05/01/2025
â ď¸WARNINGâ ď¸
Lead in Drinking Water
Where does lead come from?
Lead used to be common in the environment due to its widespread historic use in petrol, paint and water pipes. Before 1970, lead pipework was commonly used to connect properties to the mains water network. The use of lead pipes has since been banned, however many older properties that have not been modernised are likely to have lead pipework underground and/or inside the building.
Who is responsible for the pipework?
The part of the service pipe that links the water main in the street to the stop valve outside your property belongs to the water company.
The part of the service pipe leading from the stop valve outside your property to the point where it enters your home is the responsibility of the owner. This is known as the private or supply pipe.
All the plumbing inside your home to the kitchen tap is the responsibility of the property owner.
Replacing Lead Pipework
If you are planning on replacing your pipework, we recommend that you employ a qualified plumber to carry out any plumbing work, for example one who is accredited through the WaterSafe scheme like ourselves.
When arranging this you should also notify your water company because they are legally required to replace their communication pipe, if it is made of lead and is at risk of contributing to the amount of lead in the drinking water supply.
How do I know if there are lead pipes in my home?
If your home was built:
* before 1970 â it may have lead pipes
* after 1970 â it is unlikely to have lead pipes
If you are unsure, you can make a simple check:
Find your internal stop tap, where the water first comes into the property. This may be in or behind the cupboards in your kitchen or a downstairs toilet. Unpainted lead pipes appear dull grey and often have a swollen joint next to the tap. The metal is soft and, if gently scraped with a coin, you will see the shiny, silver-coloured metal beneath.
Other pipe materials in common use are:
* copper â bright, hard and dull brown
* iron â dark, very hard and may be rusty
* plastic â typically blue but if older it may be black.
Is lead harmful?
Lead can build up in the body and it is recommended that exposure to lead minimised as far as possible. Those at particular risk are infants (including unborn babies) and children because lead can have an adverse impact on mental development. Lead may also be factor in behavioural problems. In adults it may impair kidney, heart and circulatory health.
Any questions regarding this matter please donât hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help in anyway possible.
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ADM Building Services LTD
