Source: EPA – Lead in Drinking Water
Lead pipes are a hidden danger in many older homes across Oregon—including Happy Valley. If your plumbing system still includes lead piping or fixtures, you could be putting your family’s health at risk every time you turn on the tap.
In this post, we’ll explain how to check for lead pipes in your home, what the health risks are, and how to replace them safely. We’ll also walk you through the Happy Valley plumbing services available to help.
🛑 Why Lead Pipes Are a Serious Health Concern
Lead is toxic, even at low exposure levels. According to the EPA, no amount of lead in drinking water is considered safe, especially for children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Lead exposure can cause:
- Developmental delays in children
- Neurological issues
- High blood pressure and kidney problems in adults
- Behavioral and learning problems
If your home was built before 1986, there’s a higher chance your plumbing system includes lead pipes or solder.
🔍 How to Check for Lead Pipes in Your Happy Valley Home
Here’s how to do a preliminary inspection:
1. Locate Your Main Water Line
Find the pipe that brings water into your house—usually in the basement, crawl space, or utility room.
2. Test the Pipe Material
- Lead pipes are dull gray and soft. You can scratch them easily with a coin or key.
- If a magnet doesn’t stick and the pipe is easily scratched, it may be lead.
- You might also see a bulb-shaped pipe joint, a telltale sign of older lead plumbing.
3. Use a Home Water Test Kit
You can purchase lead test kits at hardware stores or online. However, for accurate results, it’s best to hire a licensed plumber or request testing through a certified lab.
Pro Tip: The EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline can provide local testing resources.
🧰 Replacing Lead Pipes: What Are Your Options?
If you’ve confirmed or suspect lead in your plumbing system, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s how professional pipe replacement typically works:
✅ Full Lead Pipe Replacement
Replacing all lead service lines (from the street to your home and throughout the house) is the most effective and permanent solution.
✅ Partial Replacement
This involves replacing only visible or accessible lead lines, but this can temporarily increase lead levels due to pipe disturbance. It’s not recommended unless a full replacement is cost-prohibitive.
✅ Filter Installation (Short-Term Fix)
If immediate replacement isn’t possible, install NSF-certified filters on taps used for drinking and cooking. But remember—this is not a permanent fix.
🔧 Work With Licensed Professionals in Happy Valley
Lead pipe replacement is not a DIY job—it requires a licensed, experienced plumber familiar with local code and safety regulations.
At Einstein Pros Happy Valley Plumbing Services, our licensed professionals are trained to:
- Identify hidden lead in your system
- Perform safe and efficient pipe replacements
- Ensure your home meets all Oregon plumbing codes
We use trenchless technology whenever possible to minimize digging and preserve your landscaping.
💰 Does Oregon Offer Financial Help?
Yes—there are funding options and incentives to help offset the cost of lead pipe removal, including:
- Potential rebates from the Portland Water Bureau
- Low-interest loans or grants from state or federal programs
Check with Oregon DEQ and local city offices to see if your neighborhood qualifies.
✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait to Act
If you suspect your Happy Valley home has lead pipes, don’t delay. Long-term exposure poses a serious health risk, especially to children. Fortunately, testing and replacement are both affordable and accessible with the right team.
Einstein Pros Happy Valley is here to help you from start to finish—offering expert diagnostics, safe removal, and modern plumbing upgrades that protect your health and improve water quality.
Need expert help replacing your lead pipes in Happy Valley?
👉 Contact Einstein Pros Happy Valley today for an inspection and free estimate.