Does my Cincinnati home have lead pipe plumbing?

Take a stroll through most neighborhoods in Cincinnati and you’ll find homes with turrets and transoms, stained glass windows and wrap-around porches. But these historic homes don’t just feature beautiful details. Many older Cincinnati homes also contain lead pipe plumbing that has been in use for many decades.

While Cincinnati took major steps decades ago to update public water infrastructure, plumbing in housing can still contain lead. Knowing what you’re working with helps you protect your household and plan for upgrades if needed.

Start with a visual Inspection

A simple first step is to look at the section of pipe where water enters your home. This is usually located in the basement or utility area near the main shut-off valve.

Lead service lines have a few telltale traits. The metal is dull gray and will usually scratch easily. If you gently scrape the pipe with a coin or key, the surface may turn silvery. Lead is also non-magnetic, so a small magnet will not stick. In contrast, copper has a warm, reddish tone and steel is harder, stronger, and magnetic.

If the pipe looks older and pitted, those can also be clues that you’re looking at lead. Homes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries are more likely to have these older materials, especially if no major plumbing updates have been done.

Check other plumbing materials

Even if the main line looks fine, lead may be present in other parts of the system. Some older galvanized pipes can accumulate lead from an upstream lead line. And older brass fixtures can contain small amounts of lead that gradually leach into water.

If you’re buying an older home or planning a renovation, have a licensed plumber inspect the plumbing. The goal is to understand what materials are present and whether an upgrade is needed before you close on the house.

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Use the GCWW Lead Program as a guide

The Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) has a dedicated lead service-line program you can use to check whether your service line might be lead or qualifies for replacement. This is done at no cost to the homeowner.

Get your water tested

Testing your water is the only way to know whether any trace lead is present. This is especially important if your home falls into the late 1800s-to-1940s era or if you’ve noticed changes in water quality.

Request a test kit through GCWW or pick one up at your local home improvement store. If levels come back elevated, the next step is to identify exactly where the lead is coming from and create a plan to replace the affected pipes or fixtures.

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When to call Allied Reddi-Rooter

If you suspect you have lead plumbing, don’t leave it to guesswork. A professional plumber can:

• Confirm the pipe material

• Inspect hidden or aging sections of plumbing

• Recommend the safest and most cost-effective replacement options

For many homeowners, replacing a lead service line not only improves water quality but can increase property value and provide long-term peace of mind.

Our team works with Cincinnati-area homeowners every day to identify older plumbing materials and replace them with safe, modern piping. If you think your home may have lead pipes, we can help.