Lead pipes (old buildings)
TrinkwV §17
Lead pipes were a common material for drinking water lines until approximately 1970. They pose a significant health hazard (lead in drinking water) and must be replaced according to the Drinking Water Ordinance (TrinkwV). Lead pipes can be identified by their dark gray color and soft surface — a fingernail leaves a visible mark.
- Very soft and deformable
- Corrosion-resistant
- High density (heavy)
- Toxic when in contact with drinking water
- Easy to deform
- Dark gray to silvery
- Very soft (fingernail leaves mark)
- Heavy compared to size
- Often in basements of old buildings
- Typical: curved bends without fittings
- Drinking water lines (old buildings before 1970)
- Wastewater lines (historical)
- Roof drainage (historical)