Older homes can still have lead in the plumbing, and it is worth knowing where. Here is how Cary homeowners can check their lines and reduce their exposure.
Where lead can hide
Lead was used in service lines, solder, and some older fixtures. Even in homes with newer interior plumbing, the buried service line from the street may still be lead, and that is the utility or homeowner's responsibility depending on where it sits.
How to check
A plumber can identify the service line material at the point where it enters the home. A simple scratch test — lead is soft and dull gray — plus a visual check of the solder joints tells you a lot.
Simple ways to reduce exposure
Run the cold tap for a minute before using water that has been sitting in the pipes, and use only cold water for drinking and cooking. A point-of-use filter certified for lead adds another layer in Cary kitchens.
The long-term fix
Replacing lead service lines and old fixtures is the permanent answer. hard water is common across the region, and older neighborhoods still have galvanized supply lines A Wake County pro can scope the job and help you understand what is yours to replace.
Know your water
Testing is the only way to know for sure. Call 888-217-3585 and Cary Plumbing Helpers will connect you with a Cary pro who can check your lines and recommend the right fix.
Plumbing in Cary: what to know
In Cary, hard water is common across the region, and older neighborhoods still have galvanized supply lines. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Wake County — from Morrisville, Apex and Holly Springs to ZIP codes like 27513, 27511, 27519 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Cary?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Cary Plumbing Helpers will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Cary.