Lead pipes in rented homes: what Scottish landlords need to do
Older Edinburgh flats may still have lead water pipes. What the Repairing Standard guidance expects, how to check, testing, and who replaces which pipe.
By AJ, certified Gas Safe engineer and lead plumber at 247 Emergency Plumbers Edinburgh · Checked
Homes built before 1970 are the most likely to have lead water pipes, which covers much of Edinburgh's tenement and older housing. Since 1 March 2024, the Repairing Standard guidance expects private lets to have no lead pipes from the boundary stopcock to the kitchen tap, or a water test showing the water is safe. The owner is responsible for the pipes inside the boundary; Scottish Water looks after the pipe in the street.
The rules at a glance
What the guidance expects
No lead pipes, or lead-lined tanks or fittings, in the drinking water supply from the boundary stopcock to the kitchen tap, including tanks in lofts or common tank rooms (Scottish Government statutory guidance).
Checking
Landlords should check the visible pipework. A visual check does not rule out lead, because some pipes and joints are hidden.
Testing
If you are unsure, or find a risk, tell the tenant and have a water sample tested by a laboratory. For most homes, one kitchen tap sample is the minimum.
Shared pipes
If other owners refuse consent to replace shared lead pipes, the guidance accepts the work may not be possible yet, but tenants should be told how to reduce their exposure.
Who replaces what
The property owner is responsible for the supply pipe and internal plumbing. Once that is replaced, you can ask Scottish Water to replace any lead in its communication pipe, free of charge (DWQR).
After replacing
The guidance says to test the water again after lead pipework is removed, to confirm the lead has gone.
What to do
Look at the pipe coming in under the kitchen sink. DWQR says lead is dull grey, scratches to shiny silver and may bulge at the joints.
If you find lead, or are unsure, tell the tenant and arrange a water test.
Until it is replaced, advise tenants to run the kitchen tap before drinking water that has stood in the pipes, such as first thing in the morning.
Get a quote to replace the lead pipework, and agree access with other owners if pipes are shared.
Ask Scottish Water to check and replace any lead in its pipe, and retest the water.
Where our plumbers can help
Checking visible pipework for lead
Replacing lead pipes from the stopcock to the kitchen tap, and old lead or galvanised tanks
Working with other owners in a tenement on shared supply pipes
Landlords and letting agents: one number for repairs.
Plumbing, heating and gas work across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Our callout is from £75 in standard hours (out of hours £100–£180). Work and parts are agreed before we start. Tell us who approves the work and how to arrange access with the tenant.
Our emergency line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Rules change. This page is general guidance for private landlords in Scotland, not legal advice. Check the official guidance linked above.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Helpful answers before you call.
Do landlords in Scotland have to replace lead pipes?
Since 1 March 2024 the Repairing Standard guidance expects no lead pipes from the boundary stopcock to the kitchen tap, unless a water test shows the water is safe. If other owners refuse consent to shared work, tenants must be told how to reduce exposure.
How do I know if I have lead pipes?
Look under the kitchen sink. Lead pipe is dull grey, soft, scratches to shiny silver and may have rounded joints. Homes built before 1970 are most likely to have it. A plumber can check, and a water test confirms.
Will Scottish Water replace my lead pipe?
Scottish Water is responsible for the pipe up to the boundary stopcock and replaces lead it finds there. Once your own pipes are replaced, you can ask it to replace any remaining lead on its side free of charge.
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