If your home was built before the mid-1980s, there is a chance your plumbing system may still include lead service lines or older galvanized piping that can impact your water quality. Many homeowners in suburban Illinois are unaware of the risk until problems appear.
This guide will help you understand the warning signs, health concerns, and what steps to take next
⚠️ Why Lead Pipes Are Still a Concern
Although lead pipes have been phased out in modern construction, many older homes still have them in service lines or internal plumbing.
Key statistics to know:
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that millions of lead service lines still exist across the country.
- Older Midwest cities and suburbs are more likely to have legacy plumbing due to historic building infrastructure.
- Even low levels of lead exposure over time can be harmful, especially for children and pregnant women.
🏠 Common Signs You May Have Lead Pipes
You may not be able to see lead pipes directly, but there are warning indicators:
- Your home was built before 1986
- Discolored or cloudy tap water
- A metallic or unusual taste in water
- Frequent plumbing corrosion or leaks
- Unknown or unverified service line material
If you are unsure, a licensed plumber can perform an inspection or help identify your service line type.
📍 Areas We Commonly See Older Plumbing Systems
Many homes in the Chicagoland suburbs may still have aging plumbing infrastructure, especially in older neighborhoods.
We regularly help homeowners in:
- Lake Zurich, IL
- Arlington Heights, IL
- Evanston, IL
- Barrington, IL
- Crystal Lake, IL
- Palatine, IL
- Kildeer, IL
If you live in any of these areas and are concerned about your water quality, it may be worth scheduling an inspection.
🚨 Health Risks of Lead Exposure
Lead exposure is a serious health concern because it accumulates in the body over time.
Potential risks include:
- Developmental issues in children
- Neurological effects from long-term exposure
- Increased risk for pregnant women and infants
- General kidney and cardiovascular health concerns
Even small amounts over time can be harmful, which is why early detection is important.
🔍 How to Check If You Have Lead Pipes
Here are the most reliable ways to confirm your plumbing type:
- City Records – Some municipalities maintain service line material records
- Visual Inspection – A licensed plumber can inspect exposed piping
- Water Testing – Professional testing can detect lead levels in water
- Pipe Replacement History – Older homes may still have original service lines
- Illinois Health Department has great resources .
🔧 What to Do If You Suspect Lead Pipes
If you think your home may have lead plumbing, you have several options:
- Replace the full service line (most permanent solution)
- Partial pipe replacement (depending on system condition)
- Water filtration systems (temporary mitigation)
- Routine water testing for safety monitoring
A professional assessment will help determine the safest and most cost-effective solution.
🔧 What to Do If You Have Lead Pipes: Repair vs Repiping
If your home is found to have lead pipes or aging galvanized plumbing, you generally have a few options:
- Targeted pipe replacement (small sections only)
- Water line replacement (service line from street to home)
- Whole-home repiping (most complete and permanent solution)
In many Illinois homes, especially those built before 1980, whole-home repiping is often the safest long-term fix, especially when multiple sections of piping are aging or corroded.
Repiping replaces old plumbing with modern materials designed for safe drinking water, improved pressure, and long-term reliability.
⭐ Why Homeowners Trust Us
We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Illinois with plumbing inspections, repiping, and emergency plumbing repairs.
⭐ Check our customer reviews on Google to see real feedback from local homeowners who trust our work.
📞 Protect Your Home and Water Quality
If you live in an older home or have concerns about your plumbing system, don’t wait until problems become serious.
We offer inspections, repairs, and full service line replacements across the region.
📍 Serving: Lake Zurich, Arlington Heights, Evanston, Highland Park, Barrington, Crystal Lake, Palatine, and surrounding Illinois communities.
👉 Contact us today to schedule a plumbing inspection and ensure your water is safe.