🚨 Why Lead Pipes Are a Problem in Redmond Homes
Lead piping was commonly used in homes built before the 1980s, especially prior to 1950. If your home in Redmond, WA is older, it might still have lead service lines or plumbing components containing lead solder. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), lead exposure through drinking water can cause serious health problems, particularly in children and pregnant women.
📚 Source: EPA – Lead in Drinking Water
🏠 Redmond Homes at Higher Risk
The City of Redmond notes that while most public service lines have been updated, older private plumbing lines may still contain lead. Homes built before 1986 are at the highest risk, as that’s when the Safe Drinking Water Actbanned the use of lead in plumbing materials.
📚 Source: City of Redmond Drinking Water Quality Reports
🔍 How to Check for Lead Pipes in Your Redmond Property
Here’s how you can inspect your home:
1. Check Your Home’s Age
If your house was built before 1986, lead pipes or solder could be present in:
- Water service lines
- Interior pipe connections
- Pipe joints and fittings
2. Inspect the Pipes Yourself
Use these steps:
- Locate your water main (usually in the basement or crawl space).
- Scratch the pipe gently with a coin or key:
- Lead: Dull gray, soft, and shiny when scratched.
- Copper: Orange-brown, hard metal.
- Galvanized steel: Gray and magnetic.
Use a magnet—lead is not magnetic.
3. Order a Water Test
The City of Redmond provides annual water quality reports, but private water testing kits can detect lead levels in your specific household tap.
📚 Washington State Department of Health – Lead in Water Testing
🧪 What Lead Levels Are Dangerous?
According to the EPA:
- The action level for lead in drinking water is 15 parts per billion (ppb).
- Even low levels of lead exposure can impact cognitive development and kidney function over time.
💧 What to Do If You Have Lead Pipes in Redmond
If you suspect lead plumbing in your Redmond home, take the following steps:
✔ Flush Your Pipes
Run cold water for at least 1–2 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
✔ Use a Filter
Look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53-certified filters that remove lead.
✔ Replace Lead Pipes Permanently
For long-term safety and compliance, replacing lead service lines and interior plumbing is essential.
🛠️ Need help confirming or replacing lead pipes in Redmond? Einstein Pros Redmond plumbing experts can inspect your system and provide safe, lasting upgrades.
✅ Why Choose Einstein Pros Redmond
Einstein Pros Redmond provides trusted, licensed, and professional plumbing solutions tailored to older homes in King County. From inspection to full repiping, we ensure your drinking water stays safe and clean—no guesswork involved.
📞 Schedule a Lead Pipe Inspection Today
Don’t risk your family’s health. If you’re concerned about lead plumbing in your Redmond home, let Einstein Pros Redmond help.
👉 Book your appointment now or call us for a full lead inspection and estimate.