Lead Water Line Replacement in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs
If your home was built before 1986, your water service line may be made out of lead. We help homeowners in Palatine, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, and many of the surrounding areas understand their options, verify their line material, and complete a full replacement.
Licensed & Insured · Family-Owned Since 2004 · 1-Year Labor Warranty
What Is a Lead Water Service Line?
A lead water service line is the underground pipe that connects your home to the municipal water line in the street. In homes built before 1986, and especially in homes that were built before the mid-1950s, the pipe was commonly made of lead, as that was a common material used by plumbers during that time period.
The service line usually runs from the water main line that’s beneath the street, through your front yard, and then into your basement wall or crawl space. The section from the main line to the b-box, which is usually the section between the sidewalk and the curb, is normally your city’s responsibility, and the section from the b-box to your home is usually your responsibility. However, requirements and rules do vary by municipality, and your local water utility’s notification should clarify what applies to you.
If you receive a letter from your village alerting you about a lead water line, there will most likely be a deadline of when you need to replace it. We serve many areas that are known for having lead water lines, including Palatine, Arlington Heights, Des Plaines, Mount Prospect, and more.
How Homeowners Find Out They Have a Lead Service Line
Most homeowners find out about their lead service line in one of a few ways. None of these require a plumber to be standing in your driveway — many homeowners start with a letter in the mail or a record check before calling anyone.
Utility Notification Letters
Water utilities across Illinois are actively looking into service line materials and are notifying customers. If your utility has any records or testing data that indicates your service line is made of lead, you might receive a letter in the mail to make you aware. Make sure to read it carefully, as it should tell you whether the line is confirmed lead, suspected to be lead, or unknown, and there will most likely be instructions on what to do next.
Other Common Ways Homeowners Find Out
- Prior home inspection records that noted the material of your service line
- Records from a previous owner or building permit history
- Visual inspection of the pipe where it enters the basement (usually a dull gray color)
What to Do If You Think You Have a Lead Line
Feel free to give us a call and we’ll come out to inspect it and find out for ourselves. We’ll inspect the line, confirm the material, and walk you through your options for a replacement.
The Lead Water Line Replacement Process: What to Expect
H2O manages the entire replacement from the first call through final inspection. Here is how the process works, step by step.
1
Permitting and Coordination
Before we begin any work, we file your village’s pre-approval for the project, and we will also pull the permits required for us to begin. We will handle all permit coordination so you don’t have to worry about it.
2
Pre-Work Site Assessment
We will confirm the routing of the existing line, mark any utility lines with Illinois’ utility notification service, and prepare the work site so we can begin. We will discuss the places we need access to and set clear expectations.
3
Excavation
We will use the excavation method to dig and start the process of connecting your new line.
4
New Line Connection
The new service line, which is typically made out of copper, is connected to the main water tap at the curb stop and to your interior plumbing at the home end.
5
Property Restoration
We repair excavated areas, if there are any, and replace sod or gravel where necessary. We’ll walk you through what restoration needed to be done, if any, and we’ll also let you know what may take time to settle in or re-establish.
6
Final Inspection
A municipal inspector signs off on the work as part of the permit process. You will then receive documents for the completion of the job, which we will advise you to keep for your records and if you ever choose to sell your property.
Water Heater Questions — Answered
How much does it cost to install a new service line?
It costs $11,000 to remove the lead water line and install a new service line. Many cities are currently offering rebates on this service, and to learn more about specific rebates, feel free to contact us for more information.
How do I know if my home has a lead water service line?
You will most likely receive a letter in the mail from your village giving you a notice and saying it’s either confirmed, suspected, or unknown. If it’s suspected or unknown, feel free to give us a call and we’ll come out to assess and diagnose the material your service line is made of.
Will I need to be home during the replacement?
No, you do not need to be home during a line replacement.
Is the replacement work under warranty?
Yes, all replacement work is under our one year warranty.
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Schedule a Free Lead Line Assessment
H2O Plumbing & Sewer Services offers free estimates for lead water line replacement in Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Schaumburg, and the surrounding Northwest Chicago suburbs.
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IL License #055-034086 · 1-Year Labor Warranty · Free Estimates