Ingham County · Lansing–East Lansing metro
Plumbing help in Lansing, MI
Older PipesFrozen Pipes
Lansing finished removing every known lead service line in 2016, one of the first US cities to do so. Its housing is older, with about three-quarters built before 1980, so today's plumbing calls focus on aging interior pipe, drains and Michigan winters.
- Median home built
- 1962
- Built before 1980
- 75%
- Owner-occupied
- 53%
- Water hardness
- See below
- Winter
- Long, hard freezes
- Plumbing code
- Local
The plumbing calls that come up most in Lansing
- Frozen Pipe Repair
Michigan winters freeze pipes in exterior walls and crawl spaces.
- Repiping
Older homes still have galvanized interior pipe.
- Sump Pump Repair and Installation
Spring thaws and storms test basement sump pumps.
What's behind the walls of Lansing's older homes
The median home in Lansing was built in 1962, and 75% of homes predate 1980. Homes from that era were typically built with copper or galvanized supply, cast iron drains, clay or cast iron sewer laterals.
- Galvanized steel supply (1900–1960)
- Copper supply (1950–2000)
- Polybutylene (some homes) (1978–1996)
- PEX / CPVC (1995–today)
Protecting pipes through a Lansing winter
Long, hard freezes · 75% of Lansing homes were built before 1980
Emergency plumbing in Lansing
Call (833) 878-1592Shut off your main water supply if it's safe to do so. The emergencies below are listed most likely first for Lansing homes, based on local conditions.
Where Lansing's water comes from
The Lansing Board of Water & Light finished removing all known active lead service lines in December 2016, a 12,150-line effort that began in 2004 and cost $44.5 million. It was the second US utility to do so. [1]
Michigan's Lead and Copper Rule requires water systems to replace every lead service line, the full line from main to home, at the utility's cost, generally within 20 years. [2]
Plumbing services for Lansing homes
Lansing plumbing questions
Does Lansing still have lead service lines?
BWL removed all known active lead service lines by December 2016. Old interior plumbing and fixtures can still contain lead.
How do I check a Lansing plumber?
Verify the license with Michigan LARA's Bureau of Construction Codes.
How do I prevent frozen pipes in Lansing?
Insulate exposed pipes, seal drafts, keep heat on and disconnect hoses.
Do older Lansing homes need repiping?
If they still have galvanized interior lines with low pressure or rust, yes.
Should I test my Lansing basement sump pump?
Yes, before spring thaw. Pour water into the pit and confirm the pump starts and drains it.
Sources (3)
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year (B25035) · checked 2026-10-01
- Lansing Board of Water & Light, Lead Information · checked 2026-10-01
- Michigan EGLE, Lead and Copper Rule · checked 2026-10-01