The need for lead pipe replacements has become increasingly crucial due to the health risks associated with lead contamination in drinking water.
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Aging infrastructure, outdated plumbing systems, and environmental concerns have driven many homeowners and businesses to seek plumbing companies specializing in lead pipe replacements to ensure a safer water supply.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], approximately 9.2 million lead service lines still exist in the U.S., affecting millions of households. The urgency to replace these hazardous pipes has led to growing demand for expert plumbing services.
This article provides a well-researched list of 10 plumbing companies specializing in lead pipe replacements, along with guidance on choosing the right service provider.
Why Lead Pipe Replacement Is Essential
Lead pipes were once commonly used in plumbing systems, but growing evidence has revealed the severe risks associated with lead exposure. Many homes, particularly older ones, still contain lead pipes that can leach hazardous contaminants into drinking water.
Working with plumbing companies specializing in lead pipe replacements ensures that homeowners can safeguard their health and comply with modern safety regulations.
The Health Risks of Lead Pipes
Lead in drinking water poses severe health risks, particularly to young children and pregnant women. The primary dangers include:
- Neurological damage: Lead exposure can cause cognitive impairments and developmental delays in children.
- Kidney damage: Long-term exposure can lead to kidney dysfunction.
- High blood pressure: Adults exposed to lead have an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Reproductive issues: Lead can impact fertility in both men and women.
| Health Impact | Affected Groups | Severity Level |
| Neurological Damage | Children, Pregnant Women | High |
| Kidney Dysfunction | Adults | Moderate to High |
| High Blood Pressure | Adults | Moderate |
| Reproductive Issues | Men & Women | Moderate to High |
Benefits of Upgrading to Safer Plumbing Systems
Replacing lead pipes with safer materials like copper, PEX, or PVC offers numerous benefits, including:
- Improved water quality: Eliminates lead contamination.
- Increased property value: Homes with updated plumbing systems are more desirable.
- Better health outcomes: Reduces exposure to hazardous materials.
- Compliance with regulations: Many states require lead pipe removal for safety reasons.
Signs You Need a Lead Pipe Replacement
Homeowners and businesses should look out for these indicators:
| Signs | Explanation |
| Discolored Water | Brown, yellow, or red-tinted water may indicate corrosion and lead contamination. |
| Metallic Taste | Water that tastes bitter or metallic could signal the presence of lead. |
| Old Plumbing [Pre-1986] | Older homes with outdated plumbing are more likely to contain lead pipes. |
| Frequent Leaks or Corrosion | Deteriorating pipes increase the risk of lead exposure. |
| Positive Lead Test Results | A professional water test confirming lead contamination is a clear sign replacement is needed. |
How to Choose the Best Plumbing Company for Lead Pipe Replacement
Before hiring a plumbing service, consider the following factors:
| Factor | Importance |
| Certification & Licensing | Ensure the company is licensed to perform lead pipe replacements. |
| Experience | Look for specialists with a proven track record. |
| Customer Reviews | Check online ratings and testimonials. |
| Warranty & Pricing | Compare quotes and warranty offers to get the best value. |
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Plumbing Company
- What materials do you use for pipe replacements?
- Do you offer financing or government assistance programs?
- Can you provide references or case studies of past projects?
- How long does the replacement process take?
- Do you handle permit applications for lead pipe replacement?
Top 10 Plumbing Companies Specializing in Lead Pipe Replacements
Let’s take a look.
1. Thomas E. Clark Inc.
- Location: Silver Spring, MD
- Services: Free lead pipe replacement, plumbing repairs, water heater installations, and emergency plumbing services.
- Experience: Over 120 years in the industry, making them one of the most trusted names in plumbing services in Maryland.
- Reputation: Known for their expertise in handling lead pipe replacements efficiently, with numerous positive customer reviews and government-backed projects.
- Website: thomaseclark.com
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1891 |
| Specialty | Lead pipe replacement, emergency plumbing repairs |
| Coverage Area | Maryland, Washington D.C. |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★★ [4.8/5 based on 500+ reviews] |
| Notable Projects | Worked on large-scale lead pipe replacement initiatives in the DMV area |
2. HomeServe USA
- Location: Nationwide
- Services: Lead pipe replacements, emergency plumbing, home repair plans, and water infrastructure upgrades.
- Experience: 3 million customers served across North America, with a vast network of licensed plumbers and service providers.
- Reputation: Highly rated for its fast response time, affordability, and comprehensive home service plans covering plumbing repairs and pipe replacements.
- Website: homeserve.com
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Specialty | Lead pipe replacement, home emergency repairs |
| Coverage Area | Nationwide [USA & Canada] |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★☆ [4.5/5 based on 10,000+ reviews] |
| Notable Projects | Partnered with municipalities to replace lead service lines |
3. CDM Smith
- Location: Boston, MA
- Services: Comprehensive lead pipe removal solutions, water infrastructure consulting, and sustainable water system engineering.
- Experience: Extensive municipal projects and private lead pipe replacement expertise, with decades of experience in large-scale water system improvements.
- Reputation: Recognized for their engineering excellence and innovative solutions in water infrastructure and pipe replacement projects across the U.S.
- Website: cdmsmith.com
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1947 |
| Specialty | Lead pipe removal, water infrastructure engineering |
| Coverage Area | Nationwide [USA] |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★★ [4.9/5 based on municipal contracts] |
| Notable Projects | Worked with city governments on large-scale lead service line replacements |
4. Goyette Mechanical
- Location: Flint, MI
- Services: Water infrastructure and pipe replacement, emergency plumbing services, and commercial plumbing solutions.
- Experience: Over 90 years of expertise in the plumbing and mechanical services industry, playing a significant role in addressing the Flint water crisis by replacing lead-contaminated service lines.
- Reputation: Known for high-quality service, reliability, and extensive experience working on municipal and private-sector plumbing projects.
- Website: goyettemechanical.com
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1928 |
| Specialty | Lead pipe replacement, commercial and residential plumbing |
| Coverage Area | Michigan [Flint, Detroit, surrounding regions] |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★☆ [4.6/5 based on local customer reviews] |
| Notable Projects | Major contributor to Flint’s lead pipe replacement initiative |
5. Johnson & Wood Mechanical
- Location: Flint, MI
- Services: Lead pipe remediation, water infrastructure upgrades, and emergency plumbing solutions.
- Experience: Specializes in lead service line replacements, particularly in Flint, where they played a critical role in addressing the water crisis.
- Reputation: Known for reliability, efficiency, and working on large-scale water system improvements in collaboration with local authorities.
- Website: N/A
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1985 |
| Specialty | Lead pipe remediation and plumbing infrastructure repairs |
| Coverage Area | Flint and surrounding Michigan regions |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★☆ [4.3/5 based on local reviews] |
| Notable Projects | Worked on Flint’s lead pipe replacement initiative |
6. WT Stevens Construction
- Location: Flint, MI
- Services: Residential and commercial lead pipe replacement, water service line upgrades, and emergency plumbing repairs.
- Experience: WT Stevens Construction has been actively involved in large-scale lead pipe remediation efforts, particularly in Flint, MI, following the city’s water crisis.
- Reputation: Recognized for its dedication to water safety, quality workmanship, and efficient project completion in high-need communities.
- Website: N/A
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1990 |
| Specialty | Lead pipe replacement and infrastructure restoration |
| Coverage Area | Flint and surrounding areas in Michigan |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★☆ [4.4/5 based on local reviews] |
| Notable Projects | Key contributor to Flint’s lead service line replacement program |
7. Lansing Board of Water and Light
- Location: Lansing, MI
- Services: Citywide lead pipe removal, water system upgrades, and infrastructure modernization.
- Experience: Replaced over 13,000 lead pipes in Lansing as part of a comprehensive initiative to eliminate lead contamination from the city’s water supply.
- Reputation: Highly regarded for its proactive approach in addressing water safety concerns, earning trust from residents and local government authorities.
- Website: lbwl.com
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1885 |
| Specialty | Citywide lead pipe replacement and water system modernization |
| Coverage Area | Lansing, Michigan |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★★ [4.9/5 based on public utility reviews] |
| Notable Projects | Successfully removed and replaced all known lead service lines in Lansing |
8. Rowe Professional Services
- Location: Flint, MI
- Services: Water infrastructure solutions, lead service line replacements, environmental engineering, and municipal project planning.
- Experience: Decades of expertise in civil and environmental engineering, specializing in large-scale water system improvements and lead pipe remediation.
- Reputation: Well-known for working with city governments to upgrade aging infrastructure and improve water quality.
- Website: rowepsc.com
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Specialty | Water infrastructure planning, lead pipe remediation |
| Coverage Area | Michigan and neighboring states |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★☆ [4.5/5 based on municipal project reviews] |
| Notable Projects | Assisted Flint in lead service line replacement efforts |
9. HomeTriangle
- Location: Pune, India
- Services: Lead pipe replacement, plumbing solutions, leak detection, and emergency repair services.
- Experience: A well-established platform connecting homeowners with verified plumbing professionals specializing in lead pipe replacements.
- Reputation: Known for its fast response time, affordability, and access to licensed, skilled plumbers across multiple cities in India.
- Website: hometriangle.com
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | 2015 |
| Specialty | Lead pipe replacement, plumbing system upgrades |
| Coverage Area | Nationwide [India] |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★☆ [4.5/5 based on 2,000+ reviews] |
| Notable Projects | Worked on residential and commercial lead pipe remediation projects |
10. Flint Water Department
- Location: Flint, MI
- Services: Citywide lead service line replacement, water quality testing, and public infrastructure improvements.
- Experience: The Flint Water Department has been at the forefront of one of the most significant water infrastructure overhauls in U.S. history, ensuring safe drinking water for residents by replacing hazardous lead pipes.
- Reputation: Recognized for its efforts in tackling the Flint water crisis, managing large-scale government-funded projects, and implementing long-term water safety measures.
- Website: flintwater.com
| Feature | Details |
| Founded | Government-Run |
| Specialty | Lead service line replacement, water infrastructure management |
| Coverage Area | Flint, Michigan |
| Customer Ratings | ★★★★☆ [4.2/5 based on community feedback] |
| Notable Projects | Coordinated the replacement of over 10,000 lead-contaminated service lines in Flint |
Cost of Lead Pipe Replacement: What to Expect
Replacing lead pipes is a crucial investment in protecting your health and ensuring long-term water safety. However, the cost of replacement can vary significantly depending on several factors. Homeowners should understand the different elements that influence pricing, such as labor, materials, and permitting fees. Working with plumbing companies specializing in lead pipe replacements can help you navigate these costs efficiently while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
Factors Affecting the Cost
| Factor | Cost Impact |
| Pipe Length | Longer pipes increase costs significantly. |
| Material Used | Copper is more expensive than PVC or PEX. |
| Labor Rates | Vary by region and expertise of the plumber. |
| Permitting Fees | Local government fees can add to costs. |
Estimated Price Range for Different Property Types
| Property Type | Estimated Cost |
| Small Home | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Medium-Sized Home | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Large Property | $10,000 – $20,000 |
Wrap Up: Choosing the Right Plumbing Company for Lead Pipe Replacement
Ensuring safe drinking water starts with replacing lead pipes with modern, non-toxic materials. By working with plumbing companies specializing in lead pipe replacements, you can protect your family, enhance your property’s value, and comply with health regulations.
If you’re ready to replace your lead pipes, reach out to one of the 10 plumbing companies specializing in lead pipe replacements listed above to get started today.
