Chicago has a rich and vibrant history, with many beautiful vintage residences and commercial buildings, and it’s known as the architectural capital of the United States.

However, this legacy comes with a price. Chicago has the dubious distinction of having more lead service lines than any other U.S. city, with many homes and businesses — some 400,000, according to the City of Chicago — still having water pipes and service lines made with lead.

No amount of lead is safe, and even low levels of exposure can cause health problems. 

Understanding how lead pipes function, why they are a concern, and what steps you can take to mitigate the risks are critical to maintaining the safety and health of your household. Let’s delve into what Chicagoland property owners need to know about identifying, managing, and replacing lead pipes.

A Historical Perspective

Lead pipes have been used in plumbing systems since ancient Roman times. The very word “plumbing” comes from the Latin plumbum, which means lead. From plumbum came plumbarius “a worker in lead,” then through Old French came plomier, which became the English word plumber in the 15th century.

Lead was favored due to its malleability, allowing for easy bending and installation around existing structures, and its corrosion resistance. But the toxicity of this common building material has been studied since at least 2,000 BC.

As Chicago expanded rapidly in the 19th century, wealthy residents demanded indoor toilets, bathing facilities, and kitchens, and lead plumbing became the norm. The city mandated the use of lead pipes until 1986 when federal regulations finally banned them. 

This dangerous neurotoxin can have serious health consequences, especially for kids, pregnant women, and vulnerable adults. Even low levels of lead exposure can affect growth, behavior, and development in young children. The symptoms of lead poisoning are not always immediately apparent. By the time health problems manifest, prolonged exposure may have already caused irreversible damage.

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics estimates that nearly 70% of children under six in Chicago may be exposed to lead-contaminated tap water. This statistic underscores the urgency of addressing this issue in Chicago’s many historic structures.

Signs That Your Home Might Have Lead Pipes

If your home was built before 1986, there’s a significant chance that lead pipes could be present. However, identifying these threats can be challenging for homeowners. Here are a few key indicators to look for:

  • Pipe color and material: Lead pipes are typically a dull gray and soft enough that you can scratch them with a key or coin, revealing a shiny surface underneath.
  • Connection to the street: In some cases, you may only have lead pipes running from the water main in the street to your home (the service line), even if the internal plumbing has been updated.
  • Use the city’s online tool: Chicago has launched a website that allows residents to check whether their homes likely have lead pipes.

A thorough visual evaluation by a qualified and licensed expert home inspector can help you identify potential hazards, but the best way to confirm the presence of lead in your plumbing is through professional lead testing, such as that provided by the City of Chicago. It’s important to note that home inspectors are only able to identify lead pipes that are visible, so it’s a good idea to consider taking that extra step. 

Next Steps

If you suspect or confirm the presence of lead pipes in your home, there are several measures you can take to protect yourself and your family. 

The most effective solution is to replace the lead service lines with new copper pipes. While this can be an expensive and disruptive process, it’s a long-term solution that eliminates the problem at its source. In some cases, the city of Chicago offers financial assistance programs to help with the cost of replacing lead pipes.

Here are some steps to take in the short term if you’re not financially able to pay for replacement at this time:

  • Use water filters: A high-quality water filter certified to remove lead can help protect your household in the interim. Be sure to select filters that are NSF-53 certified and specifically designed to eliminate lead and replace them regularly according to manufacturer recommendations.
  • Flush your pipes: If you have lead pipes, flushing the water system by letting the tap run for several minutes before using it for drinking or cooking can reduce lead levels. This is especially important after long periods of inactivity, such as after returning from vacation.
  • Test your water regularly: Regular water testing is crucial if you suspect or know that lead pipes are present. Lead can’t be detected by sight, smell, or taste, so periodic professional testing is the only way to monitor lead levels effectively.

The city of Chicago provides Water Lead Test Kits for free for area property owners, or you can request a Water Lead Test Visit to have a trained technician perform the test for you.

Get the Answers You Need

When buying or selling a property in this region, especially one built before 1986, it’s essential to include a thorough plumbing inspection as an essential part of your real estate transaction.

Buyers may request lead pipe replacement as a condition of sale, or they may factor in the cost of replacement when making an offer. Sellers should be prepared to disclose the presence of lead pipes and may want to consider replacing them before listing to increase their property’s marketability.

While the city is making moves to eradicate all lead piping in the area, it could be years before the transition is complete. That’s why regular testing and professional inspections are crucial for ensuring your family’s health and safety.

The experienced inspectors at Windy City can help you make the most educated decisions about dealing with hazards that could derail your sale — schedule your appointment today!