Seattle is known for its charming, older neighborhoods—from Capitol Hill’s vintage Craftsman homes to the mid-century builds in Northgate. While these properties boast character and history, they may also hide a hidden danger behind the walls: lead pipes. If your home was built before the 1980s, it’s worth investigating whether your plumbing contains lead, which can pose serious health risks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to check for lead pipes in your Seattle home, how to interpret what you find, and what steps to take next.
📍 This guide is provided by Einstein Pros Seattle, your trusted local plumbing experts serving King County.
🛑 Why Lead Pipes Are a Concern
Lead is a toxic metal that was commonly used in plumbing systems until the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act banned its use in new residential water systems. Unfortunately, many older Seattle homes still have:
- Lead service lines (the pipe from the water main to your home)
- Lead solder in copper pipes
- Brass fixtures with high lead content
Health Effects:
Even low levels of lead in drinking water can cause serious health issues, especially in children and pregnant women. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure can result in developmental delays, kidney damage, and more.
🏡 Step-by-Step: How to Check for Lead Pipes in Your Seattle Home
1. Check Your Home’s Construction Year
Start by finding out when your home was built. If it was constructed before 1986, there’s a higher chance that lead pipes, solder, or fixtures may be present.
- You can check King County property records here: https://kingcounty.gov
- You can also reference Seattle Public Utilities records for information about your service line
2. Look at the Service Line (Where Water Enters Your Home)
Your main service line is the pipe that connects your home to the city’s water main—this is often where lead is found.
Here’s how to inspect it:
- Find the main water valve (usually in the basement, crawlspace, or utility room)
- Use a coin or key to gently scratch the pipe surface
- Lead pipes: dull gray and easily scratched
- Copper pipes: reddish-brown
- Galvanized steel: silver but magnetic and hard to scratch
⚠️ Lead pipe warning signs:
- Dull gray color
- Soft metal that scratches easily
- Bulging joints or oddly shaped bends
Still unsure? Contact Einstein Pros Seattle for a professional inspection.
3. Check Fixtures and Soldering
Even if your pipes aren’t lead, older homes may have lead solder on copper pipes or brass fixtures with high lead content.
- Use a lead test swab (available at hardware stores) on pipe joints
- Consider replacing older faucets or showerheads with WaterSense-labeled low-lead fixtures
4. Test Your Water for Lead
Seattle Public Utilities does a good job maintaining safe water, but lead can still leach in through home plumbing.
You have two options:
- Free Lead Testing Kits: Request one from Seattle Public Utilities
- EPA-Approved Labs: Hire a certified lab to test your water. Find one at https://epa.gov
🧰 What to Do If You Find Lead Pipes
- Limit Exposure Immediately
- Use cold water for cooking and drinking
- Run tap water for several minutes before use
- Install NSF-certified water filters for lead removal
- Replace Lead Components
- Prioritize replacing lead service lines
- Consider full or partial pipe replacement
- Replace old fixtures and solder with lead-free alternatives
- Work with a Licensed Seattle Plumber
- Lead pipe removal is NOT a DIY job. It requires licensed professionals trained in safe removal.
At Einstein Pros Seattle, we offer lead pipe inspections, water testing support, and safe repiping services to protect your home and family. Our licensed professionals are experienced with Seattle’s older homes and city plumbing codes.
✅ Final Thoughts
Living in an older Seattle home comes with both charm and responsibility. Checking for lead pipes is one of the most important steps you can take for your health and peace of mind. From DIY inspections to professional water testing and repiping, every step matters.
If you’re unsure where to start or want peace of mind, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals.
🔧 Schedule your lead pipe inspection today with Einstein Pros Seattle. We’re here to help—fast, friendly, and always reliable.
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