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Avatar for Hamilton Testing Services, Inc.
Hamilton Testing Services, Inc.
4.9(
19
)

Serving El Cajon, CA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Evan was very helpful and professional. He ensured I had all the information about the testing process and answered all of my questions. He was also very friendly and honest with me about the work that has been done on my house and any future work to be done. As soon as I have a new project I will be reaching out to him directly and can’t recommend him enough!"
Team members ready to test!
Pop-Corn Acoustic Ceiling
Response time1 day
58 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by70%of homeowners
Avatar for KCS Restorations Inc
KCS Restorations Inc
4.7(
33
)

Serving El Cajon, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

"Give these guys a B+, never received a written estimate for the work to be done. Nor was I provided a receipt when the work was completed. The two man crew did a good job in painting the areas I needed done, did two coats and completed in the time that was stated. Left remaining paint so I could do any touch-ups, which I needed to touch up the stairs. I would hire them again when we paint the rest of the house."
Recommended by96%of homeowners
Lead Testing and Removal questions, answered by experts

While not all homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, enough do, so you’ll still want to test to be on the safe side. The federal government banned lead-based paint for homes in 1978, but your state may have banned lead before that time. Around 24% of homes built between 1960 and 1977 contained lead-based paint, while 87% of homes built before 1940 contained lead-based paint.

Professional testing for lead paint costs about $300, ranging from about $250 to $700, depending on the square footage, accessibility, and location. However, testing for lead paint with a DIY home-testing kit costs about $25, but doesn’t guarantee accurate results. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends using a lead test kit that complies with the Lead Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule, which has strict criteria for ensuring a more accurate reading.

Common home surfaces to test for lead include:

  • Walls

  • Windows

  • Doors

  • Molding and trim

  • Railings

At-home lead tests can provide accurate results if used correctly, and if the kits are reputable and certified. They vary in sensitivity and methodology, influencing their accuracy. Follow instructions meticulously, ensuring proper sample collection and test execution. While they can detect elevated lead levels, for precise confirmation or if results are concerning, consider professional testing or lab analysis for comprehensive accuracy and guidance on addressing any issues.

Lead toxicity comes from inhaling lead or consuming it. Before the 1980s, when the government banned lead from consumer use, it could be found in paint, plumbing, pipes, ceramics, and even gasoline. Lead paint is toxic for the same reason lead itself is toxic, which is why lead poisoning from paint presents the same as lead poisoning from water or food sources, with a slight increase in respiratory symptoms vs. digestive symptoms. Lead paint is most dangerous when it’s old and peeling, cracking, or otherwise disturbed. This increases the concentration in the air and, therefore, in breathable air. 

Iron sediments from rusty pipes are not likely to cause health problems. While a glass of yellow-hued water is off-putting, it is generally safe to drink yellow water in the short term. But you certainly want to address this problem. In the meantime, switching to bottled water until the yellow water issue is resolved is a good idea. 

The El Cajon, CA homeowners’ guide to lead testing and removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.