Cozy Home Inspection: Portland Home Inspector
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Lead in Drinking Water Testing (Free in Portland)

Lead, What's the problem?

"Lead is a metal with no known biological benefit to humans. Too much lead can damage various systems of the body including the nervous and reproductive systems and the kidneys, and it can cause high blood pressure and anemia. Lead accumulates in the bones and lead poisoning may be diagnosed from a blue line around the gums. Lead is especially harmful to the developing brains of fetuses and young children and to pregnant women. Lead interferes with the metabolism of calcium and Vitamin D. High blood lead levels in children can cause consequences which may be irreversible including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and mental retardation. At very high levels, lead can cause convulsions, coma and death." - Word Health Organization

Where does the lead come from?

Before the 1920's lead pipes and lead lined pipes were used to transport drinking water. Bad idea. Galvanized steel water piping replaced lead pipes in homes built before the 1960's but the zinc coating also contained lead that could leach into drinking water. Later, copper pipes were used instead of galvanized steel, but, the solder (prior to 1985) used to weld the joints together was made out of ~40% lead which also leached into drinking water.

Conclusion: If the house is older than 1985 there is likely lead leaching into the water from the pipes in your house. 
The only way to know the lead  concentrations in your home is to have the water tested. Read More 
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Lead in Water Guide City of Portland
Order Free Lead Test Kit Online (Portland)

Lead in Water test kit is for the following water districts:

  • ​Burlington Water District
  • City of Gresham
  • City of Tualatin
  • GNR Corp
  • Green Valley Water Company
  • Hideaway Hills Water Company
  • Lake Grove Water District
  • Lorna Water Company
  • Lusted Water District 
  • Palatine Hill Water District
  • Pleasant Home Water District
  • Portland Water Bureau
  • Raleigh Water District
  • Rockwood PUD
  • Tigard Water District
  • Tualatin Valley Water District
  • Two Rivers Water Association
  • Valley View Water District 
  • West Slope Water District

Hours

M-F: 8am - 6pm
CCB#208129  OCHI# 1835

Contact

cozyhomeinspectionllc@gmail.com
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Call or Text 503-683-3022
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​Portland Oregon

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