Hot water melts lead and then mixes with it, so you should never use your hot water tap if you have lead in your water. [5] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
You will also need to repeat the process every time you want water. If you need a more permanent solution, you should try a different method.
Discard stored tap water if you haven’t used it within 6 months. [9] X Trustworthy Source Penn State Extension Educational organization dedicated to delivering science-based information to people, businesses, and communities Go to source
Reverse osmosis devices are usually installed under the sink and use tiny membranes to screen out harmful materials like lead. They also tend to waste water while treating it, which raises their operating cost. If you have well above 15 µg/L of lead in your water, you will definitely want to consider a reverse osmosis device despite its cost. The Water Quality Association is a reliable resource for finding effective treatment products. [12] X Research source
Before purchasing a distiller, make sure it is one that is approved by the Water Quality Association to remove lead from water. A regular Brita filter may not be enough to remove lead. If you want the convenience of filtering your water as soon as it comes out of the faucet, purchase a faucet filter. If you don’t want to take up space in your sink with a filter, purchase a distiller. Conveniently, many distillers also act as water dispensers.
For instance, the filters in reverse osmosis devices must be replaced periodically. Your instruction manual should tell you how often your model’s filter needs to be changed. For filters that fit over your faucet, you will usually have to run cold water through the filter for 5 minutes the first time you use it. [14] X Trustworthy Source State of Michigan Official website for the State of Michigan Go to source
If you have a well, you will want to speak with a licensed well water contractor. [16] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source If you do not have a well, you will want to consult a water treatment technician.
The cost of this process varies based on your region and the size of your home. But it can often cost between $4,000 and $10,000 to replace all the pipes in single-family home. [18] X Research source
