Hundreds of thousands of properties in Philadelphia have a section of buried service line with no material record. Many service lines in Philadelphia are categorized as Incomplete Records if we have partial or no records for the service line materials.
Service lines categorized as “Incomplete Records” and sections indicating “No record” were previously called “Unknown”.
What to do if your service line is categorized as “Incomplete Records”
An incomplete record means we don’t currently have enough records to confirm the material of all sections of your service line.
One or more sections of your service line may contain lead, so you should proceed with extra caution. Act as if your system could contain lead, and you’ll keep your water as safe as possible.
We are actively working to gather information to improve our records – there is no need to dig up your yard to determine your service line material at this time.
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 LEAD to 1-877-454-2862 (toll-free)
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. Help us update our records
If your service line has been replaced, send us records from your plumber that show what material it is made of.
If there is no record of your service line material in the section from the curb stop to the meter, you can check for lead yourself.
Learn how to check your service line material at the meter →
If you do have a lead service line, you can replace it!
You can have a 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.