Lead Pipe Replacement & Repiping in Cincinnati, OH
Many homes built in Cincinnati before the mid-20th century were connected to the water main with lead service lines, and many older homes also have corroded galvanized steel pipes inside. Replacing a lead service line removes a major source of lead in drinking water, and repiping with copper or PEX fixes low pressure and rusty water.
Call 513-776-8485 to be connected with a licensed plumber for lead service line replacement, galvanized pipe replacement and whole-house repiping in Cincinnati and the surrounding area.
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- Cincinnati & the Tri-State
Signs you need lead pipe replacement help
- A dull grey water pipe entering the house that's soft enough to scratch with a key
- A home built before about 1950 that has never had its service line replaced
- Low water pressure, especially upstairs
- Rusty, brown or metallic-tasting water
- Frequent pinhole leaks
- Galvanized steel pipes (threaded fittings, grey zinc finish)
Does my Cincinnati home have a lead service line?
Look where the water line enters your home, usually in the basement on the front wall. A lead pipe is dull grey, doesn't attract a magnet, and shows shiny silver metal if you gently scratch it with a key. Copper is penny-colored, and galvanized steel is grey but attracts a magnet. Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) also publishes lead service line information and a lookup for its customers.
Lead service line replacement programs
GCWW has run a lead service line replacement program for its customers that has included cost-sharing and grants for the private side of the line. Program terms change, so check GCWW's website for current eligibility and pricing before you sign a contract. Northern Kentucky homeowners should check with Northern Kentucky Water District. A licensed plumber can coordinate the private-side replacement with the utility's work.
How much does it cost to repipe a house?
Whole-house repiping depends on the number of bathrooms, the number of floors, the pipe material and how much wall access is needed. Homes with unfinished basements are usually easier and cheaper to repipe. See our cost guide for typical ranges.
PEX vs. copper: which is better for repiping?
Copper is durable, long-proven and holds value with buyers. PEX is flexible, faster to install with fewer joints, resists freezing damage better and usually costs less. Both are approved for drinking water. Many plumbers use a mix, with copper where pipes are exposed and PEX inside walls.
How it works
Call 513-776-8485
Tell us what's happening and where you are. Calls are answered 24/7.
We connect you
We route you to an independent, licensed plumbing contractor who serves your area.
Get a clear quote
The plumber explains the problem and prices it before any work starts.
You decide
You approve the work, and the contractor completes it with any permits your city or county requires.
Plumbers in Cincinnati Today is a referral service. We don't perform plumbing work ourselves. Before work begins, check your contractor's license: in Ohio through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) and your local jurisdiction, in Kentucky through the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings & Construction, and in Indiana through the Indiana Plumbing Commission.
Lead Pipe Replacement across Cincinnati and the Tri-State
We connect customers across Cincinnati, from Hyde Park, Oakley, Mt. Lookout, Clifton, Northside, Westwood to Mt. Washington and College Hill, throughout Hamilton County, and in nearby cities including:
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Is lead in water dangerous?
Yes. There is no known safe level of lead exposure, especially for children and pregnant women. If you think you have a lead line, use a filter certified for lead removal and flush taps before drinking until the line is replaced.
How long does repiping take?
Many whole-house repipes take a few days, depending on the size of the home. Water is usually only off during the working day.
Should I replace galvanized pipes in an older home?
Usually, yes. Galvanized steel corrodes from the inside, which reduces pressure, discolors water, and leads to leaks. It can also hold lead particles if it was ever downstream of a lead line.
Do I need a permit for repiping?
Yes, repiping and service line replacement generally need a plumbing permit and inspection. Your contractor should handle it.
Plumbing problem right now? One call connects you with a licensed local plumber.
Call 513-776-8485