Landlords, have you got your lead water testing done yet?

In March 2024 the Repairing Standard was updated and landlords must ensure the water supply in their rental properties is free of lead. It is now a legal obligation for all private landlords to make sure their properties are safe and meet the new repairing standard.

Ensuring Compliance with the Repairing Standard

Under the Repairing Standard guidelines, Edinburgh landlords are obligated to ensure that the water supply does not pose a risk to tenant health. Our lead testing service helps landlords meet these standards by providing a thorough assessment of the property’s water system. We ensure any lead piping or lead pipe connections are identified and necessary steps are taken to remove or replace them, ensuring your property remains compliant with current legislation. Lead water testing also provides peace of mind that your tenants are safe from harmful contaminants.

If the test shows that the lead content is at or above 10 micrograms per litre, this indicates that there is lead present in your plumbing. This level meets the maximum allowable limit set by UK drinking water standards, but the updated Repairing Standard requires landlords to go further by removing all sources of lead, such as lead pipes, tanks, and fittings, to ensure tenant safety. Regular lead testing and prompt removal of lead components are essential for meeting legal obligations and providing a safe environment for tenants.

Why Lead Testing is Important

Lead contamination in water can cause severe health issues, especially for children and pregnant women. Lead water testing is essential in older properties where lead pipes may still be present.

Our Lead Testing Process

Our WaterSafe Edinburgh plumbers, with over 100 years of combined experience, are experts in lead pipes. Our most experienced plumber has nearly 60 years of knowledge. We thoroughly check your water supply for lead and report any findings. If lead pipes, tanks, or connections are found, we’ll explain the next steps to resolve the issue with minimal disruption to your tenants.

Book a Lead Test Fast

Complete the booking form and one of our water safe approved plumbers will attend.

WaterSafe and Vetted Plumbers

Celsius are WaterSafe approved plumbers. WaterSafe is backed by the water industry and designed to help people in Scotland and the wider UK find qualified and competent plumbers.

Lead water testing for Edinburgh landlords.

Special Offer - £110 Fixed Price Lead Testing.

Make sure you hire WaterSafe approved plumbers for your lead testing and inspection – for this you receive a plumber visit, a laboratory test and a certificate.

Book a Lead Test

Lead water tank identified during an inspection in Edinburgh rental home.

The Celsius Lead Test service:

The Celsius Plumbing and Heating lead testing service is trusted by many homeowners, landlords, letting agents and Airbnb hosts around Edinburgh and the wider Lothian region.

How does our lead water testing service work?

Plumber visit 1 – We attend and complete a visual inspection, if lead is found, we will advise you next steps in writing and no test will be completed until the lead pipes or tank(s) are removed. If no visible lead is found, our plumber will leave a testing bottle at your property for your tenants to fill the next morning.
We will leave instructions for your tenant to fill the test bottle from the kitchen tap all the way to the top first thing the next morning and place the test sample in the fridge. No washing machines, dishwashers or running the water for 12 hours before the test please!
Once the bottle is filled, you can use the taps, washing machine or dishwashers as normal. Place the test bottle full of water in the fridge.
Plumber visit 2 (only required if plumber visit 1 did not already carry out the works needed) – Our plumber will attend and remove the test bottle form the fridge.
The water test sample will then be labelled, paper work completed and handed into the laboratory for lead testing.
Once the results are back, we will provide you wish a certificate to tell you what your lead testing results are.
If the sample or visual inspection fails the test, we will advise you on the best next steps.

Celsius are Water Safe approved plumbers.

Why Choose a WaterSafe Plumber?

Choosing a WaterSafe plumber ensures you’re working with a fully qualified and competent professional who meets strict industry standards and is trained to carry out work that complies with water regulations. You’ll protect your drinking water from contamination and meet the highest standards of water safety.

Celsius did a great job with lead testing the water supply at our two rental properties in Edinburgh. They were easy to deal with and provided us with a certificate for our records.

Bill | Landlord | Leith

Is lead testing mandatory for landlords in Edinburgh?

Yes, under the Repairing Standard, landlords must ensure that the water supply in their rental properties is safe and free from lead. Regular testing helps landlords meet this requirement and protect their tenants’ health.

What happens if lead is found in my water?

If lead is found in your water, we’ll advise you on the best course of action, which may include replacing lead pipes or tanks. Scottish Water may also replace lead pipes on their side of the boundary at no cost to you.

Why should I test for lead in my property’s water?

Lead can be harmful, especially to children and pregnant women. Properties built before 1970 may have lead pipes or or tanks, which can contaminate the water supply. Testing is the only way to confirm if your water is safe and meets current repairing standard for landlords.

What does the lead testing process involve?

Our lead testing process involves collecting a water sample from your kitchen tap after the water has not been used for at least 12 hours. We then inspect your plumbing, collect the sample, and send it to a lab for analysis. You’ll receive a report with the results and guidance on any next steps if lead is detected.

How do I know if my property has lead pipes?

Common signs of lead pipes include dull grey pipes that are soft and easy to scratch with a key or coin. However, the only sure way to know is through professional lead testing, which checks your water for lead content directly.

What does a lead test result of <1.11 mean?

A result of “<1.11” means that the lead level in the water sample is below the detectable limit of 1.11 µg/L (micrograms per liter). While this indicates that lead is not present in significant quantities, it does not rule out the presence of lead pipes, tanks, or connections.

Does a reading of <1.11 mean I’ve met my legal obligations?

No, not by itself. Whilst a reading of <1.11 demonstrates that lead levels in the water are negligible, landlords must still ensure that all lead components (pipes, tanks, or connections) are removed or disconnected from the water supply, regardless of the test results. If there are no lead components (pipes, tanks, or connections) present, its a good idea to keep this documented in case its required. A plumbers photograph report could be a good example of such documentation.

If there are no lead pipes, tanks, or connections in the property, is <1.11 sufficient?

Yes, if a landlord can document and demonstrate (through a professional plumbers inspection or survey) that there are no lead pipes, tanks, or connections in the property, a water test result of <1.11 can satisfy their duty of care under the Repairing Standard

What steps should I take if lead is detected in the property?

If lead components are found, landlords must:

Arrange for the removal or disconnection of all lead pipes, tanks, and connections by a qualified plumber.
Conduct a follow-up water test to ensure that lead levels are below the legal threshold.
Document all remedial works and retain this information for future reference.

What documentation should I provide to demonstrate compliance?

To satisfy your responsibilities as a landlord, you should retain the following:

A report or certification from a qualified plumber confirming that no lead piping or components are present in the property..
A water test report showing that lead levels are <10.0 µg/L.
Any records of remedial works undertaken to remove lead pipes, tanks, or connections if applicable.

These documents may be requested by the local council or other regulatory bodies to confirm compliance.

What Does a lead test result of <10.0 µg/L mean for Landlords in Scotland?

A water test result of <10.0 µg/L indicates that the lead concentration in the water meets the current regulatory standard for safe drinking water.
However, landlords still have additional responsibilities beyond meeting this threshold.
Even if the test result is below 10 µg/L, landlords are legally required to ensure that all lead pipes, tanks, or connections are removed or disconnected from the property.
This is because the presence of lead components in plumbing could still pose a long-term risk.