How does leaching happen?
Leaching occurs in service pipes containing lead that ultimately become corrosive. This corrosion might occur in areas where the water has high acidity or low mineral content. Although the EPA banned the use of lead pipes and lead soldering in 1986, houses built prior to the ban are likely to still have a lead system inside the house or in the plumbing system leading up to the structure. Additionally, brass or chrome-plated brass faucets and fixtures with lead solder are problematic, according to the EPA, especially when these elements interact with hot water and result in leaching.
What about lead-free pipes and fixtures?
Even fixtures that claim to be “lead-free” because they contain lead in legally permitted levels isn’t a guarantee they won’t result in seepage. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security by the term “lead-free” unless you are 100-percent certain your plumbing is free from lead.