Pittsburgh, PA
Lead service line replacement in Pittsburgh
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Pittsburgh Water (PWSA) replaces lead service lines through neighborhood-by-neighborhood projects, offers free private-side replacement to income-qualified homeowners and tenants, and reimburses customers who hire their own plumber to replace the private side. In 2024 it replaced 1,370 public and 1,255 private lead lines.
What's different in Pittsburgh
PWSA's Neighborhood Lead Line Replacement Program replaces lead lines across neighborhoods in its service area, funded in part by a $17 million American Rescue Plan Act grant. [1]
Homeowners and tenants who meet income limits can get the private side replaced free; for example, a family of four earning under $61,500 a year qualified. Applications go through Dollar Energy Fund at 866-762-2348. [2]
Customers who use a private plumber to replace the private side can be reimbursed through PWSA's Lead Line Reimbursement Program, which offers up to 100% of eligible costs. [3]
In 2024, PWSA replaced 1,370 public and 1,255 private lead service lines, and reimbursed 55 homeowners who replaced their lines through private plumbers. [4]
Three ways to get a lead line replaced
| Route | Best for | What you pay |
|---|---|---|
| Neighborhood program | Homes on streets PWSA is working on | Coordinated by PWSA as part of the project |
| Income-qualified replacement | Homeowners and tenants under the income limit | Nothing for the private side |
| Reimbursement with your own plumber | Owners who want it done now | You pay the plumber, then claim up to 100% of eligible costs |
Using your own plumber: what to check first
- Confirm with PWSA that your line is lead and that the reimbursement program is open before work starts.
- Hire a licensed plumber and keep the invoice, permit and photos of the old and new pipe.
- Make sure PWSA coordinates the public side, since a partial replacement can raise lead levels.
- Flush your plumbing after the work as instructed.
Pittsburgh's older homes and steep lots
Many Pittsburgh homes date from before World War II and sit on hillsides, so service lines can be long, deep or run under steps and retaining walls. That affects how a plumber quotes the private side. Interior galvanized pipe is common in homes this age; see repiping. For leaks and replacement methods anywhere, see water line repair.
What Pittsburgh homeowners usually check next
- SymptomSigns of a hidden leak
- SymptomWater bill suddenly high
- SymptomNo water in the house
Common questions
Does Pittsburgh Water replace lead lines for free?
For income-qualified homeowners and tenants, the private side can be replaced at no cost. Others may be covered when PWSA works in their neighborhood or can be reimbursed after hiring a plumber.
How do I apply for PWSA's free lead line replacement?
Contact Dollar Energy Fund at 866-762-2348 and ask about the lead service line replacement program.
What is PWSA's lead line reimbursement program?
If you hire your own plumber to replace the private side, PWSA can reimburse eligible costs, up to 100%. Check eligibility before work starts.
How many lead lines did Pittsburgh replace in 2024?
PWSA reported 1,370 public and 1,255 private lead line replacements in 2024.
Will PWSA replace my lead line when it works on my street?
Its neighborhood program targets lead lines street by street. If your area is scheduled, PWSA contacts owners for permission to replace the private side.
Can tenants in Pittsburgh get a lead line replaced?
Income-qualified tenants can apply, but the property owner must allow the work.
Why is my Pittsburgh lead line quote so high?
Long or deep lines on steep lots, retaining walls and stairs add labor. Ask PWSA about its programs before paying full price.
How do I know if my Pittsburgh home has a lead line?
Check the pipe where it enters the basement: lead is dull gray and scratches to shiny silver. PWSA also has a lead map with records by address.
What should I do about lead before my line is replaced?
Use cold water for drinking and cooking, run the tap after water sits, and use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead.
Does PWSA's program fix lead plumbing inside my house?
No. It covers the service line. Interior pipe and fixtures need a licensed plumber.
More plumbing help in Pittsburgh
- Sewer Line Repair in PittsburghPittsburgh sewer laterals: owners are responsible from PWSA's main to their plumbing, PWSA keeps the main and the wye.
- 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 PittsburghLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Pittsburgh 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 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.
- Lead service line replacement in PhiladelphiaPhiladelphia lead service lines: owner responsibility, free replacement during main work, the free ZIP-code pilot, and 0% HELP loans.
- 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 (4)
- PWSA, PWSA Advances $26 Million Effort to Replace Lead Service Lines · checked 2026-10-03
- RMU Sentry Media, PWSA to provide free lead line replacements for eligible homeowners · checked 2026-10-03
- PWSA, Reimbursement program offers up to 100% reimbursement for eligible costs · checked 2026-10-03
- PWSA Community Lead Response · checked 2026-10-03