Across Hilton Head, Bluffton, and surrounding Low Country communities, brass fittings have been a long-standing choice in home plumbing. These components are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion. But many homeowners are now learning that these same fittings can also be a source of lead contamination in their drinking water.
Homes built before 2014 are especially likely to include older brass fittings. Even newer homes may include components that meet outdated “lead-free” standards. This means that many local plumbing systems are still allowing trace amounts of lead to enter the water supply.
How Brass Fittings Contribute to Lead in Water
Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc. For decades, manufacturers included lead to make the material easier to machine. Some fittings contained up to 8 percent lead by weight. Federal regulations now limit lead content to 0.25 percent in plumbing products, but even this small amount can leach into drinking water under certain conditions.
Soft water, seasonal home use, and coastal humidity all increase the potential for lead to migrate into the water stream. These conditions are common throughout Hilton Head and Bluffton, especially in neighborhoods with older homes or fluctuating water use.
Health Effects of Lead Exposure
Lead is a toxic metal with serious long-term health risks. In children, it can impair brain development, affect behavior, and limit learning ability. Pregnant women are at higher risk of complications, and adults may face kidney damage, reproductive issues, and elevated blood pressure.
Lead is invisible, odorless, and tasteless. Its presence in water is not something you can detect without professional testing.
The Immediate Solution: Change your bypass valves.
Culligan of the Low Country & Savannah are well aware of the presence of lead in the brass bypasses that exist in many homes. Whenever attending a service or maintenance call, our team changes the brass bypasses with new bypasses, bringing peace of mind to you and your family.
A Trusted Solution: The Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis System
Culligan of Low Country & Savannah offers targeted filtration solutions designed for homes affected by aging plumbing. The Aquasential Smart Reverse Osmosis System is our most advanced drinking water system and is proven to reduce up to 99 percent of lead along with dozens of other common contaminants.
This system connects at your kitchen tap, providing filtered water for drinking, cooking, and ice. It also includes smart monitoring features that let you track water quality and filter usage in real time through the Culligan Connect™ app.
The Aquasential Smart RO is ideal for households with brass fittings or uncertain plumbing history. It is compact, efficient, and fully supported by local Culligan service technicians.
Water Quality is Local. So Are We.
The plumbing materials used in the Lowcountry vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Homes in historic parts of Bluffton often contain older infrastructure, while Hilton Head vacation properties may experience seasonal pressure and stagnation issues that increase corrosion. These local variables matter when choosing the right water treatment solution.
That’s why Culligan of Low Country and Savannah begins with a free in-home water test. We evaluate for lead, chlorine, pH, and other common issues. Once we understand what’s in your water, we build a custom solution that fits your home’s plumbing and usage patterns.
Our team lives and works in the communities we serve. We are committed to delivering the safest, cleanest water possible with expert installation and local support you can rely on.
Schedule your free water consultation with Culligan of Low Country & Savannah today.
Protect your home, your water, and your peace of mind. It all starts at the tap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can brass plumbing fittings really cause lead in drinking water?
Yes. Many brass fittings — especially those installed before 2014 — contain lead, which can leach into your water over time. Even fittings labeled “lead-free” may contain up to 0.25% lead. Culligan’s water testing and filtration systems are designed to address these hidden sources of contamination.
How do I know if my home’s plumbing has lead or brass components?
Homes built before 2014, or those with older plumbing systems, are more likely to have brass fittings that may contribute to lead exposure. A free in-home water test from Culligan of the Low Country & Savannah can help detect any lead present and determine if your plumbing is a risk factor.
What’s the best filtration system for lead in water?
The Aquasential® Smart Reverse Osmosis System from Culligan is one of the most effective solutions, reducing up to 99% of lead and other contaminants. It installs at your kitchen tap and features smart monitoring to track water quality in real time.
