Lead pipes in older homes: how to check and what to do

Lead was widely used for water pipes in the past because it is soft, easy to shape and long-lasting. Today we know it is harmful to health, and it has not been used for new drinking water pipes for decades. But many older homes in the UK still have sections of lead pipe — often hidden under the floor or behind kitchen units.

Does my home have lead pipes?

The age of the building is the first clue. According to the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), homes built before 1970 are likely to contain lead pipework, while homes built after 1970 are unlikely to. That does not mean every older home has lead — many have had their plumbing replaced — but if you live in a Victorian terrace, an inter-war semi or a pre-1970 flat, it is worth checking.

Lead can be found in two places:

• The supply pipe — the pipe that brings water from the boundary of your property into the house. This is usually the homeowner's responsibility.

• Internal pipework — the pipes inside the house, most often the section leading to the kitchen tap.

How to check your pipes in five minutes

The DWI suggests starting at your internal stop tap, which is usually under the kitchen sink, in a downstairs toilet or under the stairs. Look at the pipe going into the stop tap from the floor or wall.

• Lead pipes are dull grey and often have a swollen, rounded joint next to the tap.

• Lead is soft. If you gently scrape the pipe with a coin, you will see shiny, silver-coloured metal underneath.

• Copper pipes are orange-brown or green where they have tarnished, and plastic pipes are usually blue, black or white.

If you cannot tell, or the pipe is not visible, ask a plumber — or ask your water company, which can advise you.

Why lead matters

Lead builds up in the body over time. The DWI highlights that infants, including unborn babies, and young children are most at risk, because lead can affect mental development. In adults, it can affect the kidneys, heart and circulation. The World Health Organization states that there is no level of exposure to lead that is known to be without harmful effects.

The risk from lead pipes depends on how long water stands in them and on the chemistry of the local water. Water companies treat water to reduce how much lead it picks up from pipes, but the only permanent solution is to remove the lead.

What to do if you think you have lead pipes

1. Run the tap before drinking

Water that has been standing in lead pipes, for example overnight or while you were at work, picks up the most lead. The DWI advises running the tap to clear standing water before using it for drinking or cooking. Running it while you do the washing-up or flush the toilet is a simple way to avoid wasting water.

2. Use only the cold tap for drinking and cooking

Never use water from the hot tap for drinks, cooking or baby formula.

3. Ask your water company to test

If you suspect lead pipes, contact your water company and ask them to test the water at your kitchen tap. They can tell you whether lead levels are a concern and explain your options. Many water companies also offer help or schemes for replacing lead supply pipes, so ask about this too.

4. Replace the lead pipework

Replacing lead pipes is the permanent fix. The DWI recommends using a qualified plumber accredited through WaterSafe, the UK register of approved plumbers. If you replace your supply pipe, tell your water company — they may replace their section of lead pipe up to your boundary at the same time.

5. Consider a certified filter in the meantime

While you wait for pipes to be replaced, a filter can reduce lead in the water you drink — but only if it is certified for lead reduction. The US Environmental Protection Agency points consumers to filters independently certified against both NSF/ANSI standards 53 and 42 for lead reduction. Look for lead specifically on the certificate: a filter certified only for chlorine and taste will not help. Our guide What does a water filter actually remove? explains how to read the claims.

Buying an older house?

The DWI suggests asking your surveyor to check the material and condition of the pipes when you buy a property. It is far easier to plan pipe replacement before you move in and redecorate.

The short version

If your home was built before 1970, check the pipe at your stop tap. If it is dull grey and shows silver when scratched, it is probably lead. Run the tap before drinking, use cold water only, ask your water company to test, and plan to replace the pipe. For more about other odd tastes and what they mean, see Why does my tap water taste of chlorine (or TCP)?