Lead testing: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What lead testing is

Lead testing checks paint, dust, soil or water for lead using on-site tests or lab samples, and reports the findings. It is often done in older homes or before renovation, because disturbing old painted surfaces can release lead dust. This is general information only.

Signs you need it

  • Your home was built in the period when lead-based paint was common, and you plan to sand, scrape or replace painted trim, windows or doors
  • Paint is chipping, peeling or cracking on windows, doors, stairs or exterior trim, and young children live in or visit the home
  • You are buying an older home and want the paint, dust or water checked before closing
  • Your water comes from an older service line or old fixtures, and you want the water tested
  • A renovation, an exterior paint job or a demolition is planned, and the contractor requires a test before starting

What the pro does

  • The tester reviews the age of the home, its renovation history and the surfaces where lead is most likely to be found
  • They test painted surfaces on site with a test method, or collect paint chips for a laboratory analysis
  • They collect dust wipe samples from floors, window sills and troughs, and send them for analysis
  • They sample soil around the foundation or play areas if the client requests it, and send it to a lab
  • They test water from the tap if requested, using a sample that follows the lab's instructions
  • They deliver a written report with the results, the locations tested and the steps to take for any positive finding

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Number of rooms and surfaces to be tested, and whether the whole home or specific areas are needed
  • Type of test, such as an on-site paint test, a lab paint chip analysis, dust wipes or soil samples
  • Number of water taps tested and whether the water sample is taken from the first draw or after flushing
  • Lab turnaround time when a faster result is needed
  • Access to exterior areas, crawl spaces and attics for surface and soil samples
  • Whether the report includes a written plan for lead-safe work
  • Repeat testing after the work to confirm the area is safe

What a written quote should spell out

  • Surfaces and areas to be tested, with the room and the component listed
  • Test methods used for paint, dust, soil and water, and the labs named
  • Number of samples and where each is taken
  • Report format, the lab turnaround and the date results will be delivered
  • Written explanation of the results, including the levels that matter for children and for the work
  • Follow-up testing or clearance testing included or priced separately

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Which tests do you run, and which are needed for the work I plan to do?
  • Are you certified to test for lead in this state, and can I check that?
  • Which labs analyze the samples, and how long until I receive the results?
  • Do you test dust and soil as well as the paint, and is that included?
  • What will you tell me about safe work practices if the paint is positive?
  • Will the report be written in a way I can share with a contractor or a buyer?
  • Do you also remove lead paint, and would that be a conflict with your report?

Red flags

  • They say the home is lead-safe based only on a visual check, with no test
  • They use a single on-site test on one surface and call it the result for the whole home
  • They recommend that you sand or scrape the painted surfaces to check them
  • They do not explain how the results apply to children or the work you plan

What you can do yourself

You can buy a lead test kit and follow its directions for painted surfaces, and you can read the age of your home from the records. Do not sand, scrape, dry-sweep or power wash old painted surfaces, because this releases lead dust. Keep children and pregnant people away from peeling paint, and call a certified lead tester before any renovation.

Licenses and permits

Lead testing is commonly done by certified or licensed professionals, and many states require a certification for lead inspection and risk assessment. Check with your state or local health or environmental agency for the certification and the reporting rules that apply to your home.

Lead testing questions

Is a home test kit as good as a professional test?

A kit gives a screening result for the surface it tests. A certified tester uses approved methods, samples the right areas and reports the results with their context. Ask the tester how the kit results and the professional results compare.

What should I do before renovating an older home?

Have the paint tested, and ask the contractor to follow lead-safe work practices in the scope. Do not start sanding or demolition in the affected areas until the testing and the plan are in place.

Do I need to test the water as well?

Possibly, especially with an older service line or old plumbing fixtures. Ask the tester to explain the water sample method, and ask the local water authority or health office about testing for your area.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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