Lead Pipes in Your Home: How They Affect Your Water Supply

Many older homes may still have lead pipes, lead solder, or older plumbing materials that can affect water quality. Lead is a serious concern because it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted in your water.

If lead is present in your plumbing, it can enter your drinking water as pipes and plumbing parts break down over time. That is why homeowners should understand the risks of lead in water and take steps to test their water supply.

How Do Lead Pipes Affect Drinking Water?

Lead can get into your water when older pipes, service lines, solder, or fixtures begin to corrode. This often happens slowly over time, which makes lead a hidden problem in many homes.

Water may be more likely to pick up lead when:

• Your home has older plumbing materials
• Water sits in pipes for several hours, such as overnight
• Your property has an aging service line connected to the main water supply.

Common sources of lead in household plumbing include:

• Old service lines
• Older pipes and pipe fittings
• Lead solder used in plumbing connections
• Older faucets and fixtures

Because lead has no taste, smell, or color, testing is the only way to know if it is in your water.

Why Is Lead in Drinking Water a Problem?

There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Even small amounts can build up over time and create concerns for your household.

Lead in water is especially concerning because many families do not know it is there unless they test for it. It can affect the water used for:

• Drinking
• Cooking
• Brushing teeth
• Making baby formula

Children are especially vulnerable to lead exposure. It can affect brain development, learning, and behavior. Adults can also face health concerns, including high blood pressure, kidney problems, and memory issues.

Testing your water is one of the best ways to better understand your water quality and protect your home.

How to Know if Your Home May Have Lead Pipes

Homes built many years ago are more likely to have lead plumbing materials. If your home is older, it may be a good idea to have your water tested, especially if you are not sure what type of pipes or service line you have.

You may want to consider water testing if:

• Your home was built before modern plumbing updates
• you have older pipes or fixtures
• Your water sits unused for long periods
• You want peace of mind about your home’s drinking water

Even if your water looks clear, lead may still be present.

How Water Testing Helps Protect Your Family

Since lead cannot be detected by taste, smell, or sight, professional water testing is the best first step. A water test can help identify whether lead or other contaminants may be affecting your water supply.

Knowing what is in your water can help you make informed decisions about treatment options for your home and family.

How Culligan Can Help Reduce Lead in Water

Culligan offers professional water testing to check for lead and other contaminants in your home’s water. Based on the results, Culligan experts can recommend certified filtration and water treatment solutions designed to reduce lead and improve water quality.

Solutions may include:

• Water filtration systems
• Certified drinking water treatment options
• Reverse osmosis systems for cleaner drinking water

With the right solution, your family can enjoy cleaner, safer water for drinking, cooking, and everyday use.

Protect Your Home’s Water with a Free Water Test

Protecting your water starts with knowing what is in it. Scheduling a free water test is a simple way to learn more about your water and find the right solution for your home.

Culligan offers free in-home water testing to help you understand your water and find the right solution for your home.