The Hidden Danger in Old Pipes: What Nevada Homeowners Need to Know About Lead

By Next Level Plumbing Inc. | Water Quality & Pipe Replacement

We all want to believe the water coming out of our tap is pure and safe. But for many residents in Vernon County living in historic homes, there is a hidden risk buried underground: Lead Pipes.

Before the federal bans in the 1980s, lead was commonly used in plumbing because it was malleable and durable. Today, we know better. Lead is a potent neurotoxin, and there is no safe level of exposure for children.

At Next Level Plumbing Inc., we specialize in identifying and replacing these legacy pipes to ensure your family’s drinking water is clean.

Do I Have Lead Pipes?

You can perform a simple scratch test on your incoming water line (usually in the basement or crawl space).

The Coin Test

Find where the pipe enters the house. Gently scratch the pipe with a coin. If the scraped area is shiny silver (like a new nickel) and the metal feels soft, it is likely lead. If it is the color of a penny, it is copper. If it is dull grey and a magnet sticks to it, it is galvanized steel.

The Official Safety Guidelines

If you suspect lead, do not panic, but do take action. Boiling water does not remove lead; in fact, it concentrates it.

For detailed steps on reducing exposure, we recommend reviewing the Basic Information about Lead in Drinking Water provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The EPA suggests running your cold water tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking it if the faucet hasn’t been used for several hours. This flushes out the water that has been sitting in the lead pipes absorbing the metal.

The Permanent Solution

While filters can help, the only permanent solution is replacement. We can replace your old lead service line with modern, safe Copper or PEX piping.


Worried About Your Water Quality?

Call Next Level Plumbing Inc. for a pipe inspection.

(816) 521-6322

Safe Water Solutions for Nevada, MO

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