Lead Pipes in Chicago: What Homeowners Need to Know
Chicago is known for its deep-dish pizza, world-class architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods — but it also has another claim to fame that isn’t so positive: the highest number of lead service lines in the country. Thousands of Chicago homes, especially older ones, still have lead pipes carrying water from the city’s mains into their houses.
At Angel Sewer & Plumbing, we’ve worked with countless Chicago homeowners who are concerned about lead in their plumbing. If you’re unsure about your home’s water pipes, this guide will help you understand the risks, what to look for, and the steps you can take to protect your family.
⚠️ Why Lead Pipes Are a Concern
Lead was once considered a reliable plumbing material because it’s soft, flexible, and long-lasting. Unfortunately, we now know that lead exposure can cause serious health problems, even at very low levels.
Health Risks for Children – Lead is especially harmful to children, potentially affecting brain development, learning, and behavior. The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure in kids.
Adult Health Concerns – In adults, long-term lead exposure has been linked to high blood pressure, kidney problems, and reproductive issues.
Unseen Danger – Unlike other plumbing problems (such as a burst pipe or a leak), lead contamination is invisible. You can’t taste, smell, or see lead in your water, which makes it even more dangerous.
In Chicago, this issue is amplified because many homes still rely on original water service lines that are decades old. As these pipes age and corrode, the risk of lead leaching into drinking water increases.
🏠 Do You Have Lead Pipes in Your Chicago Home?
One of the biggest challenges for homeowners is simply knowing whether they have lead service lines. Here are a few ways you can check:
Check Your Home’s Age – If your home was built before 1986, there’s a good chance it may have lead pipes or plumbing fixtures that contain lead.
Look at the Pipe Coming Into Your Basement – Lead service lines are typically soft, dull gray in color, and can be scratched easily to reveal a shiny surface underneath. Copper, by comparison, has a distinctive reddish-brown color.
Review City Records – Chicago offers resources where you can check your property’s water service line records to see what type of material is listed.
Schedule a Professional Inspection – The most reliable way to confirm is by having a licensed plumber perform an inspection. We can quickly determine whether your home is connected with lead piping and explain your options.
🔧 What Homeowners Can Do
If you discover that your home has lead pipes, don’t panic. There are both short-term and long-term solutions:
Flush Your Pipes – Running your water for several minutes before using it for drinking or cooking can reduce lead exposure, especially in the morning or after long periods of non-use.
Install a Certified Filter – Look for filters certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53). These filters can be attached to faucets or installed as under-sink systems to help reduce lead levels in drinking water.
Replace Lead Fixtures – Even if your main service line isn’t lead, older faucets and plumbing fixtures may contain lead components. Upgrading to lead-free fixtures is a smart step.
Service Line Replacement – The most effective and permanent solution is to replace your lead service line with copper or another safe material. This eliminates the risk of lead entering your water supply.
✅ Why Work With a Professional
Replacing lead pipes isn’t as simple as swapping out a section of plumbing. It requires:
Permits & Compliance – In Chicago, replacing a lead service line requires proper permits and adherence to city codes.
Safe Removal – Improper removal can actually disturb the pipes and release more lead into your water temporarily. A professional plumber knows how to handle the process safely.
Expertise with Chicago Plumbing Systems – Our city has a unique mix of historic homes, older infrastructure, and varied plumbing layouts. At Angel Sewer & Plumbing, we understand the local challenges and can provide solutions tailored to your neighborhood and home type.
Long-Term Peace of Mind – A professional installation ensures your new system is reliable, up to code, and built to last.
📞 Protect Your Home and Family
Lead pipes are a serious issue in Chicago, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Angel Sewer & Plumbing, we provide inspections, advice, and expert replacement services to help Chicago homeowners get safer, cleaner water.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your lead pipe inspection or replacement service. Protect your family’s health and give yourself peace of mind with professional plumbing solutions from your trusted Chicago experts.
