Lead pipe replacement cost in District of Columbia (2026)

How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in District of Columbia?

Most homeowners who pay for the private side of a lead service line spend about $4,000 to $10,000. In District of Columbia, 1 of the 1 utilities we track replace it for free (at least for eligible owners).

Free programs1

Cost shares0

Loans0

Lead + galv. lines17,155

What homeowners pay, by utility

Utility	Program	What the owner pays
Washington, DC	Free for eligible owners	$0 if eligible

What drives the price in District of Columbia

Length of the line from the curb stop to the house, and whether the meter is inside.
Depth and soil. Rocky or clay soil and deep lines add labor.
Trenchless or open trench. Pulling a new pipe through the old path from two small pits usually costs less to restore than a full trench.
Permits and the public side. Some cities charge permit and street-opening fees, and a few make the owner pay to cut the street.
Restoration of lawns, driveways, sidewalks and basement walls, which free programs often limit.

In the District of Columbia, DC Water and the Department of Energy and Environment cover the private side for enrolled owners through the Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program and DC Water's House by House program. For fiscal year 2026, EPA allotted $27,456,000 to District of Columbia for lead service line replacement through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and at least $13,453,440 of it must go out as grants or forgivable loans. Compare every state.

What would you pay?

Contractor quote or estimate ($) Utility pays (%) Utility cap ($, blank = none) Finance the rest? Loan interest rate (%)

Utility covers—

You pay—

Monthly—

Many utility loans are 0% (enter 0). Private loans run higher. Your real price depends on how far the house sits from the street, digging versus trenchless methods, permits and restoration. This is an estimate, not a quote.

Get lead line replacement quotes in District of Columbia

Compare prices from licensed local plumbers who replace water service lines. Useful if your utility's program doesn't cover you, has a long wait, or you need the work done sooner.

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Common questions

How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in District of Columbia?

Who pays for lead pipe replacement in District of Columbia?

Is lead service line replacement tax deductible or taxable?

Replacement paid for by a utility or government program is not taxable income (IRS Announcement 2024-10). Paying for it yourself is generally a home improvement, not a deductible expense; ask a tax professional about your case.