Lead contamination in residential plumbing systems is a serious issue that can affect the health of your family—especially young children and pregnant women. If your home in Gig Harbor, WA, was built before 1986, there’s a chance your plumbing may contain lead pipes, lead solder, or lead fixtures.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify lead plumbing in your home, how to test for it, and what steps to take if you discover a lead contamination risk.
⚠️ Why Lead Pipes Are a Concern
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach into your water supply from corroded pipes. Even at low levels, lead exposure can cause:
- Developmental delays in children
- High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
- Neurological and cognitive issues
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), no amount of lead in drinking water is considered safe. Learn more from the EPA.
🏠 Step 1: Determine the Age of Your Home
If your home was built before 1986, it’s more likely to have lead-based materials in the plumbing. The Safe Drinking Water Act prohibited the use of lead pipes after this date, but many homes in Gig Harbor’s older neighborhoods may still have them in place.
You can check your home’s construction date via:
- Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s Property Search Tool
- Your home inspection records
- Builder documents if available
🔍 Step 2: Inspect Visible Pipes
Start by checking the main water line entering your home, usually found in the basement, crawl space, or utility room.
Here’s how to identify lead pipes:
| Pipe Type | Appearance | Magnetic? | Scratch Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Dull gray, soft metal, easily scratched | ❌ | Reveals shiny silver |
| Galvanized | Gray or silver, hard, often threaded | ✅ | Scratch-resistant |
| Copper | Reddish-brown or greenish (from corrosion) | ❌ | Easy to scratch |
You can use a coin or key to scratch the pipe. If it’s shiny silver and soft—it’s likely lead.
💧 Step 3: Test Your Water
Even if you don’t see lead pipes, small components like lead solder or fittings can still leach lead into your water. Here’s how to test your water:
Option A: DIY Lead Test Kits
You can purchase lead test kits at local hardware stores or online. Look for kits approved by the EPA. These typically involve collecting a water sample and mailing it to a certified lab.
- Cost: ~$25–50
- Results: Within 2–3 weeks
- Tip: Use first-draw water (after 6+ hours of no water usage)
Option B: Certified Laboratory Testing
For more accurate results, you can send your sample to a Washington State–certified lab. The Washington State Department of Ecology provides a list of certified labs here.
🛠️ Step 4: What to Do If You Have Lead Pipes
If your tests confirm the presence of lead in your water, don’t panic—but don’t delay action either. Here’s what you can do:
- Stop using tap water for drinking, cooking, or baby formula
- Flush taps before each use (run cold water for 1–2 minutes)
- Use NSF-certified water filters designed to remove lead
- Consider a whole-home repipe if lead piping is confirmed
- Contact a trusted plumber in Gig Harbor for inspection and replacement
➡️ Schedule a plumbing inspection with Einstein Pros in Gig Harbor. Our licensed plumbers are experienced in identifying and replacing hazardous lead pipes safely and efficiently.
🧠 Bonus: Know Your Rights
Under the EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule, you have the right to request water quality reports from your local utility. In Gig Harbor, that’s often Washington Water Service or your local well provider. You can view past reports or request testing support.
✅ Summary
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Find out your home’s construction year |
| 2️⃣ | Inspect exposed pipes for signs of lead |
| 3️⃣ | Test your water using an EPA-approved kit or lab |
| 4️⃣ | Take action—flush, filter, or replace pipes if needed |
| 5️⃣ | Contact Einstein Pros Gig Harbor for professional help |
💬 Still Unsure? Let Einstein Pros Help
Whether you’re buying a home, concerned about your family’s health, or simply want peace of mind, our Gig Harbor plumbing experts are here to help.
👉 Book a Lead Pipe Inspection with Einstein Pros Gig Harbor Today