Test Drinking Water for Lead and Copper
Why it matters
Lead leaches from solder and brass fittings; the first draw of the day (after 6+ hours stagnation) has the highest concentrations. Chronic low-level exposure causes developmental damage.
Stop forgetting to do this.
Hearth generates a personalized maintenance schedule so you never miss another test drinking water for lead and copper.
How to do it
- 1
Visit your state's health department or EPA website to order an approved lead/copper test kit.
- 2
Collect samples after 6+ hours of no water use (typically first draw in the morning).
- 3
Fill the small vial from the kitchen tap without running water first; repeat for bathroom.
- 4
Include a cold-water and hot-water sample to identify the worst case.
- 5
Mail samples to the certified lab according to kit instructions; keep documentation.
- 6
If results exceed EPA action level (15 ppb lead, 1.3 ppm copper), install a point-of-use filter and call a plumber to evaluate solder replacement.