Philadelphia, PA
Lead service line replacement in Philadelphia
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In Philadelphia the water service line from the main to the meter belongs to the property owner. The Water Department replaces lead and galvanized lines free during planned water main projects, is running a federally funded free replacement pilot in selected ZIP codes, and offers 0% HELP loans payable over 60 months for owners who replace a lead line themselves.
What's different in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, water service lines, from the main in the street to the meter, are the property owner's responsibility. [1]
PWD replaces known or discovered lead and galvanized service lines free of charge during planned water main projects, which reach roughly 1% of the city's mains each year; residents are notified by letter months ahead. [2]
PWD's federally funded Service Line Replacement Pilot replaces lead or galvanized lines free for eligible properties, starting in North and West Philadelphia: Phase 1 covers ZIP codes 19133, 19134 and 19140 (starting August 2026), and Phase 2 covers 19104, 19131, 19139, 19142, 19143, 19151 and 19153 (late 2026). [2]
Owners of residential properties with up to four units may qualify for a HELP loan at 0% interest, payable over 60 months, to replace a lead service line, if the water bill and meter are in order. [1]
Which route applies to you
| Situation | Route | Cost to the owner |
|---|---|---|
| PWD is replacing the water main on your block | Replacement during main work | Free |
| Your ZIP code is in the pilot and the property is eligible | Service Line Replacement Pilot | Free |
| You'll hire a plumber yourself (up to 4 units) | HELP loan | Loan at 0%, repaid over 60 months |
HELP loan requirements
- Residential property with no more than four units.
- Water bill current, or a current payment agreement with the Water Revenue Bureau, with no more than two billing cycles owed.
- An operable water meter.
- Apply at water.phila.gov/HELP or call (215) 685-4901 to request an application.
Rowhouses and older blocks
Most Philadelphia homes are rowhouses on blocks built long before lead pipe was banned, so a single block can have many lead or galvanized lines and tight access through front basements. That's why PWD replaces lines block by block during main work and targeted the pilot at ZIP codes with high concentrations. For leaks and replacement methods anywhere, see water line repair.
Further reading: How to tell what your pipes are made of.
What Philadelphia homeowners usually check next
- SymptomSigns of a hidden leak
- SymptomWater bill suddenly high
- SymptomNo water in the house
Common questions
Who owns the water service line in Philadelphia?
The property owner owns the line from the water main in the street to the meter, so replacing it is the owner's responsibility unless a PWD program covers it.
Will PWD replace my lead line for free?
Yes, if PWD is replacing the water main on your block, or if your property is eligible for the federally funded pilot in selected ZIP codes.
Which Philadelphia ZIP codes are in the free lead line pilot?
Phase 1 covers 19133, 19134 and 19140; Phase 2 covers 19104, 19131, 19139, 19142, 19143, 19151 and 19153.
What is a HELP loan for lead service lines?
PWD's Homeowner's Emergency Loan Program offers a 0% interest loan, repaid over 60 months, to replace a lead service line at eligible properties of up to four units.
How do I apply for a HELP loan in Philadelphia?
Pre-apply at water.phila.gov/HELP or call (215) 685-4901.
How will I know if PWD is replacing my water main?
PWD notifies residents by letter several months before main work starts and offers to replace any lead or galvanized line then.
Does PWD replace galvanized service lines too?
Yes. During main projects and in the pilot, lead and galvanized metal lines are both replaced free.
What if my Philadelphia service line is leaking?
A leaking service line is the owner's to fix. Call a licensed plumber, and ask about a HELP loan if the line is lead.
What can Philadelphia tenants do about a lead service line?
The owner must authorize and, outside free programs, pay for the work. Tenants should ask their landlord and can use a certified lead filter meanwhile.
Why does PWD only reach about 1% of mains a year?
Main replacement is a long-term capital program, so free replacement through main work alone would take decades; the pilot and HELP loans are meant to speed things up.
More plumbing help in Philadelphia
- Leak Detection in PhiladelphiaIn Philadelphia, the owner is responsible for water piping from the city main, including the ferrule and curb stop. How leaks are found, and PWD's Notice of Defect.
- Sewer Line Repair in PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia sewer and water line repair: PWD's HELP loan covers repairs at 0% interest over 60 months after a Notice of Defect.
- Basement flooding in PhiladelphiaWhy Philadelphia basements back up and how PWD's Basement Backup Protection Program installs free backwater valves and downspout changes for eligible homes.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in PhiladelphiaFrozen pipes in Philadelphia: keep the meter area above 40°F, trickle a faucet, shut off outdoor lines, check neighbors first.
- Backflow Testing in PhiladelphiaPWD backflow rules: test at installation, after any repair and yearly by a City-certified technician, file Form 79-770 within 48 hours.
- Drain backing up in PhiladelphiaWhy Philadelphia drains back up: grease hardens in the lateral connecting homes to the sewer, sewage backs into houses, and how PWD says to dispose of it.
- Water Line Repair: the full guideSigns the water service line from the meter to your house is leaking, who owns it, repair vs. replacement, lead lines, and trenchless options.
- Plumbing in PhiladelphiaLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Philadelphia homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Lead service line replacement in ChicagoHow lead water service line replacement works in Chicago: free and fee-waived city programs, who qualifies, what state law requires, and what the job involves.
- Lead service line replacement in DetroitHow Detroit and Michigan law handle lead water service line replacement: who pays, full-line requirements, timelines, and what homeowners should do meanwhile.
- Lead service line replacement in DenverHow Denver Water replaces customer-owned lead service lines with copper at no direct cost, which homes are most likely affected, and what to do while you wait.
- Lead service line replacement in MilwaukeeHow Milwaukee's lead service line rules work: when full replacement is required, what homeowners pay, how to look up your address, and what to do while you wait.
- Lead service line replacement in CincinnatiHow Greater Cincinnati Water Works replaces private lead service lines: who pays, who gets priority, how long the program runs, and how to get started.
- Lead service line replacement in PittsburghPittsburgh Water lead line programs: neighborhood replacements, free income-qualified replacement, plumber reimbursement, and how to apply.
- Lead service line replacement in BostonHow Boston Water and Sewer Commission's free lead service replacement works: free inspection, free replacement, how to check your address, and what to expect.
- Lead service line replacement in ClevelandWhen Cleveland Water replaces your side of a lead line for free, how galvanized pipe is handled, yearly targets, and what to do next.
- Lead service line replacement in St. LouisSt. Louis lead service lines: the city's inventory, why rates can't pay for the private side, grant and loan help, and what owners can do now.
- Water and sewer service line repair in New York CityNYC owners own their water and sewer service lines: DEP 3-day and 30-day notices, the licensed master plumber rule, permits and the $1,000 shutoff fee.
- Water and sewer line repair in New OrleansWho pays for water and sewer service connections in New Orleans: Sewerage and Water Board rules, owner responsibility on post-1954 lots, and Board-caused damage.
- Water service line repair in Kansas CityKC Water service line rules: the City maintains mains to the curb box, owners repair from the curb stop to the house under Ordinance 78-22, and warranty options.
- Lead water service line replacement in Washington, DCLead service lines in Washington, DC: who pays for each side, Block-by-Block replacement of the private side at no cost, and what to do before your block comes up.
- Lead service line replacement in ProvidenceLead service lines in Providence: Providence Water's free private-side replacement for eligible customers, 10-year 0% loans, and the free public-side match.
- Lead service line replacement in Des MoinesLead service lines in Des Moines: Des Moines Water Works' free replacement funded by a $52.6M state loan, the Drake first phase, and how to check your line.
- Water line leaks in Phoenix: the meter decides who paysWater line leaks in Phoenix: the city repairs the street side of the meter, the owner the rest, and city code makes customers pay for water lost past the meter.
- Water and sewer service lines in CharlotteCharlotte water and sewer service lines: Charlotte Water handles mains to the curb, owners handle the laterals from curb to home, and what that means for leaks.
- Water line leaks in AustinWater line leaks in Austin: Austin Water owns the line to the meter box near the sidewalk, owners own everything past it.
- Water service line leaks in BuffaloBuffalo water service lines: the line from the city main to the house is private, the owner keeps up the curb box and valve, and what Buffalo Water will do for free.
- Lead service lines in Newark after the replacement programNewark replaced its 18,720-plus lead service lines at no cost to residents, funded by city and Essex County bonds. What's left to check in an older Newark home.
- Lead service line replacement in Jersey CityJersey City's Lead Free JC: about 16,000 lead lines to replace by June 2031 at no direct cost, JCMUA contractors or your own with a credit, and the inventory lookup.
- Water service line repair in SeattleSeattle water lines: owners install and maintain the private line from the city union to the house, and how SPU's leak adjustments treat city-side and.
- Water service lines in Fort WorthFort Worth service lines: the city owns the line to and including the meter, owners own the rest, the lead inventory shows no lead lines.
- Houston water service lines: the inventory and 'unknown material' lettersHouston's service line inventory: no lead lines found so far, most lines still listed as unknown, the notices sent to customers, and how to check yours.
- Dallas water service lines and the service line inventoryDallas Water Utilities' service line inventory: how materials were identified, letters to 225,000 unknown lines, and the GIS lookup.
- Water service lines in Los Angeles: no lead foundLADWP's service line inventory found no lead or galvanized-requiring-replacement lines, including customer-owned ones. What that means for LA water line repairs.
- Water service lines in San Antonio: SAWS inventory and free inspectionsSAWS's service line inventory: over half of 600,000 lines unidentified, yearly letters to unknown, lead or galvanized lines, and free inspections for pre-1989 homes.
Sources (2)
- Philadelphia Water Department, Replacement Help · checked 2026-10-03
- Philadelphia Water Department, Service Line Replacement Pilot Program Details · checked 2026-10-03