Service Line Replacement Pilot Program
The Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) could give you a free, permanent upgrade to your property.
The service line is the pipe that brings water from the City’s main into your home or building. In Philadelphia, the service line is owned by the property owner.
Aging lead and galvanized metal pipes are at risk of breaking. This could require urgent and expensive repairs for the property owner.
We received federal funding to start a pilot program to provide free water service line replacements to selected areas of North Philadelphia and West Philadelphia.
Property owners must sign up and complete a few steps before and after replacement. We take care of the rest: coordinating with licensed plumbers, ensuring quality work, and paying for materials and services.
Replacements will start in fall 2026.
If your property has a lead or galvanized metal service line and is in one of the eligible zip codes, sign up today!
Why participate?
Upgrade your property for free while helping to modernize Philadelphia’s drinking water infrastructure!
Good for your household
A permanent solution
Our corrosion control treatment effectively prevents lead from dissolving into water, so you can live safely with a lead service line, but replacing it is a permanent solution.
Peace of mind
Removing lead service lines minimizes trace levels of lead and reduces risk from disruptions like nearby construction shaking lead loose.
This ensures extra protection for those most sensitive to lead, like infants, children, and pregnant people.
Good for your property
Improving your property
In Philadelphia, the property owner is responsible for the service line. Aging lead service lines are at risk of breaking, creating an expensive and urgent issue.
Replacing your service line can improve the value of the building.
A great value
Replacing a lead service line using a private plumber can cost between $3,000–$12,000.
This pilot program replaces the service line for free!
Good for Philadelphia
A nationwide campaign
We want our city to thrive. This work helps Philadelphia meet federal infrastructure standards.
Replacing lead service lines protects Philadelphia’s future generations.
Following expert recommendations
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends replacing all lead and galvanized metal service lines. PWD supports this new federal recommendation through this pilot program.
Eligibility
The pilot program is rolling out in phases. We’re starting to look at areas with high concentrations of lead or galvanized metal service lines in North and West Philadelphia.
Your property is eligible if:
- It has a confirmed lead or galvanized service line. Check your service line material →
- It is in one of the following zip codes: 19133, 19134, 19140, 19104, 19131, 19139, 19142, 19143, 19151, 19153
- You received a letter and/or email about the Pilot
Note: Not all properties in these ZIP codes will automatically qualify. Properties on streets with planned water main construction will get their lead or galvanized metal water service line replaced for free during the construction.
Options if your property is not eligible
Your drinking water is still safe
For decades, PWD has used corrosion control treatment (zinc orthophosphate) to prevent lead from dissolving into drinking water.
PWD routinely tests to ensure corrosion control treatment remains effective.
You can also:
- Review PWD’s other service line replacement options through the Homeowner Emergency Loan Program (HELP), or hiring a private plumber.
- Submit the pre-application form anyway to express interest in future replacement efforts.
- Join our email list to stay informed on all the latest information about lead plumbing and water quality.
Pre-application form
If your property meets all three of the requirements, submit the form now to confirm your eligibility.
After you click “submit,” property owners will be asked to provide permission for PWD to complete the replacement. The property owner must give permission to participate in the pilot.
If your property has a lead or galvanized service line but is not in one of these ZIP codes, you can still express your interest by submitting the form below. We will reach out if we expand the program to your area.
What is next?
After you sign up and provide permission for the replacement, we will reach out to confirm your eligibility and participation in the pilot. We will then work with you to schedule a property assessment before any work can begin.
Learn more about what to expect →
Questions or concerns?
Email ReplaceServiceLine@phila.gov or call (215) 683-8825.