Fast Lead Water Line Replacement in Brooklyn: All You Need to Know
In NYC, the urgency to replace lead water mains continues to grow, and most specifically in Brooklyn. Property owners are not only prioritizing the safety of tenants and family members, but DEP is now issuing what is essentially a warning notice. Many homeowners in Brooklyn are now prioritizing lead water line replacement through the city’s lead service line replacement program to avoid future health risks and costly upgrades. The notice does not formally require the property owner to change their lead water main to copper. In many cases, the owner is first becoming aware that they have a lead water main upon receipt of this notice.
When considering the copper water main upgrade, it is important to understand the best practices for a quick and compliant water line replacement in Brooklyn.
Why Do You Need a Lead Water Line Replacement?
Lead in drinking water may lead to serious health problems, which is triggering many Brooklyn homeowners to seek rapid replacement. The lead pipe replacement program encourages replacing lead water service lines with copper pipes to protect family health and ensure compliance with modern water quality standards. You may ask, “What is the true risk of a lead water main”?
The primary risk of a lead water main is simply due to the exposure to lead in the pipe. Lead, when in drinking water, can leach into the water supply and pose serious health risks. As a surprise to most, children and pregnant women are most susceptible to serious health risks. Long-term exposure to lead can result in many different health problems, including damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system.
In recent years, NYC has been pushing to replace lead water mains with safer alternatives, such as copper. K-grade copper is the only compliant material used for sub-surface water main installations in NYC. Contractors licensed for replacing lead pipes must follow the lead line replacement program and water line replacement program to ensure full compliance and public health protection. There have also been guidelines established to limit lead levels in drinking water with the hopes of educating people on the need for a quick replacement.
If you are in Brooklyn and considering the replacement of your lead water main, it is important that you are working with a NYC Licensed Master Plumber who holds all of the required DOT bonds for opening the roadway. In addition to the bond, the plumber must secure DEP and DOT permits before replacing the lead water line.
Water Main Replacement Process Explained
The process of replacing a lead water main with copper can be completed in one day, in many cases. Once the permits are secured, the plumber is responsible for excavating the roadway, locating the city main, and closing the water from the tap connection. Water service line replacement projects in Brooklyn often include replacing lead service lines, changing lead pipes, and coordinating with DEP under the lead replacement program guidelines. The tap connection serves as the open and close switch, connecting the homeowner’s pipe to the city water main. Once the tap connection is closed, the plumber will continue excavating the roadway, sidewalk, and property as required. It is important to note that most city water mains are 3’-4’ deep and are easily accessible with the required experience.
Once the excavations are completed, the underground tunnels are made from one hole to the next. At this stage the grounds are ready for the new copper water main to be installed. The installation includes installing a curb valve below the sidewalk and one new valve inside the house. The existing tap valve on the city main will remain, unless there is an issue with the functionality or size of the tap valve.
Recently in Brooklyn
Harris Water was hired for what appeared to be a standard water main upgrade from lead to copper. Upon excavating the roadway, we quickly became aware that there was a ½” tap connecting the old lead pipe to the city main. Lead pipe removal in this case triggered unexpected issues not shown in records, complicating the lead service line replacement process and increasing service line replacement cost and duration. This was unbeknownst to everyone; the city records did not display a ½” tap. According to the plumbing code, this size tap is no longer compliant, and it must be replaced with a larger size tap. Unfortunately, this changes what appeared to be a standard water line installation into a much larger, timely and more costly job.
You may ask why the job has become more costly resulting due to the need for a new tap? There are a few variables that change immediately:
- The DEP now requires an on-site inspection once the tap and water main are completed. In most cases, this will result in an extra day(s) of mobilization for the water main to be installed and inspected.
- The licensed plumber is required to obtain a new permit for the “tap and plug,” which costs more money and may add time before it is reviewed and released.
- The DEP is the only agency that can install the new tap, not the licensed plumber. For replacing a water line under DEP rules, only city personnel are permitted to install taps, not the contractor lead service working on-site. The plumber is responsible for opening the roadway and preparing the city main. Once completed, the DEP will install the new tap, and the plumber can proceed with the installation.
- Pending the type of your old tap, the city may have to perform a shutdown of the city water main. In most cases, the city will require the shutdown to take place during off-peak hours. This will result in the crew working at night or on weekends.
Why Choose Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors?
We’ve been proudly serving NYC for over 100 years! As third- and fourth-generation licensed plumbers, we bring unmatched experience and knowledge to every lead water line replacement. Our team specializes in lead service line replacement, replacing lead pipes, and providing expert contractor lead service throughout Brooklyn and the greater NYC area.
Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and adherence to safety standards ensures that every installation meets all regulatory requirements from both DEP and DOT. You can count on us for your next water main replacement—built on a century of trust and performance in NYC.
Why Replace Your Lead Pipe Now?
Replacing lead pipes with copper is more crucial than ever for several reasons.
- The health risk associated with lead exposure is well documented, with many thousands of lead water mains that remain in Brooklyn.
- Delaying the replacement can lead to higher costs in the future. As standards evolve and awareness of lead’s negative impact increases, the city is likely to enforce stricter guidelines and penalties for non-compliance. We recommend acting now to join the lead service line replacement program and avoid higher service line replacement costs and legal issues later on. This may result in higher fines or mandated replacements.
- The group of companies specializing in water main replacements is shrinking in NYC. With fewer companies offering these specialized services, there may be increased competition for scheduling and higher costs. By choosing us now, you’ll secure a qualified contractor lead service while market demand for replacing lead service lines is still manageable. Acting now will ensure access to qualified contractors and the current market’s pricing.
- Delaying replacement can lead to higher costs as material prices, like copper, continue to rise due to inflation. Proactive upgrades can mitigate future expenses. To put things in perspective, the average copper water main installation cost $3000 around ten years ago and is currently more than double the price. Our water line replacement program helps homeowners replace lead pipes before inflation, material hikes, or shortage of qualified contractors drive up overall project costs.
FAQ Related to Replacing Lead Pipes
1. Are there financial incentives or rebates available?
Currently, there are no known incentives in NYC.
2. How long does it take to replace lead pipes with copper?
The average water main installation consisting of 30’ of new copper should take one day. There are outliers that are specific to each location. We complete most lead pipe replacement jobs in one day under NYC’s lead service line replacement program, ensuring minimal disruption and full code compliance.
3. What to expect during the lead pipe replacement process?
You should expect a loss of water from 9 AM to 5 PM, and in many cases, it does not take this long. You should expect a good amount of excavating in front of your property, and have drinking water available as needed. Our lead pipe removal process includes planned shutoffs and careful excavation, following all safety steps in the city’s lead pipe replacement program.
4. How can you find a reputable plumber?
Best if you can obtain a referral from a neighbor or family member.
The next best is to perform a search on the internet or any AI bot and research sub-surface water main and sewer contractors. We recommend searching for licensed experts in lead service line replacement plans who specialize in replacing a water line for NYC residential properties.
For a free estimate on replacing your lead water main with copper, contact us at Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors. We’re part of the trusted lead service line replacement program in NYC, helping homeowners replace lead pipes quickly, affordably, and safely across Brooklyn and beyond. Take a proactive step to protect your family and tenants by upgrading to a safer plumbing system.
