How to Know If Your Water Has Lead & What to Do About It
If you’ve received a letter saying there may be lead in your water service lines, you’re probably wondering what to do next. Lead in drinking water is a serious issue, but the good news is that you can test your water and take steps to fix it.
The first step is confirming whether your home’s water has lead. This can be done through a simple inspection of your service line or a water test. If lead is present, there are filtration options and long-term solutions to ensure your water is safe.
This guide will walk you through how to check for lead, what to do if it’s in your water, and how to get expert help.
How to Check If Your Water Has Lead
Signs Your Water May Contain Lead
Lead in water isn’t always visible, but there are a few warning signs to watch for:
- Discolored water – Brown, yellow, or cloudy water can indicate lead or other contaminants.
- Metallic taste – Water with lead may have a slightly bitter or metallic taste.
- Old plumbing – Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead pipes or lead solder.
Even if your water looks and tastes fine, testing is the only way to know for sure.
How to Inspect Your Water Service Line for Lead
One way to check for lead is by inspecting your home’s water service line—the pipe that brings water from the main supply into your house. Here’s how:
- Find Your Water Line – Look under the kitchen sink, in the basement, or near your water meter.
- Scratch the Pipe’s Surface – Use a key or coin to scratch a small section of the pipe.
- If the pipe is shiny and silver, it may be lead.
- If a magnet sticks to the pipe, it’s likely steel, not lead.
- Check for Softness – Lead pipes are softer and can be dented with light pressure.
If your service line is lead or contains lead solder, your home’s water may be contaminated.
Water Testing Options: Home Kits vs. Professional Lab Testing
Testing your water is the most reliable way to know if lead is present. You have two options:
- Home Test Kits – Available at hardware stores for around $20 to $50. These can detect lead, but they aren’t as accurate as lab tests.
- Professional Water Testing – A certified lab provides detailed results, including the lead level in parts per billion (ppb). This usually costs $50 to $200, but it’s the most accurate way to check your water.
Understanding Test Results: What Lead Levels Are Dangerous?
- 0 ppb (parts per billion) – Ideal. No lead detected.
- 1-15 ppb – Some lead is present. Action should be taken.
- Above 15 ppb – Considered unsafe. Immediate steps are needed to remove lead from your water.
If your test detects lead, don’t panic—but take action quickly. In the next section, we’ll cover what to do if lead is in your water.
What to Do If Lead is Found in Your Water
If your water test confirms lead, take action immediately to protect your household. Some solutions offer a quick fix, while others provide long-term safety.
Immediate Safety Measures
Until you install a permanent solution, follow these steps to reduce exposure:
- Flush Your Pipes – Run cold water from each tap for at least 5 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking. This helps clear out lead that may have built up in the pipes overnight.
- Use Cold Water for Cooking & Drinking – Hot water leaches lead from pipes more easily. Always start with cold water, even when boiling.
- Use Bottled Water When Needed – If your lead levels are high, use bottled water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula until a filtration system is installed.
- Avoid Using Unfiltered Water for Baby Formula – Infants are especially vulnerable to lead exposure.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Solutions: What Works Best?
Not all lead removal methods are equally effective. Here’s how different options compare:
| Solution | Effectiveness | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Faucet or Pitcher Filter | Good for small-scale use, but doesn’t protect the whole house | $30–$100 |
| Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters | Removes 99% of lead, but only at specific faucets | $200–$600 |
| Whole-Home Water Filtration Systems | Best long-term solution, protects all water sources | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Lead Pipe Replacement | Permanent solution but costly | $2,000–$10,000 |
Water Filtration Options: Reverse Osmosis, Activated Carbon, Whole-Home Filters
If replacing pipes isn’t an immediate option, installing a high-quality water filtration system is the next best step:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filters – Installed under the sink, these remove 99% of lead but only from the water used at that faucet.
- Activated Carbon Filters – These can reduce lead but are not as effective as RO filters. Always check if the filter is NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified for lead removal.
- Whole-Home Filtration Systems – The most comprehensive solution. These systems ensure all water—from taps to showers—is free from lead, providing long-term protection.
When to Consider Lead Pipe Replacement
If your home has lead pipes, replacing them is the best permanent solution. Here’s what to know:

- Contact your local water provider to ask if they offer lead pipe replacement programs or financial assistance.
- If replacing pipes isn’t possible right away, pair a whole-home filtration system with temporary fixes like faucet filters.
Taking action now ensures your water is safe and your family is protected from long-term lead exposure.
Why Acting Fast Matters
Lead in water is a serious issue, especially because it builds up in the body over time. The longer you’re exposed, the greater the risk of health problems.
- Children and Infants – Lead exposure can affect brain development, cause learning disabilities, and lead to behavioral problems. Even low levels can have long-term effects.
- Pregnant Women – Lead can pass through the placenta, increasing the risk of miscarriage, premature birth, or developmental issues for the baby.
- Adults – Long-term exposure can lead to high blood pressure, kidney problems, and neurological issues.
The good news? Lead exposure is preventable. Taking action now—whether through filtration or replacing pipes—ensures your water is safe for years to come.
Get Expert Help for Lead-Free Water
If your water has lead, the safest solution is professional water treatment. While DIY filters provide temporary relief, a whole-home system ensures long-term protection for your entire household.
Worried About Lead in Your Water? We Can Help!
Did you receive a letter stating there may be lead in your water service lines? Don’t take chances with your family’s health—get your water tested today.
At Puresoft Water Treatments, we provide:
✅ Professional water testing to detect lead contamination
✅ Custom water filtration solutions to remove lead effectively
✅ Whole-home treatment systems for long-term water safety
Clean, safe water starts here. Call today to schedule your test!
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Why You Should Schedule a Free Water Test Today Clean water is essential for our daily lives. We use it for drinking, cooking, cleaning, and bathing. But how sure are you that the water flowing from your taps is safe? Many homeowners assume their water is fine because it looks clear or doesn't taste strange. You should schedule a free water test today because it's the only reliable way to know if your water contains harmful contaminants that could affect your family's health. Testing reveals invisible threats like lead, bacteria, and chemicals that regular observation can't detect. Water quality issues are more common than most people think. According to recent data, millions of Americans drink water that doesn't meet safety standards. Don't leave your family's health to chance when a simple test can give you peace of mind and protect your loved ones. Understanding the Importance of Water Quality Water quality directly impacts your health and wellbeing . Contaminated water can cause immediate problems like stomach issues, skin rashes, and respiratory concerns. Long-term exposure to certain contaminants has been linked to serious health conditions including kidney damage and developmental issues in children. Common water quality problems in homes include hardness (high mineral content), acidity , sediment , and the presence of harmful bacteria . These issues vary by location, with some regions facing higher risks of specific contaminants based on local infrastructure and environmental factors. National studies show that up to 45 million Americans get their water from sources that don't meet safety guidelines. Even municipal water systems can have problems, especially as they travel through older pipes on the way to your home. The only way to know for sure what's in your water is to test it. 5 Warning Signs Your Water Needs Testing Pay attention to these signals that might indicate water problems: Strange taste or smell - Metallic, sulfur (rotten egg), or chlorine smells are red flags. Discolored water - Brown, yellow, or cloudy water suggests potential contamination. Plumbing stains - Blue-green stains in sinks, toilet bowls, or bathtubs often indicate copper corrosion, while brown or red stains point to iron in water. Frequent stomach problems - If family members experience unexplained digestive issues, your water could be the culprit. Dry skin and hair - Hard water can leave skin feeling itchy and hair looking dull after showering. If you notice any of these signs, don't wait. Schedule a free water test right away to identify the cause. Common Contaminants Found in Household Water Heavy Metals Lead and copper often enter drinking water through old pipes and fixtures. Even low levels of lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially in children, affecting brain development and behavior. Homes built before 1986 have a higher risk of lead in plumbing. Arsenic and chromium can occur naturally in groundwater or come from industrial pollution. These metals have been linked to cancer and other serious health conditions when consumed over time. Microorganisms Bacteria like E. coli and viruses can enter water supplies through sewage leaks or agricultural runoff. These microorganisms can cause immediate illness with symptoms including nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Parasites such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium are resistant to chlorine treatment and can cause severe digestive problems. These tiny organisms can live in your water system for months, posing ongoing health risks. Chemical Contaminants Pesticides and fertilizers from farms and lawns can seep into groundwater. These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption and other health concerns. Industrial chemicals including PFAS (often called "forever chemicals") don't break down in the environment and have been found in water systems across the country. Chlorine byproducts form when chlorine used to treat municipal water reacts with organic matter, creating compounds that may increase cancer risk over long-term exposure. Benefits of Scheduling a Free Water Test Health Protection A professional water test provides early detection of harmful substances before they cause health problems. Finding contaminants early means you can address them before exposure becomes dangerous. Tests lead to customized solutions for your specific water issues. Rather than guessing what treatment might help, you'll know exactly what problems need fixing and can choose the right system for your home's unique needs. Financial Savings Clean water helps in preventing plumbing damage caused by corrosive water or mineral buildup. This saves expensive repairs and extends the life of your pipes. Proper water treatment also means extending appliance lifespan . Appliances like water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines last longer when they're not dealing with hard water or sediment. You'll also save money by avoiding bottled water expenses . Many families spend hundreds of dollars yearly on bottled water due to concerns about tap water quality. Fixing your water system can eliminate this cost. Peace of Mind A comprehensive water test gives you the benefit of knowing exactly what's in your water . No more wondering if invisible contaminants are affecting your family. You'll gain confidence in your home's water safety for all uses - from drinking to bathing. This peace of mind is especially important for households with children, elderly members, or pregnant women. What to Expect During a Professional Water Test The testing process is quick and non-disruptive. A water quality expert will collect samples from various faucets in your home. They might also check your well or water entry point if you have one. Standard tests measure many important factors including: pH levels Hardness Chlorine content Total dissolved solids Bacteria presence Common contaminants like lead, iron, and nitrates Most companies provide results within 3-7 days after testing. The water specialist will then explain what the numbers mean for your household and recommend appropriate solutions if needed. DIY vs. Professional Water Testing: Pros and Cons Home test kits have limitations. While they might detect basic issues like hardness or chlorine levels, they often miss dangerous contaminants that require specialized equipment to identify. These kits also don't provide expert interpretation of results. Professional analysis offers comprehensive testing using advanced equipment. Trained technicians can spot problems that DIY tests miss and provide expert advice on the best solutions based on your specific results. The cost comparison makes professional testing the better value. Many companies offer free initial water tests, while comprehensive DIY kits can cost $50-$300 and still provide limited information. When the professional test is free, there's little reason to choose the DIY route. How to Schedule Your Free Water Test Today The booking process is simple. Just call a trusted local water treatment company like Puresoft Water Treatment Inc. to set up an appointment at a time that works for you. There's no obligation to purchase anything after your test. The information is yours to keep regardless of whether you decide to get a water treatment system. Before your appointment, prepare by making a list of any water issues you've noticed and questions you have. It also helps to avoid using water softeners or filters for 24-48 hours before testing to get the most accurate results. Take Action for Cleaner, Safer Water Your family deserves clean, safe water. A free water test is the first step toward protecting their health and your home. Don't wait for visible problems to appear - many water contaminants can't be seen, smelled, or tasted. Take control of your water quality today. It only takes a few minutes to schedule a test, but the benefits of clean water last a lifetime. Ready for crystal-clear, healthy water throughout your home? Contact Puresoft Water Treatment Inc. today to schedule your FREE, no-obligation water quality test. Our experts will analyze your water and recommend the perfect solution from our comprehensive line of water treatment systems, including our popular Watermax and Hydroclean H3 water softeners and H6000 water filters. Call us now - because your family deserves nothing less than the purest water possible!
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