The Dangers of Lead Piping in your Water System
By Jon Conrad, Filed Operation Compliance Manager
Older plumbing works and water systems have an increased risk of being contaminated with lead, which could lead to some serious health implications, explains Swiftclean’s Field Operation Manager, Jon Conrad.
In many older properties across the UK, lead piping remains hidden within walls, floors, and underground supply lines. While often out of sight, these ageing systems can pose a significant risk to water quality and long-term health. Understanding how to identify and manage these risks is essential for property owners, landlords, and facilities managers alike.
How to Identify Lead Pipework
Unpainted lead pipes often appear dull grey, are softer than other metals, and often have a swollen joint next to the tap.
If you have suspected lead piping, you can do a quick simple coin test; whereby you scrape a coin along the surface of the assumed unpainted lead, and the surface will appear shiny, compared to the dull surface on the rest of the pipework.
In addition to visual checks and the coin test, modern inspection techniques such as water sampling and pipe material analysis can provide more definitive confirmation. If there is any uncertainty, it is always advisable to consult a qualified professional rather than relying solely on visual inspection.
Where Lead Pipework Is Commonly Found
Where the lead pipework begins from the local water source (whether that be tank or mains lead) the pipework may naturally bulge, as seen in the photos below, which show bulges in different areas of the system including a dead-leg.
They are most commonly found in buildings constructed before the 1970s, particularly in older residential properties, schools, and commercial buildings and may exist in supply pipes, internal plumbing, or even in fittings and solder used in joints. Dead-legs and infrequently used sections of pipework can increase the risk of contamination due to stagnant water.
Responsibility and Next Steps
We recommend that you speak to your local water authority if the incoming mains is suspected lead, as they would need to test and replace this. Inside the property, commercial or residential, is your responsibility.
Pipework within the property, whether commercial or residential, remains the responsibility of the owner.
Once lead pipework has been identified and an initial coin test carried out, the next steps may include metal sampling and introducing a regular testing regime until the pipework can be removed, ensuring that lead levels remain within safe limits.
It is important to act promptly. Even low levels of lead exposure can build up in the body over time, leading to serious long-term health effects. Property owners should prioritise replacement programmes and ensure that any remedial work is carried out in line with current regulations and guidance. In the interim, temporary control measures – such as flushing systems or installing certified filtration – may help reduce exposure while permanent solutions are put in place.
Once you have suspected Lead and carried out a coin test, next steps can include metal sampling, and implementing a regular testing regime until it can be removed from the system, to ensure levels of lead in the system are safe.
Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead poisoning can be very serious, particularly for infants, young children and pregnant women. Side effects i