Pittsburgh lead service line replacement
Short answer
Pittsburgh Water replaces private-side lead lines at no direct cost during neighborhood projects. If you hire your own plumber first, it may reimburse up to 100% based on 2026 income guidelines (up to 300% of the federal poverty level), or pay a $1,000 stipend without income verification.
- Official sources
- Last checked:
- Free, no sign-up
| Utility | Pittsburgh Water |
|---|---|
| Program | Community Lead Response |
| Type | Free (neighborhood) + reimbursement |
| Phone | 412-255-8987 (Lead Help Desk) |
| Official page | www.pgh2o.com/construction-projects-maintenance/lead-line-re... |
Who qualifies
- Neighborhood projects: lead private line found during Pittsburgh Water's inspection
- Reimbursement: residential, 4 units or fewer, private line 1 inch or less, lead or galvanized iron
- Approved plumber's estimate required before work
How to apply
- Search your address in Pittsburgh Water's service line lookup
- For neighborhood projects, attend the coordination meeting the Lead Help Desk sets
- For reimbursement, call PGH2O Cares (412-255-2457) to verify income
- Submit your plumber's estimate before construction
Good to know
Pittsburgh Water says it is on track to replace all residential lead service lines by 2027.
More official links: Reimbursement program
Your next steps, in order
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1. Use the free or low-cost program first
Many utilities replace lines at no cost or offer no-interest loans.
Go to the official program2. Test your water
Some cities test free (Chicago: call 311). Otherwise a certified-lab mail-in kit is an option.
Tap Score test kit (affiliate link, placeholder)3. While you wait, consider a certified filter
Look for NSF/ANSI 53 certification for lead reduction.
NSF/ANSI 53 filters on Amazon (affiliate, placeholder)If the free program covers your line, you’re done. You don’t need step 4.
4. Not eligible or can’t wait? Compare plumbers
Before hiring, ask your utility whether you need pre-approval so you don’t lose program help.
Plumber quotes (referral, coming soon)
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