Is There Lead in My Drinking Water if I Have Galvanized Pipes? - And How Much Lead is Safe to Drink?
If your home has galvanized plumbing, you may be at risk of lead contamination in your drinking water. Galvanized pipes, which were widely used in homes built before the 1960s, are made from steel coated with zinc. While this zinc coating was originally intended to protect against rust, it can wear down over time, allowing lead particles to leach into the water. Understanding the risks associated with these pipes and knowing when to take action is crucial to ensuring the safety of your water supply.
How Galvanized Pipes Can Lead to Lead Contamination
Galvanized pipes can become a source of lead contamination when they corrode. The zinc coating, which sometimes contains lead impurities, deteriorates, and lead particles can enter the water supply. Additionally, if your plumbing system has ever included lead pipes or fittings—particularly upstream from galvanized pipes—lead residue may have accumulated on the inner surfaces of the galvanized pipes. When these pipes corrode, these lead particles are released into the water.
The presence of copper pipes alongside galvanized ones can further worsen the situation. When different metals come into contact, they create a galvanic reaction, which accelerates the corrosion of galvanized pipes and increases the release of lead into the water. This reaction makes it crucial for homeowners to check the composition of their entire plumbing system, not just individual sections.
How Much Lead is Safe in Drinking Water?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set the lead action level at 15 parts per billion (ppb). However, the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasize that no amount of lead exposure is considered safe, especially for children and pregnant women (US EPA). Lead exposure, even at low levels, can cause severe health problems such as developmental delays, cognitive issues, and kidney damage.
What Should You Do if You Have Galvanized Pipes?
If you suspect your home may have galvanized pipes, it’s essential to take action to protect your health and your family’s well-being. Here’s what you should do:
Test Your Water: The most definitive way to determine if lead is present in your water is through testing. You can purchase home test kits, but sending a sample to a certified laboratory or contacting your local water utility provider is more accurate.
Flush Your Pipes: If your pipes are galvanized, flush your taps for a few minutes before using the water for drinking or cooking. This temporarily reduces the lead concentration by clearing out the water in the pipes.
Install a Water Filter: Use a water filter certified to remove lead. This is an excellent interim solution for a more permanent fix like repiping your home.
Replace the Pipes: The most effective way to eliminate the risk is to replace the galvanized pipes with modern, non-lead materials such as PEX or copper. This ensures that your home’s plumbing is lead-free, safeguarding your water supply and health(US EPA).
Actions Steps: Protect Your Health
It’s not just about fixing your plumbing; it’s also about monitoring your health. Lead exposure can be silent, showing few symptoms until levels become dangerous. Always inform your physician if your home has older plumbing, as they may recommend additional blood tests to check for lead levels, especially for children and pregnant women who are most vulnerable. - (Nurse Consultant Recommendations)
Take proactive steps now to ensure your home is safe:
Consult with a licensed plumber to assess the state of your plumbing and recommend solutions.
Request a water quality test to see if your pipes are old or if you’ve noticed changes in your water’s taste, smell, or color.
Consider a full repiping service to eliminate any future risks associated with lead and other contaminants.
Contact Us for a Consultation
We Do Repipes Inc. specializes in repiping services to ensure your home’s water supply is safe, clean, and lead-free. We offer discounts and flexible financing options to make this essential upgrade affordable. Don’t wait until lead exposure becomes a problem—schedule a consultation today and protect your family’s health for years to come.
Call 832-819-8337 or complete the Get a Quote Page form for more information and to book your appointment.