Providence, RI
Lead service line replacement in Providence
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Providence Water offers free replacement of the private-side lead service line to eligible customers, 10-year 0% interest loans for others (Water Quality Hotline (401) 521-6303), and replaces the public portion free when an owner replaces the private side. Call the lead hotline at (401) 575-0776 before hiring anyone.
What's different in Providence
Providence Water offers free private-side lead service line replacement to eligible customers under its accelerated replacement program. [1]
Customers who don't qualify for free replacement can finance the private side with a 10-year, 0% interest loan. [1]
When an owner replaces the private side, Providence Water replaces the public portion of the line at no charge. [1]
Providence Water's lead hotline is (401) 575-0776. [1]
Three ways the private side gets paid for
| Option | Who pays | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free accelerated replacement | Providence Water | For eligible customers; check with the hotline |
| 0% loan | Owner, over 10 years | Interest-free financing of the private side |
| Owner-paid replacement | Owner | Public side still replaced free |
Order of steps
- Call (401) 575-0776 to confirm your line's material and your eligibility.
- If you aren't eligible for free replacement, ask about the loan before signing a contract.
- Use a licensed plumber who coordinates timing with Providence Water so both sides are done together; see water line repair for what the job involves.
Further reading: How to tell what your pipes are made of.
What Providence homeowners usually check next
- SymptomSigns of a hidden leak
- SymptomWater bill suddenly high
- SymptomNo water in the house
Common questions
Can I get my lead line replaced free in Providence?
Eligible customers can get the private side replaced at no cost; check Providence Water's Lead Service Location Map or call the lead hotline.
What's the Providence Water lead hotline number?
(401) 575-0776.
What loan does Providence Water offer for lead lines?
A 10-year loan at 0% interest for the private-side replacement.
Who replaces the street side of a Providence lead line?
Providence Water, free, when the owner replaces the private side.
Why coordinate with the utility before hiring a plumber?
So both sides are replaced together and you don't miss free replacement or financing you qualify for.
Do Providence Water's programs cover customers outside the city?
Eligibility depends on the address; Providence Water's Lead Service Location Map shows which properties qualify.
How do I know if I have a lead line in Providence?
Check where the pipe enters the basement: lead is dull gray, soft and scratches shiny; the hotline can also confirm records.
Is a partial lead line replacement a problem?
Yes; cutting lead pipe can raise lead levels for a while, which is why replacing both sides together matters.
What should Providence renters do about lead?
Ask the owner to contact Providence Water; meanwhile flush and use a certified filter.
Who handles the Providence 0% lead loan?
Providence Water's Water Quality Hotline, (401) 521-6303; the free program uses the lead hotline, (401) 575-0776.
More plumbing help in Providence
How other cities handle it
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- 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.
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Sources (1)
- Providence Water, Lead Programs · checked 2026-10-03