Does your home still have lead pipes? If so, it’s time to get them replaced. Lead-contaminated water isn’t safe for anyone to consume since it comes with a world of health risks, like developmental delays in children along with brain and kidney damage in older adults. Pregnant women who drink lead-contaminated water risk passing along this harmful chemical to the fetus, which can result in complications.
Once you discover lead pipes in your home, it’s time to replace them as soon as possible. This guide discusses the several cost factors involved with replacing your lead pipes and how to source financial assistance for the project.
Key takeaways
Replacing lead pipes can range from $2,000 to $15,000, with costs influenced by factors like home size, region, and whether a full or partial replacement is done. Costs per linear foot vary by region, from $75-$150, with labor fees ranging from $50-$150 an hour.
Lead pipes can be replaced with copper, PEX, or PVC, with copper being the most expensive and durable option ($2-$8 per foot), while PEX and PVC are more budget-friendly options ($0.50-$4 per foot).
Permits are required for lead pipe replacement, costing between $100-$300, and inspections are also necessary to ensure compliance with local codes, which can cost an additional $150-$300.
There are government programs like the Lead Service Line Replacement Program and funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which can cover part or all of the cost for lead pipe replacements.
Average cost of replacing lead pipes
If it’s not enough to know that your home is contaminated with harmful levels of lead, we hate to say that the cost of replacing lead pipes can be rather high. The cost to replace lead pipes ranges from $2,000 to $15,000. The final figure depends on several factors, like whether you’re making a partial or full replacement (trust us, full is best), labor fees, removing existing pipes, the material you’re replacing the pipes with, and your home region.
Cost to replace lead pipes per foot
The costs associated with replacing lead pipes per linear foot vary depending on the area where you live. “In the Midwest, the average cost of replacing lead pipes may be closer to $100 per linear foot. But, in Northeast states like New York or Pennsylvania, the cost per linear foot can be around $150 due to the denser populations,” says Danny Pen, the President of New Era Plumbing & HVAC.
Apart from the region you’re in, home size is another significant factor in replacement costs since the larger the area of replacement, the more materials you’ll need. Below is a table breaking down the average costs of replacing lead pipes per linear square foot based on home size.
Home size | Square footage | Average cost |
Small | Up to 1,000 sq. ft. | $75-$125 per ft. |
Medium | 1,001-2,000 sq. ft. | $90-$125 per ft. |
Large | 2,000+ sq. ft. | $125-$150 per ft. |
Factors that affect the cost of lead pipe replacement
There’s no set price for lead pipe replacement in homes since several factors affect the overall cost. But, there are common factors that play into your estimated quote.
Extent of the replacement
Partial lead pipe replacements will cost less than a full replacement since they use less material and time. However, partial replacements are not the safest. Full replacements are ideal since they completely eliminate the amount of lead in the water, but they come at a higher cost.
Location of pipes
The location of your lead pipes in the home can also increase or decrease the cost of your replacement. Your lead pipes are likely in one of three places: underground, inside walls, or somewhere else that’s easily accessible. If your pipes are in a less-than-favorable location, your contractor might charge more for the project since replacing them requires more time and effort.
Piping material
The material you use to replace your lead pipes also affects the project's expense. Typically, lead pipes are replaced with one of three materials: copper, PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), or PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
Material | Average cost | Pros and cons |
Copper | $2 - $8 per linear foot | Highly durable, but more expensive option. |
PEX | $0.50 - $3 per linear foot | Budget-friendly and most popular pick. |
PVC | $0.50 - $4 per linear foot | Another budget-friendly and common pick, but not suitable for drinking water supply in some regions. |
Labor costs
On top of the material you’re replacing the lead pipes with, the major chunk of the price will come from the labor fees initiated by your contractor for removing the current pipes and installing the new ones. Labor fees vary from contractor to contractor, and some may include additional charges, like excavation if it’s required to access your pipes, digging, or tearing down walls to access pipes. Plumbers usually have an average hourly cost between $50-$150 an hour, so before hiring a contractor, ask for an invoice that breaks down all fees associated with your project.
Permits and inspections
Permits are required to replace lead pipes since contractors have to adhere to building codes and regulations, which is another added expense. “In many states, a plumbing permit is typically required for lead pipe replacement, and the permit fees range between $100 and $300,” Pen says. “In some states like California, New York, and Illinois, a right-of-way permit may also be necessary for any work extending to public property, with fees around $300.”
Additionally, inspections by local authorities may also come into play to ensure that the work is done correctly and that no codes are violated. “Inspections are required to ensure that the lead pipe replacement meets state standards and can cost $150 to $300. However, inspections are often included in the contractor’s overall price quote,” says Pen.
Age and condition of the home
Lead pipes are usually found in older homes built before the 1980s. Along with lead pipes, older homes may present challenging conditions such as outdated plumbing systems, asbestos, or structural issues. All of these can increase project expenses since they will require more time and effort for your contractor to work around.
Materials
Other than labor costs and fees for removing the lead pipes, another area where you will spend the most will be for the new materials. Below is a general estimate of how much you can expect the commonly used materials to cost for a lead pipe replacement by the time pipes, valves, and fittings are installed:
Copper: $5,000-$20,000.
PEX: $2,000-$5,000.
PVC: $2,000-$4,000.
Additional costs
There are other factors to consider going into the overall estimate to have your lead pipes replaced, and one of those is water testing before and after replacement. On average, water testing costs between $15 and $100 per test. Every laboratory has different fees, but this testing is crucial to ensure your water is safe to drink, so remember this will play into the overall expense.
Other additional costs will be fees associated with removing and disposing of your lead pipes and any temporary measures, like a water filtration system, that are used until your new pipes are installed.
How to save on lead pipe replacement costs
Even though lead pipe replacement can be costly, there are some ways to reduce the overall expense.
Government assistance programs
Depending on your area and what’s available, there are a few government assistance programs to help fund the cost of lead pipe replacement either partially or completely with low-interest loans. Some major metro cities have their own lead replacement programs that can assist with funding, but in case you live outside of these cities, here are a few programs to note:
Lead Service Line Replacement Program: Covers 50%-100% of lead pipe replacement.
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Allocates 15 billion dollars to states for lead pipe replacement.
Who to contact for lead pipe replacement
If you find out that your home still contains lead pipes, it’s critical that you find a reputable professional to replace them since it’s not a DIY job. Because lead is highly toxic, you need to outsource this task to a trusted contractor or plumber who can replace these pipes and check for lead levels to ensure it’s been completely removed.
As you search for a trusted professional in your area, we recommend you start by consulting with multiple contractors. Lead pipe replacement can be costly, and not all contractors charge the same amount, so consulting with multiple sources allows you to choose the contractor that best fits your budget.
Local government and utilities
If you can’t find a contractor in your area or want another place to search, we recommend contacting local water utilities or government agencies for their recommendations. They can also discuss financial assistance programs for your lead pipe replacement to cover a portion or all of the expense.
Lead pipe replacement: the bottom line
Even though lead pipe replacement can be costly, it is necessary to protect your health and that of your loved ones in the home. But if you need another push to schedule the replacement, know that it can also up your property value!
Given the high prices of replacement, there are government assistance programs you can take advantage of to help cover some of the cost. Call your nearest government agency, contractor, or water utility company today to see how you can get your lead pipes replaced.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is worth replacing lead water pipes. Lead-contaminated water poses serious health risks, including developmental delays in children, brain and kidney damage in adults, and complications during pregnancy. Replacing lead pipes improves water safety and can also increase property value.
It is generally not considered safe to live in a house with lead pipes, especially if lead is leaching into the drinking water. Lead exposure can cause significant health issues. If lead levels in the water are high, it is essential to replace the pipes as soon as possible to protect the household's health.
Replacing lead pipes is not easy and should not be treated as a DIY project. The process often involves significant labor, including accessing pipes in walls or underground, and requires a licensed plumber or contractor to ensure safe removal and installation of new materials. Permits and inspections are also typically required.
Lead drain pipes are less of a concern compared to lead water supply pipes since they do not carry drinking water. However, over time, lead drain pipes can deteriorate, and while replacement isn’t usually urgent, it may still be advisable to replace them if they show signs of damage or leakage.