<P> Present - day water - supply systems use a network of high - pressure pumps , and pipes in buildings are now made of copper , brass , plastic ( particularly cross-linked polyethylene called PEX , which is estimated to be used in 60 % of single - family homes ) , or other nontoxic material . Due to its toxicity , most cities moved away from lead water - supply piping by the 1920s in the United States , although lead pipes were approved by national plumbing codes into the 1980s , and lead was used in plumbing solder for drinking water until it was banned in 1986 . Drain and vent lines are made of plastic , steel , cast - iron , or lead . </P>
<P> Present - day water - supply systems use a network of high - pressure pumps , and pipes in buildings are now made of copper , brass , plastic ( particularly cross-linked polyethylene called PEX , which is estimated to be used in 60 % of single - family homes ) , or other nontoxic material . Due to its toxicity , most cities moved away from lead water - supply piping by the 1920s in the United States , although lead pipes were approved by national plumbing codes into the 1980s , and lead was used in plumbing solder for drinking water until it was banned in 1986 . Drain and vent lines are made of plastic , steel , cast - iron , or lead . </P>
when did the us stop using lead pipes
when did the us stop using lead pipes
1986
1986