in the cellar, or where the pipe enters your home.
- The pipe leading to your internal plumbing is your ‘supply pipe’, and this is the most common place to find lead.
Check the Colour
- Scrape the surface of the pipe gently with a coin or screwdriver.
- If it turns a shiny silver colour underneath, it’s likely lead.
- If it’s copper (brownish) or plastic (white/blue/black), it’s not lead.
Test with a Magnet
- Lead is not magnetic, so if a magnet sticks to your pipe, it’s made of iron or steel—not lead.
Tap the Pipe
- Lead pipes produce a dull sound when tapped, while copper or steel pipes make a sharper ringing sound.
Check Your Pipe Joints
- Lead pipes often have wider joints where they connect, unlike modern pipes that have clean, smooth joints.
What to Do If You Have Lead Pipes
- Contact Your Water Supplier: They may offer free water testing to check lead levels.
- Replace Your Lead Pipes: If lead is present, replacing your pipes is the safest option. The section leading up to your home is your responsibility, while the supplier may handle the section up to the street.
- Use a Water Filter: A filter certified to remove lead can help in the short term.
- Run Your Tap: If your home has lead pipes, let the water run for a few minutes in the morning or after long periods of non-use to flush out any lead-contaminated water.
Need Professional Help?
If you suspect you have lead pipes and need expert advice on replacement, CW Pipewise can help. Contact us today for an inspection and a safe, modern plumbing upgrade.
