Edinburgh plumber shares crucial advice for renters

Edinburgh-based Celsius Plumbing and Heating is urging renters and landlords to make sure their property’s water supply is lead-free.

This follows the introduction of the new Repairing Standard in Scotland which states landlords must replace any plumbing containing lead, including pipes, tanks and fittings.

Since the standard was introduced, the WaterSafe-approved firm has completed dozens of lead tests across Edinburgh and the Lothians. While around 95 per cent of properties met the standard of 10 micrograms per litre, the new standard states that no lead pipe or fittings should be present.

This is because lead can build up in the body if consumed, and cause health issues, particularly for pregnant women, babies and children.

The good news is that drinking water in Scotland is extremely high quality, with 99.88% of tests carried out on public supply in 2023 meeting quality standards.

However, some of the pipes which run between the property’s external stop tap and the building itself, or inside the building, may contain lead and are the responsibility of the property owner(s) to replace.

Scottish Water is responsible for the pipe which connects the property’s external stop tap to the water main and automatically replaces any lead pipes with a safe material.

Michael Cairns, Director of Celsius Plumbing and Heating, explains:

“In most Edinburgh properties we tested, the lead contamination came from the supply pipe connecting the property’s plumbing to the external stop tap.

“Many landlords replaced old lead pipes during modernisation efforts in the 80s and 90s, thanks to grants from Edinburgh Council. However, lead pipes, water tanks, and, more rarely, lead solder are still found in some properties.

“We’d encourage all local landlords to book a lead test with us online to comply with the standard and protect their tenants.”

Julie Spinks, Director of WaterSafe, said:

“There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. Even small amounts can accumulate in the body over time, posing health risks, particularly to young children and pregnant women. We support the new standard and urge all landlords to test their water for the presence of lead and take action to make sure they comply with the Repairing Standard.”

David Reynolds, Drinking Water Quality Regulator for Scotland, said:

“Although tap water in Scotland is extremely high quality, the Repairing Standard will reduce levels of lead in rented homes’ drinking water even further, protecting many residents.”

Celsius Plumbing and Heating is a member of SNIPEF (Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation), the trade association for plumbing and heating businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland and is a WaterSafe-approved contractor.

The plumbing firm was one of the first to sign WaterSafe’s lead-free solder pledge, which calls on installers to only carry and use lead-free solder and asks customers to check which solder their plumber is using.

To find out more, visit celsiusplumbers.com or watersafe.org.uk/lead.