There are several ways to check for lead in your home's plumbing system:

Have a Plumber Check for Lead

Call a licensed and insured plumber and schedule a lead audit. They can tell you if your service line, solder, or fixtures are made of lead and determine whether plumbing or fixtures should be replaced.

Do-It-Yourself Lead Service Line Check

If you know where your water meter is and can access it, you can use these instructions to check your home’s service line for lead, or watch this video.

Check for Lead Solder and Lead in Brass Fixtures

Older solder, the soft metal used to connect copper pipe sections, was often made with lead prior to 1990. If plumbing has been disturbed, small pieces of solder can enter drinking water pipes. You can check solder and plumbing fixtures for lead by using an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved test kit that indicates by a “red dot” if a material has lead in it. These kits can be found at home improvement stores.