Replace your toxic lead service water main at your home and two-flat built before the mid-1980s
Lead Service Water Main Replacement
If you live in a house or two-flat built before 1986, there is a high likelihood that your water service line is made of lead unless it was replaced during renovation or an addition. Service lines are the pipes that transport water from the water main in the street into homes.
If a residential homeowner wants to hire a contractor like Rocket Plumbing & Drain Cleaning and remove the existing lead service line, the City of Chicago is launching a program to waive the permit fees for the project. This could amount to a savings of up to $3,100. Additionally, the City will attach the new service line to the water main and provide a free water meter. *Commercial and mixed-use residential/commercial locations are not eligible at this time.
What Does It Take To Replace A Lead Water Main?
Replacing a lead-based service line requires digging down to the water main in the street and installing a new copper service line from the main all the way into the house. A licensed plumber would excavate a trench to reach the line which usually runs from the house under the lawn and the parkway out to the street. When the trench is open, the old lead line will be removed and a new copper service line will be installed along with a water meter to help save money on water bills.
3 Easy Steps to Begin the Process of Replacing Your Lead Water Main Service
- Determine if you have a lead service line. Rocket Plumbing & Drain Cleaning can help with this process or you can use this handy guide the City of Chicago provides
- Hire a licensed contractor like Rocket Plumbing & Drain Cleaning
- Have your contractor complete the work
All the information you need can be found at the City’s website or call us to inquire.
