Service Line Replacement Program & Financing

Water Service Line Replacement Program

WSSC Water-owned portion of pipe

• If lead is found on the WSSC Water-owned portion of the water service line, we will replace that portion free of charge.
• You will be contacted by WSSC Water’s contractor for utility-side replacements.
• Your water will be turned off for a period during the replacement construction. Basic restoration will be provided by the contractor.
• You’ll need to follow certain steps to flush your pipes to clear any lead particles that may have broken loose during the replacement.

Customer-owned portion of pipe 

If your customer-owned portion of the water service line is verified as lead or galvanized requiring replacement (GRR), we recommend you replace the pipe for free through our program.

Specifics of our customer-side service line replacement program:

• This is for the customer-owned portion of the water service line on the customer’s private property.
• The program is administered by Lead Free Group, a contractor engaged by WSSC Water to protect the integrity of our relationship with the plumbers in our service area, who we also regulate. This prevents conflicts of interest.
• Plumbers who expressed interest in participating in this program were evaluated for their ability to perform these replacements within the specified guidelines of WSSC Water’s Lead Reduction Program.
  • The plumbers will undergo training on lead service line replacements, including handling and disposal of lead.
  • Lead Free Group will provide the list of pre-qualified plumbers to all homeowners participating in WSSC Water’s customer-side service line replacement program.
  • The customer must select a plumber from this list to receive a free replacement.
• The customer signs a contract directly with the plumber.
• The plumber performs the service line replacement and restores all disturbed interior and exterior surfaces to their original condition and to the satisfaction of the customer and Lead Free Group.
• The plumber documents all work performed with photos and completion records. WSSC Water will verify compliance with plumbing codes, while LFG will manage the quality of work and restoration.
• WSSC Water coordinates reimbursement to the plumber.
• Customers will need to follow certain steps to flush their pipes to clear any lead particles that may have broken loose during the replacement.

If you replace your water service line on your own (outside of our replacement program), you’ll need to notify WSSC Water, as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requires that we replace the utility-owned water service line if necessary.

Please note that there is no mechanism for homeowners who replace their service line outside WSSC Water’s program to receive reimbursement. You must participate in our program to receive the free pipe replacement.