How to hire a contractor to replace your lead service line

Updated November 2, 2026

Before you hire anyone, find out whether your utility will do the work itself. Many programs only pay when their own contractor replaces the line, and some will not reimburse a job you arranged on your own.

Step 1: Check your utility's program first

Look up your city on this site or your utility's lead page. If the program is free or shares the cost, sign up and let the utility schedule the work. Hire your own contractor only if there is no program, you don't qualify, or you can't wait.

Step 2: Use the approved or licensed list your city requires

Many cities control who can work on service lines:

• Approved contractor lists. DC Water's Lead Pipe Replacement Assistance Program requires owners to use a contractor from its yearly approved list.
• City-licensed plumbers. Chicago lets owners hire their own licensed plumber under its homeowner-initiated option and waives city permit fees; it publishes the list of plumbing contractors licensed to work in the city.
• Special licenses. In New York City only licensed sewer and water contractors can legally replace a water service line.
• Utility coordination. Milwaukee's owner-request program has the owner's contractor coordinate with Milwaukee Water Works so the public side is replaced at the same time.

If your utility doesn't publish a list, hire a plumber licensed in your state who has done service line work in your city, and ask the utility what permits and inspections it requires.

Step 3: Get at least three written quotes

Ask each contractor:

1. Does the price include both sides of the line, or only the private side? Partial replacement can raise lead levels.
2. Trenchless or open trench, and what restoration of lawn, driveway, sidewalk and basement wall is included?
3. Which permits, street-opening fees and inspections are included?
4. What pipe material and size will you install, and does it meet the utility's specification?
5. Will you coordinate with the utility to shut off water and replace the public side, curb stop or meter connection?
6. Will you flush the line and give me a lead-certified filter afterward?
7. What warranty do you give, and are you insured?

Or request quotes from licensed local contractors through this site.

Red flags

• Door-to-door or phone pitches that claim to come from the water utility. Utilities send letters and tell you how to verify their crews.
• Pressure to sign today, or large cash deposits before a permit is issued.
• A quote with no permit, no restoration details or no mention of the public side.
• Claims that a filter or pipe coating makes replacement unnecessary.

Paying for it

Ask the utility about cost shares, low-income grants and 0% loans first. Philadelphia, for example, offers zero-interest loans for owners who don't want to wait for planned main work. See can't afford lead pipe replacement and the cost calculator.

Sources: DC Water: customer-initiated replacement, Lead Safe Chicago, Philadelphia Water: lead FAQ, Milwaukee Water Works: owner request

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