We may reimburse up to 100 percent of the costs of a private lead line replacement
Reimbursement amount based on Federal Poverty Level
As part of Community Lead Response, we will assist customers with the cost of private lead service line replacement if customers choose to proactively hire a plumber and complete the work. We will verify your income and determine the level of reimbursement you qualify for. This program is available to anyone who has replaced their private lead service line since January 2019.
Process for private lead service line reimbursement:
- Contact the PGH2O Cares Team at 412-255-2457 - PGH2O Cares will confirm your income to determine your reimbursement amount. If you do not wish to complete an income verification or know you will not qualify for reimbursement, you can still receive a $1,000 stipend.
- Hire a plumber - you can choose from our list of participating plumbers, who have agreed to the program guidelines, making the process easier for you.
- Complete and submit estimate - meet with your plumber so the plumber can complete an estimate form to submit to our Pittsburgh Water Lead Help staff. We will review the estimate and approve the eligible costs.
- Replace the lead service line - your plumber will complete the work and the Lead Help staff will provide you with flushing instructions, a pitcher filter, and a test kit for your water after construction.
- Complete and submit invoice - your plumber will submit the final invoice to us. If the cost matches with the estimate, we will send a co-written check to you and your plumber for the reimbursement amount.
Typical residential service line
As shown in the diagram, in a typical situation, the section of your water line that runs between the water main and the curb box is owned and maintained by Pittsburgh Water. The section between the curb box and the water meter belongs to you. In some instances, this example diagram may not be indicative of ownership. We will confirm your ownership responsibilities.
Our Reimbursement Program will reimburse the costs of a privately-owned lead service line replacement. If your private plumber discovers a publicly-owned lead service line attached to the private line, they will coordinate with us to replace the public line at the same time.
General Policy Guidelines
Properties that go through the process must meet these general guidelines to be eligible for reimbursement:
- Residential properties within our water service area, with no more than four (4) units and a private service line of 1-inch or less
- Replacement of a private service line identified as lead or galvanized iron
- Reimbursement determined by income of the Property Owner or Tenant
- Replacement follows submission of plumber’s estimate, completed by you and your plumber prior to construction. You may not be reimbursed for work that is completed without an approved estimate.
- We reserve the right to void authorizations if eligibility conditions for reimbursement have changed before an estimate is received for review. This includes the addition of the location to a planned project area.
Hiring a Private Plumber
After you hire a private plumber and confirm the material of your private service line, we will review the estimate and confirm the reimbursement amount. Once the work is complete, you will be issued a check, made out to you and your private plumber, for the reimbursement amount. If there are any remaining costs, you will be responsible to pay them.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact our Lead Help Desk at 412-255-8987 Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. or email us at LeadReimbursement@pgh2o.com.