Should I Worry About Lead In My Drinking Water If My House Was Built Before 1990?
The house was built before 1990, a period when certain plumbing materials now recognized as problematic were still commonly used. For a family with young children, particularly vulnerable to lead's effects, this question deserves a precise answer rather than vague worry.
Why the home's age matters
Pure lead pipes were sometimes used for the main water service connection into the 1970s in some municipalities, and lead solder for joining copper pipes remained common until it was banned in the 1990s. A home built before that period has a higher, though not guaranteed, probability of still having some of these materials in place.
Why young children are particularly at risk
Lead disproportionately affects neurological development in young children compared to adults, with effects that can be irreversible even at relatively low concentrations. That's exactly why vigilance matters more for a family with young children than for a household without.
How to know for sure whether your water contains lead
| Method | Reliability |
|---|---|
| Guessing based on the home's age alone | Unreliable, age indicates a probability, not a certainty |
| Visually inspecting visible pipes in the basement | Useful but incomplete, doesn't reveal piping hidden inside walls |
| Laboratory test of tap water | The only method that truly confirms the presence and concentration of lead |
How to visually recognize a lead pipe
A lead pipe has a distinctive dull gray tint, is relatively soft (it scratches easily with a key), and isn't magnetic unlike some other materials. These traits allow a preliminary identification, though a water test remains necessary for definitive confirmation.
What to do while waiting for test results
Running cold water for a few minutes before using it to prepare baby food or for drinking, particularly after a period of no use (in the morning or after a trip), reduces potential exposure while waiting for confirmation or a definitive fix. Using only cold tap water for food preparation, never hot tap water which can carry a higher concentration of dissolved lead, is a simple, immediate precaution.
Fixes if a test confirms lead is present
Replacing the main lead service line or the affected sections of piping fixes the problem for good. While waiting for that replacement, a filtration system specifically certified for lead reduction offers immediate, reliable protection.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get my home's water tested for lead?+
Several private labs offer this test, and some Quebec municipalities also offer a free or low-cost testing program for residents.
Does a standard water filter remove lead?+
No, only filters specifically certified for lead reduction (NSF/ANSI 53 standard) offer reliable protection against this specific contaminant.
Is my municipality responsible for replacing lead service lines?+
The municipal portion of the line is generally the city's responsibility, but the private portion on the owner's property is usually their responsibility.
How long should I run the water before it's safer to use?+
Generally a few minutes, until the water becomes noticeably colder, a sign it's coming from the main line rather than water that had been sitting in the home's plumbing.
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More to know before your project.
By Julien Fortin — RBQ-licensed plumber, 10 years of experience in residential plumbing
Updated on July 22, 2026