Lead Pipes UK: How to Check If Your Home Has Them (And What to Do)
Last Updated: January 2026 | Based on NHS and DWI guidance
An estimated 40% of UK properties may still have lead pipes—that's millions of homes potentially exposed to a toxic metal. Lead is particularly dangerous for children, pregnant women, and babies, affecting brain development and causing lasting harm at even low exposure levels.
The concerning part? Most people have no idea whether their home has lead pipes. Here's how to find out—and what to do if you find them.
The Quick Answer
If your home was built before 1970, there's a significant chance you have lead pipes. Lead pipes are dull grey, soft enough to scratch with a coin, and make a dull thud when tapped (unlike the ring of copper). Check the pipe entering your home under the kitchen sink or where it comes through an external wall. If you find lead, don't panic—solutions range from simple filters to full pipe replacement.
Why Lead Pipes Are Still a Problem in 2026
Lead was the standard material for water pipes until it was banned in 1970. That means:
- • Homes built before 1970 likely had lead pipes originally
- • Some have been replaced; many have not
- • Water companies have replaced most lead mains (the pipes in the street)
- • Pipes inside your property are your responsibility
The NHS states there is no safe level of lead exposure. Even small amounts can:
- • Affect children's brain development and IQ
- • Cause behavioural problems in children
- • Increase blood pressure in adults
- • Cause kidney problems
- • Affect fertility
- • Cross the placenta during pregnancy
How to Check for Lead Pipes: Step-by-Step
Find Your Internal Stop Tap
This is usually located under the kitchen sink, in a utility room, under the stairs, or in a cellar/basement. Look at the pipe coming into your property from the outside.
Visual Inspection
Lead pipes look like:
- • Colour: Dull grey (may have white deposits)
- • Joints: Rounded, bulbous swellings where pipes join
- • Surface: Often has a slightly textured, sandy appearance
NOT lead:
- • Copper: Shiny brown/orange colour
- • Plastic: White, blue, or black, clearly plastic
- • Iron: Very thick, often painted, rusty
- • Steel: Threaded joints, often galvanised silver
The Scratch Test
Lead is soft. Take a coin or key and gently scratch an unpainted section of the pipe.
- If it scratches easily and shows shiny silver metal underneath: It's likely lead
- If it's hard to scratch: Probably not lead
The Sound Test
Tap the pipe gently with a metal object.
- Lead: Dull thud
- Copper: Clear ringing sound
- Plastic: Hollow plastic sound
Check Outside
If possible, check where the water pipe enters your property from outside. Look near your external stop tap (usually near the front boundary) and check the pipe material entering your property.
What If I Find Lead Pipes?
Don't panic. Finding lead pipes doesn't mean you need to move house immediately. Here are your options:
Option 1: Run the Tap Before Drinking (Free)
Lead levels are highest when water has been sitting in pipes. Running the cold tap for 2-3 minutes before drinking or cooking flushes out stagnant water.
Option 2: Install a Certified Lead-Removal Filter (£150-400)
Under-counter filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead removal can reduce lead by 99%+.
Option 3: Replace Lead Pipes (£1,000-3,000+)
Full replacement is the only permanent solution. Costs vary based on length of pipework, accessibility, and whether you need to dig up floors/gardens.
Note: Some water companies offer grants or subsidies for lead pipe replacement. Contact yours to ask.
Option 4: Request a Free Water Test
Many water companies will test your water for lead free of charge. Contact your supplier to request a test.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Lead affects everyone, but some groups are particularly vulnerable:
High Risk:
- Babies and young children — developing brains are most susceptible
- Pregnant women — lead crosses the placenta
- Formula-fed babies — if formula is made with lead-contaminated water
Elevated Risk:
- Anyone in a pre-1970 property that hasn't been fully replumbed
- Soft water areas — soft, acidic water leaches more lead from pipes
- Properties with original Victorian/Edwardian plumbing
What About the Pipes in the Street?
Water companies are gradually replacing lead mains, but:
- • It's an enormous, expensive task
- • Full replacement will take decades
- • Even if the main is replaced, your internal pipes remain your problem
The US recently announced a £39.7 billion plan to remove all lead pipes within five years. The UK has no equivalent commitment.
How to Get Your Water Tested
Free Options:
- Contact your water company — Many offer free lead tests for customers
- Check online — Some companies publish water quality data by postcode
Paid Options:
- Home testing kits — £15-50, DIY testing strips or sample-and-send kits
- Laboratory testing — £50-150 for comprehensive analysis
The Bottom Line
If you live in a home built before 1970, check your pipes. The 5-minute inspection described above could reveal a hidden health hazard—especially if you have young children or are pregnant.
If you find lead pipes:
- Immediately: Run taps before drinking; consider a certified filter
- Short-term: Install an under-counter filter certified for lead removal
- Long-term: Plan for pipe replacement; check for water company grants
A quality lead-removal filter costs £150-300 and provides immediate protection while you plan permanent solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have lead pipes?
Check the pipe under your kitchen sink where water enters your home. Lead pipes are dull grey, soft enough to scratch with a coin (revealing shiny metal), and make a dull thud when tapped. Copper pipes are brown/orange and ring when tapped. Plastic pipes are clearly plastic.
Is it safe to drink water from lead pipes?
No level of lead is considered safe, especially for children and pregnant women. However, risk levels depend on how much lead leaches into your water. Running taps before drinking and using certified filters can significantly reduce exposure while you plan permanent solutions.
How much does it cost to replace lead pipes?
Typically £1,000-3,000 for internal pipework, depending on length, accessibility, and whether digging is required. Some water companies offer grants—contact yours to ask. Lead-removal filters cost £150-300 and provide immediate protection.
Do water filters remove lead?
Yes, but only filters specifically certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead removal. Basic carbon jug filters do NOT effectively remove lead. Under-counter reverse osmosis systems and certain carbon block filters can remove 99%+ of lead.
My water company replaced the mains. Am I safe now?
Not necessarily. Water companies replace pipes in the street, but pipes inside your property (your "supply pipe") remain your responsibility. Lead could still leach from internal pipework even if the mains are lead-free.
🎯 Find Your Filter Level
From basic taste improvement to complete home protection — see what each level removes
Level 1: Jug Filters
£20-40Basic chlorine & taste improvement
Level 2: Undersink Carbon
£80-150Chlorine, taste & basic contaminants
Level 3: Multi-Stage Systems
£150-300Lead, PFAS, microplastics & more
Level 4: Reverse Osmosis
£200-400Near-complete contaminant removal
Level 5: Whole-House Systems
£500-2000+Every tap protected + appliance life
💡 Most UK homes benefit from Level 2-3. Lead pipes or health concerns? Consider Level 3-4.
Lead in UK Water: Essential Reading
Lead is the #1 water quality concern in UK homes built before 1970. These guides will help you understand the risks and solutions.
Related Water Quality Concerns
Lead often isn't the only concern. Many UK homes face multiple water quality issues.
Disclaimer: This article is based on guidance from the NHS, Drinking Water Inspectorate, and water industry sources. All information was accurate at the time of writing (January 2026). If you're concerned about lead in your water, contact your water company for a free test or consult a qualified plumber for pipe inspection. Product recommendations are based on 24 years of professional experience in water filtration.