If you own a home or manage a property in New York City, you’ve probably heard the buzz lately around lead pipe replacement. But let’s be honest—unless you’ve gotten a city notice or had brown water pouring out of your faucet, this probably hasn’t made it to the top of your to-do list.
We get it. Life’s busy, repairs are costly, and digging up your yard to swap out pipes sounds like a headache.
But here’s the truth: replacing lead pipes isn’t just about plumbing—it’s about protecting your health, your family, and your home’s value, and keeping up with changing city and federal regulations. And right now, in NYC and across the country, things are shifting fast.
At Harris Water Main & Sewer Contractors, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners make the switch from lead to copper. We’re writing this because too many people are still unaware of how important this is, or that there are programs and plans that can help cover the lead service line replacement cost.
So let’s walk you through it—plain and simple.
What’s the Deal with Lead Pipes?
If your home was built before 1950 (which describes a huge chunk of NYC buildings), there’s a good chance it still has a lead service line. That’s the underground pipe that connects your home to the city water main.
Why does that matter? Because over time, lead water service lines can leach lead into your drinking water. You can’t see, taste, or smell lead in water—but it’s toxic, especially for young children and pregnant women.
Even low levels of lead exposure have been linked to developmental issues, learning disabilities, and a long list of serious health risks.
That’s why so many homeowners—and even the city—are now pushing hard for lead service line replacement.
“Is My Home at Risk?”
Great question. And honestly, many homeowners don’t even know what kind of pipe they have.
Here’s a simple check:
- Older home (built before 1950)? Your home might have a lead pipe.
- Discolored water or metallic taste? It might be a sign.
- DEP notification letter? They may have identified a lead connection.
Not sure? We can inspect your service line and tell you right away if your pipe is lead—and if so, walk you through the lead line replacement options.
So… Why Now?
We’re seeing a massive uptick in lead pipe removal across NYC and beyond. Here’s why:
1. Federal Mandates Are Rolling Out
The EPA is requiring all cities to create a complete inventory of all lead water service lines and to replace them. Cities like NYC are offering new support for lead line replacement programs because eventually, these pipes will have to go.
Soon, you might not have a choice.
2. Funding and City Help Is Available
Here’s the part most people don’t realize: there are lead pipe replacement programs and grants to help cover the cost of switching to copper. Depending on your property, income, or location, you might qualify.
The lead replacement program NYC offers is meant to help reduce the burden on property owners and prioritize vulnerable communities. And while it won’t always cover 100%, it can significantly offset your service line replacement cost.
3. It Adds Value to Your Home
Whether you’re planning to sell soon or just thinking long-term, homes with copper water service lines are considered safer and more modern. Some banks and insurance companies even ask about lead pipe replacement during underwriting.
It’s not just about safety—it’s about peace of mind and resale value.
4. Lead Is Still Legal—but for How Long?
Yes, technically, it’s still legal to have a lead pipe. But no one’s putting them in anymore. And we fully expect building codes and loan requirements to start tightening.
When that happens, having already completed your lead service line replacement puts you ahead of the curve.
Copper vs. Lead: What’s the Difference?
Copper pipes are the gold standard these days. They’re durable, corrosion-resistant, and safe for drinking water.
Lead water pipes degrade over time, especially when exposed to acidic or highly chlorinated water. That means old pipes slowly release lead into your water system, even with filters and treatments in place.
Upgrading to copper eliminates that risk.
Who’s Responsible for Replacing Lead Pipes?
Here’s where things get a little tricky.
In most cases, the city owns the portion of the pipe up to your property line, but you’re responsible for the section from the curb to your house. That includes the part under your front yard, driveway, or sidewalk.
So if the DEP finds lead in your water line, they’ll usually notify you, but they won’t pay to replace your private section unless you’re eligible for a lead service line replacement program.
We help homeowners navigate this. Whether it’s through the NYC lead replacement program, private funding, or insurance, we’ll help you figure out how to move forward.
“Can’t I Just Line the Inside of the Pipe?”
There are methods like lining lead water pipes with epoxy, but they’re not recommended long-term. Think of it as putting a Band-Aid on a bigger problem.
The EPA, CDC, and city officials all agree that the only safe solution is replacing lead pipes completely with a certified copper water line replacement program.
What’s Involved in a Water Line Replacement?
Good question. The process is more straightforward than most people expect.
Here’s how we do it:
- Inspection – We check your pipe type, condition, and connections.
- Permits & Plans – We handle all NYC permits and inspections.
- Excavation – We dig minimal trenches to access your lead service line.
- Installation – We replace it with durable copper piping.
- Restoration – We leave your property clean and safe.
Most jobs take just 1–2 days from start to finish. And we’ll walk you through every step so you’re never in the dark.
Why Trust Harris Water Main with Your Lead Line Upgrade?
Simple—we’ve been doing lead water pipe replacement in NYC for decades. We know the neighborhoods, the buildings, the permits, the inspections, and the regulations.
We’re not just plumbers—we’re your local advocates. We help you:
- Identify if you have a lead service line
- Understand your eligibility for replacement programs
- Navigate permits and city paperwork
- Complete fast, clean water service line replacement
And we do it all without the runaround.
Final Thought: Don’t Wait Until It’s an Emergency
We’ve seen it too many times: a small leak turns into a major rupture. Or a home inspection flags a lead service line right before a sale. These pipes don’t give warnings—they fail fast and expensively.
So if your home was built before 1950 and you’re not sure what type of pipe you have, let’s check. We’ll inspect your line, give you an honest opinion, and help you move forward with the best solution, on your timeline and budget.
Ready to talk about changing lead pipes to copper? Let’s make it happen.
Need Help with Lead Pipe Replacement in NYC?
We make the switch from lead to copper easy, safe, and stress-free.
Reach out today for an inspection or quote—no pressure, just answers.
