How Do I... Know if My Taps Contain Lead?
Worried by all the recent reports on the dangers of lead in your taps? An expert separates facts from fiction
Georgia Madden
11 May 2019
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning home and design questions. Here, Rob Bolus, group standards and technology development manager at Methven, gives you the lowdown on the dangers of lead in bathroom and kitchen fittings – and what to do if you think you might be affected.
How dangerous is lead exposure?
Lead is a toxic substance that can affect people of any age, but is especially harmful to children, pregnant women and unborn babies. It is bio-accumulative, which means that it doesn’t break down and can accumulate in your body, so even small amounts can pose a health hazard.
Long-term lead exposure can result in a range of illnesses, including impaired brain development, neurological disorders, anaemia, hypertension and kidney failure. The World Health Organization has stated there really is no known safe limit for blood lead concentrations.
The neurological and behavioural effects of lead are believed to be irreversible, so any level could be considered too much.
Lead is a toxic substance that can affect people of any age, but is especially harmful to children, pregnant women and unborn babies. It is bio-accumulative, which means that it doesn’t break down and can accumulate in your body, so even small amounts can pose a health hazard.
Long-term lead exposure can result in a range of illnesses, including impaired brain development, neurological disorders, anaemia, hypertension and kidney failure. The World Health Organization has stated there really is no known safe limit for blood lead concentrations.
The neurological and behavioural effects of lead are believed to be irreversible, so any level could be considered too much.
Where in the home can I be exposed to lead?
It can come from a variety of sources, including lead-based paint, which is sometimes present in un-renovated pre-1970s buildings and can affect your soil’s lead levels. Lead may also be found in your home’s kitchen and bathroom plumbing systems.
Historically, lead was used in pipes, solders to join pipes and fittings, flashings on roofs and in brass alloys used to make taps, valves and fittings. As we have become more aware of lead’s toxicity, regulations around the use of lead have tightened.
It can come from a variety of sources, including lead-based paint, which is sometimes present in un-renovated pre-1970s buildings and can affect your soil’s lead levels. Lead may also be found in your home’s kitchen and bathroom plumbing systems.
Historically, lead was used in pipes, solders to join pipes and fittings, flashings on roofs and in brass alloys used to make taps, valves and fittings. As we have become more aware of lead’s toxicity, regulations around the use of lead have tightened.
Methven offers lead-free tapware in ‘EcoBrass’ and stainless steel
So what parts of my home do I need to worry about?
Elements that could be leaching lead into your drinking water are older piping joints that have been made using lead-based solders, brass fittings, valves and taps. The only way to confirm this is to have your water tested.
Bathroom Fixture Finishes You May Not Have Considered
So what parts of my home do I need to worry about?
Elements that could be leaching lead into your drinking water are older piping joints that have been made using lead-based solders, brass fittings, valves and taps. The only way to confirm this is to have your water tested.
Bathroom Fixture Finishes You May Not Have Considered
How do I get my water tested?
Collect a water sample and have it tested by an accredited laboratory or the government’s National Measurement Institute (a fee may apply).
You can find contacts at the government’s National Measurement Institute. Consult your local water or environmental health authority for advice or see here for information on how to take water samples to test for lead.
Collect a water sample and have it tested by an accredited laboratory or the government’s National Measurement Institute (a fee may apply).
You can find contacts at the government’s National Measurement Institute. Consult your local water or environmental health authority for advice or see here for information on how to take water samples to test for lead.
Is bathing in lead-contaminated water dangerous too?
You only need to worry about the water you and your family drink, cook or clean your teeth with. It is generally believed that lead can’t be absorbed through the skin.
Browse more marvellous kitchens with eclectic touches
You only need to worry about the water you and your family drink, cook or clean your teeth with. It is generally believed that lead can’t be absorbed through the skin.
Browse more marvellous kitchens with eclectic touches
What can I do to minimise the risk?
Lead leaches into water when the water has been standing for more than eight hours. Running the first 500 millilitres of water into the sink will eliminate any lead that may have leached from the tap.
To remove all traces of lead from your whole plumbing system, you’ll need to run the tap for between two and five minutes, depending on how big your home is.
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Lead leaches into water when the water has been standing for more than eight hours. Running the first 500 millilitres of water into the sink will eliminate any lead that may have leached from the tap.
To remove all traces of lead from your whole plumbing system, you’ll need to run the tap for between two and five minutes, depending on how big your home is.
Browse more cool, contemporary bathrooms
Will installing a filter help?
Installing the correct type of filter at the outlet used for drinking, cooking and cleaning your teeth can remove traces of lead. But every fitting and tap after the filter needs to be lead-free, otherwise the filter is pointless.
The same can be said for adding a filter at the inlet to your house specifically to remove lead if your brass fittings and tapware are not lead-free.
It should also be noted that boiling water has no effect on lead in drinking water.
Installing the correct type of filter at the outlet used for drinking, cooking and cleaning your teeth can remove traces of lead. But every fitting and tap after the filter needs to be lead-free, otherwise the filter is pointless.
The same can be said for adding a filter at the inlet to your house specifically to remove lead if your brass fittings and tapware are not lead-free.
It should also be noted that boiling water has no effect on lead in drinking water.
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Worried about your home’s lead levels? Find a kitchen and bathroom fixture supplier and installer here for advice on lead-free fixtures
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments below, like this story, share it with friends and family, and join the conversation.
More
Worried about your home’s lead levels? Find a kitchen and bathroom fixture supplier and installer here for advice on lead-free fixtures
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Lead within drinking water is a relevant topic for WA residents who will remember the saga of the opening of the new Children's Hospital.
For more information the Australian Building Codes Board has recently published this article. https://www.abcb.gov.au/Connect/Articles/2019/03/14/ABCB-investigates-lead-in-drinking-water.