While Maywood Park is known for its charming homes and peaceful neighborhoods, there’s an issue lurking beneath the surface—literally. Lead pipes, once the standard for water service lines, are now recognized as a major health hazard. But in 2025, are they still a problem for homeowners in Maywood Park?
The short answer: yes—in some homes, they still are. And if you live in an older house or have never had your plumbing inspected, this is a potential health and safety concern you shouldn’t ignore.
🔍 A Brief History: Why Were Lead Pipes Used?
Before the 1950s, lead was a common material for water supply pipes due to its malleability and resistance to pinhole leaks. It wasn’t until decades later that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed what scientists had long suspected—even low levels of lead exposure are harmful, particularly to children and pregnant women.
In response, Congress banned lead in new plumbing systems in 1986, but many older homes, especially those built before that year, still rely on partial or full lead service lines. According to the EPA, over 9.2 million lead service linesremain in use across the country as of 2023.
(Source: EPA Lead Service Line Inventory)
🏠 Maywood Park’s Housing Stock: Are You at Risk?
Maywood Park is a small but established city in Multnomah County, Oregon, and many of its homes were built between the 1940s and 1970s. This means there’s a strong possibility that some properties still have lead piping—especially if they haven’t been repiped or inspected in the last few decades.
You may be at risk if:
- Your home was built before 1986.
- You’ve never replaced or inspected your main water service line.
- You notice discolored water, low pressure, or metallic taste.
Keep in mind: even galvanized steel or copper pipes can contain lead solder, which can still contribute to lead leaching over time.
🧪 How to Know if You Have Lead Pipes
The only way to be absolutely sure whether you have lead plumbing is to have a professional inspection. However, you can perform a basic test:
- Scratch Test: Gently scrape a pipe near your water meter. Lead is soft and will scratch easily to a shiny silver.
- Magnet Test: A magnet won’t stick to lead.
- Color Check: Lead is dull grey; galvanized steel is more of a silvery, matte finish.
For confirmation, contact your local water utility or call a licensed plumber for a service line inspection.
🔗 Schedule a Pipe Inspection with Einstein Pros in Maywood Park
⚠️ Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead in drinking water poses severe health risks:
- Children: developmental delays, learning problems, behavioral issues.
- Adults: kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure, reproductive problems.
- Pregnant Women: reduced fetal growth, premature birth, and miscarriage.
The CDC states that no safe blood lead level has been identified in children.
(Source: CDC – Lead and Health)
💧 How Maywood Park is Responding
Maywood Park itself is part of the Portland Water Bureau’s service area, which began developing a Lead Hazard Reduction Program in the 1990s. While the city doesn’t operate its own water utility, residents should still be proactive about their own plumbing.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) mandates utilities to report and reduce lead levels in water, but homeowners are responsible for the service lines on their property.
🔄 What Should You Do If You Have Lead Pipes?
If your home has lead pipes or solder, the most effective long-term solution is complete pipe replacement. Other interim measures include:
- Installing NSF-certified water filters.
- Using only cold water for drinking and cooking (hot water leaches more lead).
- Running your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use.
- Having your water tested regularly through certified labs.
You can learn more about testing through the Oregon DEQ’s Drinking Water Services.
✅ Trust Einstein Pros Maywood Park for Safe, Lead-Free Plumbing
At Einstein Pros Maywood Park, we understand the dangers of lead piping and are committed to providing expert, affordable solutions for your home. Whether you need a pipe inspection, water testing, or full repiping, our licensed plumbers are ready to help you create a safer home environment.
🔗 Contact Einstein Pros Maywood Park Today
Final Thoughts
In 2025, lead pipes are still a concern—especially in older Maywood Park homes. Don’t take chances with your family’s health. Take action now to inspect, replace, or safeguard your plumbing system.