Lead was used in the past because it is soft and can be bent. Lead service line installation decreased after the 1950s as harmful health effects became clear.
What to do if your service line is categorized as ‘Lead’
If your service line is categorized as lead, here’s what to do:
1. Be informed
Even if a service line contains lead, it doesn’t mean the property’s water contains high levels of lead. Philadelphia treats drinking water to reduce risks of lead corrosion from a property’s plumbing.
Join our email list for residents who have or suspect a lead service line. We are working on new ways to share information about lead service line locations in Philadelphia.
Sign up for our latest updates and resources about lead, delivered right to your inbox.
- water.phila.gov/lead-updates
- Text PWD LEAD to 468-311
2. Begin flushing your pipes. Do it every day.
“Flushing” means running fast, cold water from a tap. It’s the simplest way to get rid of water that has been sitting in pipes. It’s a proven way to reduce the risks associated with lead plumbing.
If you haven’t used water for 6 hours or more, you should flush your pipes. For most people, this is first thing in the morning when you wake up, or when you come home after school or work.
Instructions:
- Turn on the cold water at a kitchen sink. Open the cold water, all the way.
- Run water from the faucet for 3–5 minutes.
Watch this video to learn how and why to flush your pipes:
3. Volunteer for our sampling program
Thousands of properties in Philadelphia have a lead service line. We offer a volunteer sampling program for these customers. By collecting samples of water from these homes, we can test how well corrosion control treatment is working to keep lead from plumbing out of drinking water.
4. Replace a lead service line
You can have your lead service line replaced, and PWD will help!
If you don’t want to contact a plumber directly, apply for our Homeowners Emergency Loan Program (HELP).
A zero-interest loan can cover the cost of replacement.
Learn more & apply: water.phila.gov/help
Questions?
Contact: ServceLineMap@phila.gov or (215) 683‑6300.