Reducing Lead Exposure

Open the cold-water faucet and run the cold water for several minutes to flush out the water that has been sitting in your pipes. This allows you to use fresh water from the water main for drinking and cooking. Lead levels are likely at their highest when water has been sitting unused for several hours in household plumbing that has lead or in a lead service line. The service line is the pipe connecting your household plumbing to the water main near the street.

How long do I need to flush?

The time it takes to flush depends on how much plumbing you are clearing and how fast the water is flowing out of the faucet. A good rule of thumb is to run the water until the water is as cold as it is going to get and then 30 seconds to 3 minutes longer, depending on the length of your service line.

Do I need to flush every time?

You only need to flush when using water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. The longer water has been sitting in your home’s pipes, the more lead it may contain. It is especially important to flush the cold‐water lines before consuming water when water has not been used for more than 6 hours. Flushing toilets, taking showers, and washing laundry are other ways to clear out the water that has been sitting in the service line. These activities bring fresh water into your home, but additional flushing from the kitchen or bathroom faucet may be necessary to bring that fresh water into your cup. When in doubt, flush it out.

Tip for parents

After running the water for several minutes, fill a pitcher or reusable water bottle and store it in the fridge or on the bathroom counter for the night. This way, kids can help themselves to water without needing to clear the pipes.

Always begin with cold water from the cold‐side of the faucet when cooking, drinking, and preparing baby formula. Warm or hot water from the tap can have higher levels of lead. Hot water dissolves lead more quickly and may contain metals, sediment, and bacteria that build up in the water heater, resulting in higher levels in water. If you need hot water for food or drinks, get water from the cold water tap and heat it in the microwave or on the stove. Boiling water will not remove lead.

Aerators are small attachments at the tips of faucets which regulate the flow of water. They can accumulate small particles of lead in their screens. It’s a good idea to remove your aerators at least monthly and clean them out, especially if you have lead or galvanized pipes. Here's how:

1. Unscrew the small round piece that is attached to the bottom of your faucet. If it hasn't been removed in a while, you may need to give it a gentle counter-clockwise turn with a wrench.
2. In most cases, you can remove small debris by simply turning the aerator over and rinsing it with water. However, grime or stubborn pieces can be removed using a glass of vinegar and an old toothbrush.
3. You can soak the aerator as long as necessary in the vinegar, but five minutes will normally do the trick. Simply brush off any particles and rinse with water.
4. Reassemble the aerator, which normally has a washer to prevent leaks, and screw it back on to your faucet.
5. Run the water for 30 seconds to clear any residue. It's that easy!
6. Repeat this procedure every few weeks to prevent build-up.

Aerator Cleaning Instructions

Many home water filters are effective at removing lead. Filters can be especially beneficial in homes with lead service lines or galvanized plumbing. If you purchase a filter, make sure it is certified for lead removal (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) and that you maintain it properly. Find out more on filter certification at nsf.org.

Have an electrician check your electrical wiring. If grounding wires are attached to your pipes, corrosion inside the pipes may be increased if there are problems with your home electrical system.