Where is lead still found in residential pipes after the 1987 ban?

Lead can still be found in residential plumbing systems due to the use of lead solder in plumbing installations. Before the ban on lead solder in 1987, it was commonly used to join copper pipes in water supply systems. Even though the use of lead solder was restricted, many older homes built before this date may still contain lead solder, which poses a risk of lead leaching into drinking water, especially if the water is corrosive.

This historical context highlights the importance of understanding materials used in older plumbing systems, as they can continue to affect health and safety long after regulations change. While other options may contain lead in specific contexts, like certain faucets, it is the soldering of pipes that is most significantly associated with the lead issue in systems installed before the ban.