LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT PROCESS
What to Expect During a Lead Service Line Replacement
Replacing a lead or galvanized water service line involves more than simply installing a new pipe. The process typically includes verifying the existing service material, reviewing municipal requirements, obtaining permits and approvals, coordinating the replacement, completing inspections, and submitting reimbursement documentation when assistance is available.
What Happens Before Replacement?
1. Verify the Existing Service Line
1. Verify the Existing Service Line
1. Verify the Existing Service Line
Confirm whether the public side, private side, or both contain lead or galvanized material.
2. Check the Municipal Program
1. Verify the Existing Service Line
1. Verify the Existing Service Line
Determine whether reimbursement, cost-sharing, financing, or municipality-funded replacement may be available.
3. Prepare the Proposal & Application
3. Prepare the Proposal & Application
3. Prepare the Proposal & Application
Contractor estimates, applications, owner signatures, and supporting documents may be required before approval.
4. Permits & Utility Locates
3. Prepare the Proposal & Application
3. Prepare the Proposal & Application
Required plumbing permits, inspections, JULIE/utility locates, and municipal coordination are completed before construction.
The 6-step Process
How the Replacement Is Performed
How Is the New Water Service Installed?
Trenchless / Boring
A new service line may be installed using directional boring or another trenchless method that reduces excavation across the property.
Best when:
- Conditions allow a boring path
- Minimizing lawn or hardscape disturbance is important
- Existing utilities and site conditions permit trenchless installation
Open Excavation
Traditional excavation may be required when access, soil conditions, utility conflicts, connections, or municipal requirements prevent trenchless installation.
Best when:
- Direct access to the existing service is required
- Major connection work is needed
- Site conditions make boring impractical
What Gets Replaced
What Does a Full Lead Service Line Replacement Include?
Water Main Connection — PUBLIC SIDE
Public-Side Service Line — PUBLIC SIDE
Public-Side Service Line — PUBLIC SIDE
Connection point where the individual water service attaches to the municipal water main.
Public-Side Service Line — PUBLIC SIDE
Public-Side Service Line — PUBLIC SIDE
Public-Side Service Line — PUBLIC SIDE
Service piping running from the water main to the B-box or curb stop.
B-Box / Curb Stop — DIVIDING POINT
Public-Side Service Line — PUBLIC SIDE
Private-Side Service Line — PRIVATE SIDE
Exterior shutoff that commonly separates the public and private portions of the water service.
Private-Side Service Line — PRIVATE SIDE
Private-Side Service Line — PRIVATE SIDE
Private-Side Service Line — PRIVATE SIDE
Service piping running from the B-box or curb stop across the property toward the home.
Foundation Entry — PRIVATE SIDE
Private-Side Service Line — PRIVATE SIDE
Water Meter Connection — PRIVATE SIDE
Point where the new water service enters the building through the foundation wall.
Water Meter Connection — PRIVATE SIDE
Private-Side Service Line — PRIVATE SIDE
Water Meter Connection — PRIVATE SIDE
Connection of the new service line to the water meter and interior plumbing.
Public and private responsibility can vary by municipality. The B-box or curb stop is commonly used as the dividing point, but local program rules should always be confirmed.
How Long Does Replacement Take?
The physical replacement itself may often be completed in a single working day for a straightforward residential property, but the full process can take longer because of applications, contractor estimates, permits, utility locates, municipal approvals, inspections, and reimbursement processing.
Planning & Approval
Inspection & Reimbursement
Physical Replacement
Several days to several weeks depending on municipality.
Physical Replacement
Inspection & Reimbursement
Physical Replacement
Often approximately one working day for straightforward properties.
Inspection & Reimbursement
Inspection & Reimbursement
Inspection & Reimbursement
Timing varies based on municipal processing requirements.
Do Not Start Before Receiving Required Approval
Many Illinois reimbursement programs require written approval before construction begins. Starting work early can make an otherwise qualifying project ineligible for reimbursement.
Ready to Start the Replacement Process?
Tell us the property address and municipality. We can help identify the service-line program, explain the required paperwork, and outline the next steps before construction begins.