Description
This Lead laboratory test is ideal to check for leaching of lead from a lead pipe or lead solder. Ageing pipes and corrosive water can cause increased levels of lead in drinking water. It includes 2 separate tests:
- A 1 litre sample taken for the first draw (let water sit in the pipe for a few hours)
- A smaller second sample bottle taken after the pipe has been flushed
The results of both water samples can be compared to each other to see if there is lead leaching into the water from either a lead pipe or a lead solder*.
This UKAS Lead Laboratory test can also be used by landlords to comply with the Scottish Repairing Standard. The UK maximum contaminant level for Lead in tap water set by DWI/DEFRA is 10µg/l (= 0.01mg/l = 0.01ppm = 10ppb) – the test results can easily be compared with the maximum contaminant guidelines.
Arranging a laboratory test is very easy and our service includes everything required to carry out this analysis:

Once you have ordered on our website, we will send you a water sample bottle, clear instructions and pre-paid return packaging.
- UKAS certified laboratory results for Lead in 5 easy steps
- Includes everything required to carry out the test
- Simply collect the water sample and post it to our laboratory for expert analysis
- Results available within 5-6 working days after receipt of the water sample
- Ideal for home & business use including landlords, private homes & offices, hotels, care homes, healthcare premises, education sector, farm premises and property management
The lab test results are presented in μg/l Pb (microgram/litre). The UK maximum contaminant level for Lead in tap water set by DWI/DEFRA is 10µg/l (= 0.01mg/l = 0.01ppm) – so the test results can easily be compared with the maximum contaminant guidelines.
Suitable for: drinking water (ie. potable water including water from taps and tanks, bottled water) as well as ground and surface water (ie. river, lake, open reservoir, well, borehole and spring water)
The kit for laboratory analysis contains:
- Step-by-step instructions on how to collect the water samples,
- Sample bottles to take the water samples,
- Analysis by an UKAS accredited laboratory,
- Return packaging and courier collection are included*.
Each order is shipped with 1x pre-paid return packaging; if you are planning on taking samples at different times/places and returning them separately, then please place separate orders.
*Collection is Mon – Friday between 8am and 6pm. The collection should be booked 48 hours in advance.
For lead testing in line with the Scottish Repairing Standard: we recommend that you also refer to the detailed information provided by the Scottish government and Scottish Landlord Association to ensure correct collection of water samples.
Results: The test measures total dissolved lead in very small increments, the minimum detection limit is 0.09µg/l. Results will be sent per Email to the Email address used to place the order. Please note, that we do not provide interpretation of the test results.
Expiry: Water sample to be returned within 7 weeks of despatch date (unless otherwise agreed).
Please note:
- We require a full water sample to be able to perform the test. Refunds will not be offered where minimum volume of the sample requirements are not met.
- Where the insulated packaging includes ice-packs then these need to be frozen the day before the sample is taken and shipped to us with the sample.
- Do not mix more than one sample per bottle; please ensure one sample bottle is used per sample outlet.
- This service is only available for UK customers. If you are looking to place an order from another country, please contact us.
- We can not take any responsibility for delayed or failed delivery of the samples to the laboratory for analysis. When samples are not analysed on time or analysis has failed, we can not be made liable for any costs relating to sample collection (ie travel cost etc) or any other costs relating to the failed or delayed analysis.
- Failure to comply with the requirements for sample collection might result in a failed analysis of your water sample. We can not refund orders where instructions have not been followed.
- We can not take any responsibility for delayed or failed delivery of the samples to the laboratory for analysis. When samples are not analysed on time or analysis has failed, we can not be made liable for any costs relating to sample collection (ie travel cost etc) or any other costs relating to the failed or delayed analysis.





