Northants homeowners urged to check plumbers are using lead-free solder amid drinking water warning
Householders are being urged to check that plumbers are using lead-free solder when carrying out work on drinking water pipes, amid concerns many people may not realise illegal materials have been used in their homes.
Anglain Water is supporting WaterSafe who've launched a campaign to raise awareness of the continued use of lead solder on drinking water systems, despite the practice having been banned for decades because of the potential health risks.
Research commissioned by the organisation found 93% of plumbers still carry lead solder while attending jobs, even though it is illegal to use on plumbing supplying drinking water. While lead solder can still legally be used on some closed heating systems, experts are warning it should never be used on drinking water pipes.
Jonathan Samuel, Director of WaterSafe, said the findings should act as “a serious wake-up call”.
He said: “Lead has been banned now since the 1970s for use on drinking water supplies.
“Unfortunately, this illegal practice is still worryingly common, and it’s putting our families and public health at risk, which is totally unacceptable.”
He explained that if lead solder contaminates drinking water it has been linked to developmental delays in children, as well as kidney, heart and circulatory problems.
How can homeowners tell?
Mr Samuel said there is one simple thing householders can look out for when plumbers are carrying out work.
He said: “Leaded solder has got a red ring.
“The unleaded, which is the type of solder they should be using, is on a green coil. So to look out for that green coil is going to be really important.”
He stressed that homeowners should ensure only lead-free solder is being used on pipes supplying drinking water.
What if you’re worried?
Mr Samuel said anyone concerned that lead solder may have been used in their home should contact their water supplier, which can arrange testing.
He said: “They can contact their local water supplier to ask for a free lead test on their water supply.
“This would then indicate to them the levels of lead they may have in their supply and potentially what the solution can be to remove it.”
He added that laboratory testing carried out through water companies remains the most reliable way of identifying lead contamination.
Calls for greater awareness
WaterSafe said many plumbers continue to carry lead solder because it can still legally be used on some heating systems.
However, Mr Samuel said greater awareness across the industry was needed.
He said: “WaterSafe registered plumbers are a lot more aware of the health risk of lead and are a lot less likely to utilise it.
“This is all about raising awareness… that it’s unacceptable and it’s illegal to use leaded solder on drinking water supplies.”
He added that hundreds of WaterSafe-registered plumbers have already signed a pledge committing to use only lead-free solder.
Illegal use can lead to prosecution
Mr Samuel confirmed that water companies have enforcement powers and said plumbers have previously been prosecuted for using lead solder on drinking water systems.
He said: “There has been instances where plumbers have undertaken work… and there have been prosecutions as a result.
“It is an illegal practice.”
Despite the campaign, Mr Samuel stressed that drinking water quality across the UK remains extremely high.
He said the latest figures from the Drinking Water Inspectorate show 99.97% of water samples meet the required standard, adding: “Our drinking water in the UK is one of the best in the world.”