Lead Water Line Replacement

Understanding Lead Water Lines in Older Homes

Many homes built before modern plumbing standards still rely on lead water lines or lead water service lines to deliver water from the main to the property. These pipes were once common because lead was easy to work with and inexpensive. Today, they are known to pose serious health risks when left in place.

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If your home was built before the late 1980s, there is a real possibility that part or all of your water service line contains lead. Identifying and replacing these lines is one of the most effective ways to protect your household’s drinking water.

How to Tell if Your Water Service Line Is Lead

Homeowners often ask how to tell if a water service line is lead without digging up the yard. In many cases, there are clear indicators that point to lead piping.

• A dull gray pipe entering the home, often near the water meter
• Soft metal that scratches easily and does not attract a magnet
• Homes built before lead pipes were phased out
• City records identifying lead water service lines in your neighborhood

If there is uncertainty, a professional inspection is the safest way to confirm whether your water line contains lead and whether replacement is necessary.

When Lead Pipes Were Used for Water Lines

Lead pipes were widely used for water lines until health concerns led to regulatory changes. In most areas, lead pipes stopped being installed for water service lines in the mid-to-late 1980s. However, many older homes still have original lead water lines that were never replaced.

Even if interior plumbing has been updated, the underground lead water service line may still be present. This is often the last remaining source of lead exposure in residential plumbing systems.

Lead Water Line Replacement vs. Lead Water Service Line Replacement

Replacing lead pipes involves more than removing visible sections inside the home. Lead water service line replacement focuses on the full line that connects the property to the municipal water main.

• Locating the full length of the service line
• Coordinating with the city when required
• Removing the lead pipe and replacing it with approved materials
• Restoring water service safely and efficiently

Replacing only part of a lead line can increase lead exposure, which is why full replacement is strongly recommended.

When Lead Water Line Replacement Is Necessary

Lead water line replacement is often recommended when:

• A lead service line is confirmed during inspection
• The home is being sold and requires compliance updates
• Local or federal programs mandate removal
• Water testing indicates elevated lead levels

Delaying replacement can increase long-term risk, especially in homes with children or aging plumbing systems.

Why Professional Replacement Matters

Replacing your old lead water lines requires proper planning, permits, and coordination. It is not a standard plumbing repair. Our professional replacement ensures the work is done safely, meets local codes, and eliminates the source of contamination rather than masking the problem.

A properly executed lead water service line replacement protects water quality, improves property value, and removes long-term health concerns tied to aging infrastructure.