At PM247, we understand that the quality of your drinking water is paramount to your family’s health and well-being. While most water mains in the UK do not contain lead, older homes, particularly those built before the 1970s, might still have lead pipes. These pipes can pose a significant risk as lead can leach into the water supply, especially affecting vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and young children. This guide aims to inform homeowners about the potential presence of lead pipes, how to identify them, and the necessary steps to replace them, ensuring that your household has access to safe and clean water.

 

Why Lead Pipes Are a Concern

Lead pipes were commonly used in plumbing systems until the 1970s. While modern water treatment processes significantly reduce lead levels, old plumbing systems can still leach small amounts of lead into the water. This is particularly concerning for young children and pregnant women, as lead exposure can have serious health effects.

identifying and replacing lead pipes

Identifying Lead Pipes in Your Home

If your home was built before 1970 and hasn’t undergone major plumbing renovations, it might contain lead pipes. Here’s how to check:

Outside Your Home

Stop Valve Inspection:

The stop valve, usually located near the boundary of your property, is another place to check. Look for the pipe that leads from the valve to your house. Different materials will present distinct characteristics:

  • Lead: Dull grey, with a soft, pliable feel.
  • Copper: Bright, metallic appearance, usually harder and sturdier.
  • Iron: Dark, possibly rusty, and very hard.
  • Plastic: Often blue, but older systems may use black or grey plastic.

If you’re unsure about the material, our experts at PM247 can assist in identifying it.

Lead Pipes Inside Your Home

Kitchen and Utility Areas:

Start your inspection in areas where water pipes are visible, such as under kitchen sinks, in the cellar, or behind cupboards. Lead pipes have distinct characteristics that can help you identify them:

  • Colour: Unpainted lead pipes have a dull grey appearance.
  • Texture: Lead is a soft metal, so the pipes may have irregular bends.
  • Scratch Test: Lightly scratching the surface can reveal a shiny, silver metal beneath the dull exterior.

Neighbour’s Plumbing:

If your neighbours’ homes were built around the same time, their experiences can be informative. Ask if they’ve had lead pipes replaced; similar construction periods often mean similar materials were used.

 

Who is Responsible for the Pipes?

Understanding who is responsible for the various segments of your water supply pipes can be confusing. Here’s a breakdown:

Water Supplier’s Responsibility:

  • The water supplier is responsible for the communication pipe, which runs from the water mains to the outside stop valve at your property boundary.

Homeowner’s Responsibility:

  • Homeowners are responsible for the supply pipe from the outside stop valve to the inside stop valve, as well as all internal plumbing.

 

Reducing Lead Exposure

If you discover lead pipes in your home, there are steps you can take to reduce exposure to lead:

     1. Flushing the Pipes:

Each morning, or if water hasn’t been used for several hours, run the cold water tap for about two minutes. This flushes out water that has been sitting in the pipes and potentially accumulating lead. The flushed water can be used for other purposes, such as watering plants or cleaning.

    2. Using Filters:

Consider installing water filters certified to remove lead. These can provide an additional layer of protection.

    3. Replacing Lead Pipes:

The most effective solution is to replace lead pipes entirely. This can be a significant but worthwhile investment in your family’s health and safety.

 

Steps for Replacing Lead Pipes

Replacing lead pipes involves several key steps, often requiring coordination with your water supplier and possibly your neighbours. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Assessment

Inspection:

  • Conduct a thorough inspection to determine the presence of lead pipes both inside and outside your home.

Step 2: Determine Pipe Ownership

Private vs. Shared Pipes:

  • It’s crucial to establish whether your supply pipe is solely yours or shared with neighbours. PM247 can assist in this assessment. If the pipe is shared, you may need to coordinate with your neighbours for a joint replacement effort.

Step 3: Electrical Earthing

Safety Check:

  • For homes built before 1966, lead pipes might be part of the main electrical earthing system. It’s essential to consult with a qualified electrician to ensure that any changes to the plumbing system do not compromise electrical safety.

Step 4: Coordination with Your Water Supplier

Communication:

  • If the lead pipes extend to the communication pipe owned by the water supplier, contact them to handle this portion of the replacement. Many suppliers will replace their portion at no cost to the homeowner.

Step 5: Engaging Professionals for Replacement

Hiring Experts:

  • PM247 specialist plumbers can help you with the replacement of lead pipes. Our team can handle the entire process efficiently and safely. From the initial assessment to the final replacement, we ensure minimal disruption and maximum safety.

Obtaining Quotes:

  • We provide detailed, no-obligation quotes based on your specific needs. Our pricing is transparent, ensuring you know exactly what to expect.

 

Conclusion: Ensuring Safe Water for Your Family

Ensuring the safety of your household water supply is a critical responsibility, and addressing the presence of lead pipes is a key aspect of this. While immediate risks may be low, the potential long-term health implications make it crucial to address any lead piping in your home. Replacing lead pipes not only safeguards your family’s health but also enhances the value and safety of your property. At PM247, we are dedicated to helping you through every step of this process. Whether it’s conducting an initial inspection, advising on reducing lead exposure, or executing a complete replacement of lead pipes, our expert team is ready to assist. Our comprehensive services ensure that your water supply is not only safe but also reliable, giving you peace of mind. Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact PM247 today to ensure your water is lead-free and safe for all members of your household.

For professional plumbing services including the replacement of plumbing systems and lead pipes call PM247 on 0808 258 2750 or fill in the form here to schedule an appointment.