How much does it cost to replace a lead service line?

Author: Mr. Abelardo Sawayn MD  |  Last update: Monday, July 7, 2025

The only permanent and 100% effective solution is a full lead service line replacement, which can be expensive—the EPA estimates an average cost of $4,700, ranging from $1,200 to $12,300 per line. Lead service lines often extend onto private property, complicating the replacement process.

How much does it cost to replace lead piping?

Improved water quality. Save on costs as we'll do the work for you. Replacing pipes, on your property, can cost upwards of £1,000. Upgrading your pipes can reduce leaks, saving on water wasted and money if you have a water meter.

Who is responsible for replacing lead pipes?

The new rule, issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in October, requires cities and water utilities to replace all lead service lines — the pipes that run from water mains to private residences under lawns and sidewalks.

How much does it cost to replace an electrical service line?

The cost of replacing an electrical service line primarily depends on the length of wires required, which ranges from $1.50 to $15 per foot. The total length is contingent on your home's electrical setup and local electrical codes, but expect to purchase about 10 to 15 feet of wiring.

How much does it cost to replace a lead water service line?

On average, lead service line replacements across the country can range from a few thousand dollars to more than $10,000. A standard estimate for the material and installation of a 65-foot-long service line is $5,000. Copper service lines cost an average of $286, compared to $46 for plastic pipe.

2 Investigators: The High Cost Of Replacing Lead Service Lines

Does homeowners insurance cover water service line?

If these are damaged or break, the homeowner might be responsible for the repair. A standard homeowners policy does not cover the service lines running into the home—unless you've added service line coverage.

Who is responsible for the underground power line to the house?

Responsibility for underground power lines typically falls on the local utility company or provider in a given area, which is responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repairs of these lines.

Who fixes power lines?

If electrical lines have been torn from your house, or the electric meter or power pole mast attached to your home has been damaged, contact a private electrician to make the repairs. Meter sockets and power masts attached to a house are the responsibility of the homeowner.

How long does it take to replace a power line?

Utility workers can fix a minor incident, such as a fallen power line, in around 2-3 hours. But when the cause of a blackout is severe weather or a natural disaster, you can expect to be out for several days and even months in some extreme cases.

Does home insurance cover lead pipe replacement?

Homeowners insurance typically does not cover pipe replacement if the damage is due to gradual wear and tear, corrosion, or lack of maintenance. However, if the pipes are damaged by a sudden and accidental event, such as a burst pipe caused by freezing, homeowners insurance may cover the cost of repairs or replacement.

How long does it take to replace lead pipes?

Most work is completed within one day. How much will it cost? The cost of lead service pipe replacement on private property varies from home to home and is negotiated between the property owner and the contractor.

Can you sue for lead pipes?

If your child suffered lead poisoning from paint, lead pipes, or other sources, you may have the right to file a product liability lawsuit. Children can suffer life-altering health effects from lead poisoning, including brain damage, stunted growth and anemia.

How to replace lead service line?

A boring machine will drill a hole for the new service line, and crews attach the new pipe to the drill and pull it back through the hole. This method disconnects the old lead service line from the water main and leaves the old pipe in the ground. It's not functional and won't contribute any more lead.

What is the life expectancy of lead pipes?

Lead pipes, used in the early 1900s, have a life expectancy of 100 years, but they can leach lead into your drinking water, a potential health hazard. Lead pipes are typically dull gray and the surface of the pipe can be easily scratched with a knife or key.

Is lead pipe replacement free?

With this IRS announcement, utilities across the country can move forward with steps to correct this historic problem by removing lead pipes, and they can move forward at no cost to homeowners without concerns about those replacements creating federal tax burdens.

Does homeowners insurance cover power lines?

Fallen Power Lines Are Dangerous And Destructive

Home damage caused by falling trees or power lines themselves is covered by most homeowners insurance policies.

How much does it cost to replace electrical lines?

The cost of running a new electrical service from the road to your house is $12,250 on average for a length of 500 feet. Installing overhead lines costs $4,000 to $20,000 on average. You could pay as little as $3,000 or as much as $25,000 if you need to run lines a long distance across rough or challenging terrain.

Who pays for a power line from pole to house?

Your utility company is usually responsible for the wires connecting your home to the pole. Homeowners are responsible for almost all other electrical components.

Why are underground power lines so expensive?

While underground lines are protected from wind, wildfires and tree branches, they are vulnerable to earthquakes and flooding. They are also more expensive to build and maintain. By comparison, it costs approximately 3-5x more per foot to construct underground power lines versus overhead lines.

How far down are power lines buried?

Electrical lines and water lines are typically buried at around 2 feet or 24 inches underground. Things like high voltage electric lines and water pipes are buried at around 3 feet underground. Depending on where you live, utility companies may have certain regulations that determine how deep utility lines are buried.

Who is responsible for replacing a water service line?

Many property owners are unaware that they own the pipes—called private service lines or laterals—that bring water into their homes and carry wastewater away. If service pipelines clog, leak or break, it is the property owner's responsibility to contact a plumber and pay for repairs.

How much is service line coverage?

Service Line Coverage can be added to your standard homeowners insurance. Depending on the amount of coverage you choose (usually between $10,000-$25,000), service line coverage typically adds about $20-$50 to your annual homeowners insurance premium. The typical deductible is $500.

Will insurance pay to repipe a house?

It just depends. Insurance policies may cover repiping if there is significant damage due to a fire or natural disaster. If there is extremely cold winter weather and your pipes freeze and then burst, your insurance policy may cover related expenses, but not always.

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