Here's How To Find Out If You Have Lead Pipes

A recent report from Gothamist raised an uncomfortable truth: as many as 30% of the pipes delivering water to New York City homes may still be made of lead. And while those odds may be in your favor, it’s certainly more comforting to know for sure whether your building’s pipes are affected. Lead exposure, especially through drinking water, can pose serious health risks. So if your home was built before the 1980s, it’s worth investigating.

Fortunately, New York City residents have a few tools to help figure it out.

Start with the Map

Your first stop should be this interactive map from the New York League of Conservation Voters. It offers a citywide view of known and suspected lead service lines—more than 124,000, in fact—with color coding that shows which buildings are most likely affected.

Here’s how it works:

Red buildings: Likely to have lead service lines.
Yellow buildings: Not lead.
White buildings: Possible lead—you’ll need to dig deeper.

While you can’t search by address, you can zoom in to find your building’s footprint, and the streets are labeled. It’s not perfect, but it’s a great first step.

Direct Methods of Testing for Lead Pipes

If your building shows up white on the map—or if you just want to be absolutely sure—you can request a free lead test kit from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The city’s environmental protection site offers helpful information about how to order the kit yourself (this short, online form) and how to test your water once you receive your kit. They also offer some advice about the next steps and ways to reduce your exposure should your building’s pipes test positive.

**What If Your Pipes Are Lead?**

If your results confirm lead pipes, here’s what you need to know: in most cases, homeowners and landlords are responsible for replacing them. That’s a heavy burden, especially in lower-income areas where NYC’s lead service lines are concentrated.

But there’s some good news. The DEP’s Lead Service Line Replacement Program offers free replacement of private lead or galvanized steel service lines for eligible properties. The program focuses on environmental justice neighborhoods with high concentrations of lead pipes and lower household incomes.

You can go here to see if you qualify for the lead service line replacement program, and you can confirm eligibility here. There’s also information about what homeowners can do if they don’t qualify for the program.

If you’re a homeowner or work with residents in older buildings, we recommend bookmarking these resources and taking proactive steps. With a few clicks and a little time, you could make a real difference in the health of your household—and your neighborhood.

Crucial Reminder About Lead-Paint Testing Deadline Under NYC’s Local Law 31—August 9, 2025!

This is a crucial reminder: the deadline to complete lead-based paint testing under NYC’s Local Law 31 is August 9, 2025. This mandate applies to all residential buildings constructed before 1960, as well as those built between 1960 and 1978 where lead-based paint is known or suspected to be present.

Why Act Now?

Avoid Significant Penalties: Non-compliance can result in Class “C” hazardous violations, with civil penalties ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation.
Expanded Requirements: Recent legislation, Local Law 111 of 2023, now requires XRF lead testing in common areas of applicable buildings, also by the August 9, 2025 deadline.
Ensure Tenant Safety: Lead exposure poses serious health risks, especially to children under six. Timely testing helps protect your tenants and demonstrates your commitment to their well-being.

Case in Point:

A property owner in Brooklyn delayed lead paint testing, assuming prior renovations had mitigated any risks. Upon inspection, several units were found to contain lead-based paint, leading to violations and costly remediation. Early testing could have identified these issues proactively, avoiding penalties and ensuring tenant safety.

Next Steps:

If you haven’t already, schedule an XRF lead inspection with an EPA-certified professional. Ensure that all testing is completed and records are maintained as required.

For assistance or to schedule an inspection, please contact us at 718.971.9191

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