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Lead pipes and lead in water: how to check and what to do

Homes built before 1986, especially in older cities, may have lead pipes or a lead service line. Here is how to find out and how to lower your exposure in the meantime.

The short answer

Ask your water utility whether your service line is lead – utilities have had to inventory them. Until you know, run the tap before drinking, use cold water only for drinking, cooking and baby formula, and consider a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Boiling does not remove lead. A licensed plumber can identify and replace lead pipes.

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Who is at risk

The EPA says the most common sources of lead in drinking water are lead pipes, faucets and fixtures. Lead pipes are more likely in older cities and in homes built before 1986, and where a lead service line connects the home to the main, it is typically the biggest source. EPA and CDC agree there is no known safe level of lead in a child’s blood.

How to find out if you have a lead service line

Ask your water utility first; EPA says to ask a licensed plumber if the utility has no information. Regulated water systems completed initial inventories of lead service lines in October 2024 and must keep them updated, according to EPA. The CDC calls your local water authority the first source for testing and identifying lead in tap water.

Lowering exposure now

  • Flush your pipes before drinking by running the tap, showering, or running laundry or the dishwasher (EPA).
  • Use only cold water for drinking, cooking and baby formula (EPA).
  • Boiling water does not remove lead (EPA).
  • Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction; EPA also points to NSF/ANSI 42 (Class 1) for very small particles. Change cartridges regularly and never run hot water through a lead filter.

The federal replacement rule

Under EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, finalized in October 2024, most water systems must replace lead service lines within 10 years, and the lead action level drops from 15 to 10 micrograms per liter. Many utilities run replacement programs that cover some or all of the private side of the line – ask yours before hiring anyone.

When to call a plumber

A plumber can identify the material of the pipe where it enters your home, replace a lead service line on your side of the property line in coordination with the utility, and replace older faucets and fixtures. Ask whether the work needs a permit and whether the utility’s replacement program applies.

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Questions

How do I know if I have lead pipes?

Ask your water utility, which has had to inventory lead service lines. If it has no information, EPA suggests asking a licensed plumber.

Does boiling water remove lead?

No. EPA says boiling water does not remove lead. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction.

Which water filters remove lead?

EPA points to filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead reduction, and NSF/ANSI 42 Class 1 for very small particles. Change cartridges as directed and use cold water only.

Do water systems have to replace lead service lines?

Under EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (October 2024), most water systems must replace lead service lines within 10 years. Ask your utility about its program.

Related guides

Hard water and water softeners: what to knowWhite crust on faucets, spotty dishes and soap that will not lather are signs of hard water. Here is how hardness is measured and what a softener does.Backflow preventers and testing: a homeowner's guideIf your utility sent a letter about backflow testing, or you have a lawn sprinkler system, this explains what a backflow preventer is and why it gets tested.Low water pressure: find the cause in 10 minutesLow pressure at one faucet and low pressure in the whole house have different causes. Start by working out which one you have.

Sources

Facts and figures in this guide come from these official and manufacturer sources, checked October 2026:

  1. EPA – Basic information about lead in drinking water
  2. EPA – Reduce your risk from lead using water filters (PDF)
  3. CDC – About lead in drinking water
  4. EPA – Lead and Copper Rule Improvements fact sheet (PDF)

Updated October 2026 by the Plumbers Pages editorial team. General information for homeowners, not professional advice – codes and equipment differ, so follow your product’s manual and local rules. When gas, electricity, sewage or anyone’s safety is involved, call 911, your utility or a licensed plumber. How we write our guides · Plumbing glossary

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