Around one-third of older properties in the North West could contain lead plumbing, according to United Utilities.

Overexposure to the metal can cause health issues - with children under six-years-old and pregnant women most at risk.

For those of us living in homes built before 1970 - the underground pipe that links your home to the public water mains might be made of lead.

Worryingly, there's also a chance there may be some lead plumbing could be inside your home.

However, using a simple trick you can find out whether your home has the 'dangerous' plumbing.

Firstly, find where in your home the pipe that links your water supply to the mains is, usually under the kitchen sink or in the downstairs toilet or bathroom.

Although lead appears as a dull, greyish metal, if you scratch the pipe with another metal object, a coin for example, a shiny surface should be revealed underneath.

If you do discover lead, don't worry, there are some tricks to minimise risk.

If you do have lead pipes you could, in the morning you can run the cold tap in the kitchen to flush out any standing water from overnight, a sink full should suffice.

You could also flush the toilet to clear out any stagnant water.

Boiling water doesn't remove lead.

More information can be found on UU's website.

United Utilities states@ "If you do have lead pipes, don't worry - there are lots of ways to minimise the risks from lead to you and your family. However, the surest way to protect yourself and your family against the health risks from lead water pipes is to get them replaced."

United Utilities adds: "If you want to replace your lead pipes you need to have applied and been accepted onto the United Utilities lead pipe replacement scheme before you do any work.

"You have an option to either do the work yourself on your side of the boundary and we come out to inspect it, or you can employ a Water Industry Approved Plumber (commonly known as WIAPS) to do this work for you.

"You will need to understand how your existing supply feeds your property.

"This information may be on your deeds or you can speak to your plumber or your dedicated case manager will be able to advise."