Do You Have Lead Pipes? Why Testing Your Water Matters More Than You Think

Many homeowners assume lead pipes are a problem of the past. But if your home was built before the 1980s, there’s a real chance lead is still present somewhere in your plumbing – in the service line, the solder joints, or older fixtures. The only way to know for sure is testing.

Here’s what you need to know about lead in home plumbing, why it matters, and what to do if it’s found.

Why Lead Pipes Are Still a Concern

Lead was commonly used in plumbing for decades because it was durable and easy to work with. It wasn’t until 1986 that the U.S. banned lead pipes and lead solder in new plumbing, and even homes built after that can have lead somewhere in the system – older service lines connecting to the municipal supply, brass fixtures with trace lead content, or solder joints from before the ban.

Unlike a lot of home hazards, lead doesn’t announce itself. Water contaminated with lead usually looks, tastes, and smells completely normal. Old lead pipes are often prone to leaks as they age – our team also handles leaking and burst pipes if that’s part of the issue.”

Why Lead Exposure Is Serious

Even low levels of lead exposure add up over time and can affect nearly every system in the body. Children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable – lead exposure in kids has been linked to developmental and learning issues, and there’s no truly “safe” level of exposure according to health agencies.

This is exactly why testing matters more than guessing based on the age of your home or how your water looks.

How Lead Testing Works

Testing your water for lead is straightforward:

1. Sample collection – Water is collected from your tap, typically after it’s been sitting unused for several hours (like first thing in the morning), since lead levels are often highest after water has sat in the pipes.
2. Lab analysis – The sample is tested for lead concentration, measured in parts per billion (ppb).
3. Results and guidance – You’ll get a clear reading of whether your water falls within safe limits, and guidance on next steps if it doesn’t.

What to Do If Lead Is Found

If testing shows elevated lead levels, the fix depends on the source:

• Lead service line – This typically needs to be replaced by a licensed plumber, since no amount of filtering fully solves a lead line issue long-term.
• Lead solder or fixtures – Sometimes it’s isolated to specific joints or fixtures, which can be repaired or replaced without a full re-pipe.
• Interim measures – Running water for a minute before use and using a certified filter can reduce exposure while permanent repairs are scheduled.

In every case, identifying where the lead is coming from is the key step before any repair work begins – testing tells you where to focus.

Getting the Plumbing Fixed

Once you know where the lead is coming from, the next step is having a qualified plumber assess and repair the affected pipes or fittings. This isn’t a DIY fix – improperly handled lead pipe work can create more risk, not less.

If you’re in the Spokane area and testing points to an issue with your pipes, Spokane Pipe Repair can inspect the affected lines and handle the repair or replacement safely and correctly.

Bottom Line

Lead in plumbing is a hidden risk – you can’t see it, taste it, or smell it. Testing is the only reliable way to know if it’s present, and if it is, getting the right repair done quickly is what actually protects your household’s health. Don’t wait for a reason to test; if your home is older, it’s worth checking now.