Lead pipe replacement cost in Tennessee (2026)
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Tennessee?
Most homeowners who pay for the private side of a lead service line spend about $4,000 to $10,000. In Tennessee, 1 of the 14 utilities we track replace it for free (at least for eligible owners).
What homeowners pay, by utility
| Utility | Program | What the owner pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville | Owner pays private side | Owner pays full cost |
| Memphis | Free for eligible owners | $0 if eligible |
| Clarksville | Replacing lines; ask about cost | Not published |
| Chattanooga | Program not open yet | Not published |
What drives the price in Tennessee
- 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.
Tennessee has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners. For fiscal year 2026, EPA allotted $46,532,000 to Tennessee for lead service line replacement through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and at least $22,800,680 of it must go out as grants or forgivable loans. Compare every state.
What would you pay?
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.
Common questions
How much does it cost to replace a lead service line in Tennessee?
Most homeowners who pay for the private side of a lead service line spend about $4,000 to $10,000. In Tennessee, 1 of the 14 utilities we track replace it for free (at least for eligible owners).
Who pays for lead pipe replacement in Tennessee?
Tennessee has no law we found that decides who pays for the private side of a lead service line, so each utility sets its own policy. Under the federal rule, utilities must replace every lead line and galvanized line that needs it within ten years of November 1, 2027, but the rule does not make utilities pay for the owner's side. Federal infrastructure money passed through the state revolving fund can pay for it, so many utilities offer free or discounted replacement, especially for low-income owners.
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.
Related: all Tennessee programs · national cost guide · hiring a contractor