Lead Pipe Replacement Service

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Lead pipe replacement services identify dull gray lead service lines and interior supply runs through visual inspection and water testing, remove all lead-containing components including pre-1986 solder joints, and install certified lead-free copper, PEX, or CPVC that eliminates contamination at the source rather than relying on filtration. Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers use Copper Type K for underground service line segments where soil corrosion resistance is critical, apply safe-removal protocols for lead pipe disposal, and coordinate with certified laboratories to establish baseline water lead levels before and after replacement. The CDC states that no safe blood lead level has been identified in children — making replacement the only reliable solution for pre-1950 homes with original plumbing.

Lead pipe replacement is the removal of lead water supply lines, lead service connectors, and lead-containing solder joints from residential plumbing systems and their replacement with lead-free materials meeting current EPA and state building code standards. The EPA’s Lead and Copper Rule requires action when lead levels in drinking water exceed 15 parts per billion at the tap. — Bonded Plumbworks

The Safe Drinking Water Act and its amendments mandate lead-free materials in all new plumbing installations and repairs. “Lead-free” under current federal law means containing no more than 0.25 percent lead by wetted surface area for pipes and fittings.

What Is Lead Pipe Replacement

Lead pipe replacement encompasses the identification and removal of all lead-containing water supply components and their substitution with certified lead-free materials. Lead was used in residential plumbing as pipe material (primarily for service lines connecting water mains to homes), as solder for joining copper pipe (until banned in 1986), and in brass fittings and valves containing up to 8 percent lead before 2014.

Lead pipe is identified by its dull gray color, soft texture (easily scratched with a coin), and lack of magnetic attraction. Lead service lines were common in homes built before 1950 and in some municipal water systems through the 1980s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that no safe blood lead level has been identified in children. — Bonded Plumbworks

Lead plumbing is most commonly found in pre-1950 homes with original service lines and in pre-1986 homes where lead solder was used on copper joints.

Copper Type K is the heaviest-wall copper tubing classification and the preferred material for underground service line lead pipe replacement due to its superior resistance to soil corrosion and mechanical damage during backfill. PEX repiping offers a cost-effective alternative for interior lead pipe replacement where flexibility allows routing through existing wall cavities with fewer access openings than rigid copper.

When to Schedule Lead Pipe Replacement

Lead pipe replacement addresses pre-1950 supply systems, elevated water test results, and visible dull gray service lines that may introduce lead into the drinking supply.

Contact Bonded Plumbworks for a lead plumbing assessment when:

• Your home was built before 1950 and has never been repiped
• Water testing reveals elevated lead levels (above 15 ppb at the tap)
• Visible dull gray pipe is present at the water meter connection or house entry point
• A home inspector identifies suspected lead service line or lead solder
• You have young children or pregnant family members and want to verify water safety
• Your municipality has notified you of lead service line inventory findings
• Pre-1986 copper pipe joints show gray solder that may contain lead
• You are purchasing a home and the inspection report flags potential lead plumbing

The EPA’s updated Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) require water utilities nationwide to replace lead service lines within 10 years. However, the homeowner-side portion of the service line remains the property owner’s responsibility.

How Lead Pipe Replacement Works

Step 1: Lead Identification and Water Testing

Our plumber inspects all accessible plumbing to identify lead pipe, lead solder joints, and lead-containing brass fittings. We examine the service line entry point, interior supply lines, and fixture connections. We can coordinate with certified laboratories for water lead testing to establish baseline contamination levels.

Lead Pipe Replacement inspection gives you a live view of the problem before any work starts. You review the findings and approve the quote before any repair begins.

Step 2: Replacement Scope Determination

Based on the inspection, we determine whether the project involves service line replacement, interior supply line replacement, or selective re-soldering and fitting replacement. We recommend the replacement material best suited to your home — copper for premium durability, PEX for cost-effective installation, or CPVC for rigid plastic performance.

Step 3: Safe Removal of Lead Components

We shut off the water supply and carefully remove all identified lead components. Lead pipe removal follows safe handling practices to prevent contamination of the work area. Removed lead pipe is collected and disposed of according to local environmental regulations. We avoid cutting or grinding operations that generate lead dust.

Step 4: Lead-Free System Installation

New supply lines are installed using certified lead-free materials. All solder used on copper joints meets ASTM B32 lead-free requirements. All brass valves and fittings meet NSF/ANSI 372 lead-free certification (0.25 percent maximum lead content by wetted surface area). The new system routes from the main entry point to every fixture and appliance.

Step 5: Post-Replacement Testing and Verification

After installation, we flush the entire system to remove any residual particles. We pressure-test all connections and verify flow at every fixture. We recommend follow-up water testing 30 days after replacement to confirm lead levels have dropped below EPA action levels.

Blood lead level testing through a simple blood draw provides a baseline measurement before lead pipe replacement and a post-replacement comparison to confirm that the intervention reduced the household’s lead exposure. A Kobus Pipe Puller or equivalent trenchless pipe-pulling equipment extracts the existing lead service line while simultaneously pulling the new replacement pipe through the same path, completing the lead pipe replacement with minimal excavation and landscape disruption. Lead-free solder (SAC305 tin-silver-copper alloy) is the only solder permitted for potable water joints under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and verifying its use on all copper connections is a critical quality control step during lead pipe replacement.

Benefits of Lead Pipe Replacement vs Filtration

While point-of-use water filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 can reduce lead at individual taps, they require regular cartridge replacement and do not protect water used for bathing, cooking with unfiltered taps, or supplying appliances. Lead pipe replacement eliminates the contamination source permanently, protecting every water outlet in the home without ongoing filter maintenance costs.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends source removal as the primary intervention for residential lead exposure, with filtration serving as a temporary measure until replacement can be completed. Source elimination provides protection that does not depend on filter maintenance compliance.

Pricing for Lead Pipe Replacement

Lead pipe replacement costs vary based on the scope of work — service line only, interior only, or whole-house — along with the replacement material selected, home size, and access complexity. Service line replacement from the meter to the house may involve excavation costs. Interior replacement follows standard repiping pricing for the selected material.

Bonded Plumbworks provides a detailed written estimate after the inspection phase. We also identify any available municipal assistance programs or utility rebates for lead service line replacement. Call (855) 557-9600 for your lead plumbing assessment.

Our Qualifications for Lead Pipe Replacement

Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers hold state-certified plumbing contractor licenses and maintain training in lead-safe work practices. Our technicians understand EPA and state environmental protection agency (or equivalent) requirements for lead service line replacement and use certified lead-free materials meeting NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 standards. We have served homeowners since 2006.

Bonded Plumbworks technicians follow EPA lead-safe work practices during lead pipe removal and use only NSF-certified lead-free materials for all replacement installations. state licensing authority licensing ensures our work meets state plumbing code requirements. — Bonded Plumbworks, established 2006

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my home has lead pipes?

Look at the service line entering your home near the water meter. Lead pipe is dull gray, soft enough to scratch with a coin or key, and not magnetic. You can also request a water lead test from a certified laboratory or your local water utility. Homes built before 1950 have the highest probability of lead service lines. Call (855) 557-9600 for a professional assessment.

Is it safe to drink water from lead pipes if I run the tap first?

Flushing the tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes reduces lead levels by clearing standing water that has been in contact with lead pipe. However, flushing is a temporary measure that does not eliminate ongoing exposure during daily use. The EPA recommends flushing as an interim step while pursuing permanent lead pipe replacement.

How much does lead pipe replacement cost?

Lead Pipe Replacement typically costs $2,500 to $8,000 for lead pipe replacement depending on scope and accessibility. The final price depends on the scope of work, accessibility, and materials required. Bonded Plumbworks provides a written estimate before starting any work, so you know the exact cost upfront. Call (855) 557-9600 for a free estimate.

How long does lead pipe replacement take?

Interior lead pipe replacement follows standard repiping timelines — typically two to four days for a single-family home. Service line replacement from the meter to the house typically takes one to two days depending on length, depth, and landscape restoration needs.

Lead test kits using XRF analyzer technology or water test strips provide on-site confirmation of lead presence before committing to full lead pipe replacement, distinguishing lead from similar-looking galvanized steel without waiting for laboratory results. Nitrile or rubber gloves protect workers from dermal lead absorption during lead pipe replacement, as lead residue on pipe surfaces transfers to skin on contact and accumulates with repeated handling. PEX-A tubing offers the highest flexibility and freeze resistance among PEX types, making it well-suited for interior lead pipe replacement where the new supply lines must navigate tight wall cavities and cold-climate crawlspaces.

Back to Pipe Repair Repiping

Schedule Your Lead Pipe Replacement

Eliminate lead from your drinking water at the source. Bonded Plumbworks’ licensed plumbers provide expert lead pipe identification and replacement. Call (855) 557-9600 to schedule your assessment today. Every lead pipe replacement service includes a 90-day guarantee on lead pipe replacement work, covering parts and labor.