If your Sumner, WA home was built before the 1980s, there’s a chance your plumbing system could still include lead pipes or lead-based solder. While Sumner’s water supply meets federal safety standards, the real concern begins within your own walls—your home’s plumbing infrastructure.
Lead exposure through drinking water can pose serious health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. The good news? You can test for lead and take steps to safely replace outdated pipes—and we’re here to guide you.
🧪 Why Lead Pipes Are a Problem
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), lead can enter drinking water when plumbing materials containing lead corrode, especially where the water has high acidity or low mineral content. Common sources include:
- Lead service lines (connecting homes to the water main)
- Lead solder used in copper pipes
- Brass faucets and fixtures containing lead
In older Sumner homes—particularly those built before 1986—these components may still be present and silently contributing to long-term exposure.
🔍 How to Check for Lead Pipes in Your Sumner Home
You don’t need to be a plumber to start inspecting your home for lead. Here’s how to perform a basic check:
1. Inspect the Service Line
Find where the main water line enters your home (usually in the basement, crawl space, or utility room). If the pipe is dull gray and easily scratched with a coin, it may be lead.
2. Use a Home Lead Test Kit
Home test kits are available at most hardware stores. These kits test for lead particles in water or surface residue.
3. Send a Water Sample to a Certified Lab
For the most accurate results, submit a water sample to a state-certified lab. You can find labs listed on the Washington State Department of Health website.
🛠️ What to Do If You Have Lead Pipes
If your testing reveals lead contamination, it’s important not to panic—but you do need to act. Replacing lead pipes is the most effective solution.
Step 1: Prioritize Full Pipe Replacement
Partial replacements (just fixing a section of pipe) can actually increase lead exposure temporarily by disturbing corrosion layers. A full replacement ensures long-term safety.
Einstein Pros Sumner specializes in whole-home repiping, using PEX or copper—modern materials that are both lead-free and durable.
Step 2: Consider a Water Filtration System
While you’re arranging a full replacement, consider using NSF-certified filters that remove lead, especially on faucets used for drinking and cooking.
Step 3: Flush Your System
Run cold water for several minutes after long periods of inactivity (e.g., mornings or after vacations) to flush out any stagnant water that could contain higher lead concentrations.
💧 Replacing Lead Pipes in Sumner? Trust the Experts
Einstein Pros has helped hundreds of Sumner homeowners upgrade their plumbing systems with safe, code-compliant materials. Our licensed technicians will:
- Inspect your system for lead pipes and fixtures
- Help you choose the best materials for repiping
- Complete the job with minimal disruption
- Ensure your water is safe and compliant
Explore our Whole-Home Repiping Services for a deeper look at how we modernize outdated plumbing safely and efficiently.
🏠 Who Should Be Most Concerned?
Lead exposure is particularly dangerous for:
- Children under six
- Pregnant women
- Homes with babies using formula mixed with tap water
- Households in pre-1986 buildings
If any of the above applies to you, don’t wait to get your plumbing checked.
🔄 What’s Next?
- Inspect your plumbing
- Test your water
- Schedule a professional evaluation
Still unsure where to start? Contact Einstein Pros Sumner today for a lead pipe consultation. Our trusted team is ready to help you protect your family and your water quality.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Lead in water often comes from household plumbing, not the public supply.
- Homes built before 1986 in Sumner are at higher risk.
- The only permanent fix is replacing lead service lines and fixtures.
- Einstein Pros offers expert lead pipe replacement across Sumner and Pierce County.
📞 Need Help Right Now?
Call Einstein Pros Sumner for fast, safe, and affordable plumbing solutions—because your water should be as clean and worry-free as your home.