Old Lead Plumbing
Moderate burden — Old Lead Plumbing adds a moderate, reducible exposure.
Lead service lines or old solder in home plumbing.
The breakdown
Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)
Evidence strength: strong · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.
What this means for you
A Detox Score of 42 places old lead plumbing in the Moderate band. The chemical-hazard rating is what drives the score down. Lead pipes and solder can leach lead into tap water, and there is no safe level of lead. Have the water tested and use a filter certified for lead while lines are replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Is old lead plumbing a toxic exposure?
Old Lead Plumbing has a Detox Score of 42 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Lead pipes and solder can leach lead into tap water, and there is no safe level of lead. Have the water tested and use a filter certified for lead while lines are replaced.
What is a safer alternative to old lead plumbing?
A lower-exposure swap for old lead plumbing is: Test water, use a certified lead filter, replace lead lines. Lead pipes and solder can leach lead into tap water, and there is no safe level of lead. Have the water tested and use a filter certified for lead while lines are replaced.