Lead Pipe Map

Buying a house with a lead service line

A lead service line isn't a reason to walk away, but it's a cost to plan for. Find out before closing, then negotiate.

Find out before you buy

  1. Check the utility's inventory. Every water system had to publish one by October 16, 2024. Find the water system and its address lookup.
  2. Ask the seller for any notice from the utility about a lead, galvanized or unknown line. Utilities must send these yearly.
  3. Ask your inspector to identify the pipe where it enters the house. A magnet and a scratch test take a minute.
  4. Test the water with a first-draw sample from the kitchen tap.

Disclosure

The federal lead disclosure rule for home sales covers lead-based paint in homes built before 1978, not water pipes. Some states and cities have added service line disclosure rules. Ask your agent what applies where you're buying.

Negotiating

  • Get a written quote for a full private-side replacement before you negotiate. Typical jobs run a few thousand dollars to over $10,000.
  • Ask for a price reduction or seller credit for the quote amount.
  • Check whether the utility replaces the private side for free or for a fixed fee. If it does, the cost may be small.
  • Ask whether the street is on the utility's replacement schedule; the LCRI deadline for most systems is December 31, 2037.

After you move in

Use a lead-certified filter until the line is replaced, and keep filtering for six months after replacement. Get replacement quotes.

Look up your water system or ZIP code on the Lead Pipe Map home page to see how many lead lines it reported.

Common questions

Should I buy a house with a lead service line?

It can be fine if you plan for replacement. Get a quote, check for free utility programs, and negotiate a credit or price reduction.

Do sellers have to disclose lead pipes?

Federal law requires disclosure of known lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, not lead pipes. Some states and cities require service line disclosure, so ask your agent.

Does a home inspection check for lead pipes?

Not always. Ask the inspector to identify the service line material where it enters the home.

More: How to tell if your home has a lead service line · What "lead status unknown" means · Water filters that remove lead · How to test your tap water for lead · Lead service line replacement: cost, who pays and deadlines · Does a Brita filter remove lead?