By Tyler Nelson on June 27, 2025
Category: Blog

Estimating lead service line replacement costs

Lead service lines are the largest source of lead in drinking water. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates more than 10 million lead service lines deliver water to homes across the country, highlighting potential risks of lead contamination in communities. While the EPA issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace all lead service lines within 10 years, the cost of full replacement has been one of the biggest challenges utilities and communities face.

This blog post outlines key considerations for estimating lead service line replacement costs and why partnering with an expert can make all the difference. 

Why full lead service line replacement matters?

The final Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) prohibits partial lead service line replacement unless it is part of an emergency repair or when paired with planned water main work. That means all cost estimates must account for full replacement, from the water main to the home.

Key cost factors

Planning and program costs

Construction tasks

EPA replacement cost estimates

The EPA estimated lead service line replacement costs based on the information submitted for the updated 7th Drinking Water Infrastructure Needs Survey. The following table highlights some key considerations for estimating the cost of lead service line replacement.

Lead service line replacement cost

  • Full replacement cost (utility + private side). Public water systems typically cover the cost of replacing the portion of the service line extending from the water main to the curb stop or meter. In some cases, a property owner is required to replace the remaining segment of the line that goes to the home. 

    The EPA estimates a full replacement of lead service lines will cost an average of $4,700, ranging from $1,200 to $12,300 per replaced service line. Certain site-specific variables could swell those costs to anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 per lead service line.
  • Restoration. Depending upon the conditions at a particular site, several field practices are used to replace service lines, including:
    • Open trench. It is the conventional approach, which requires cutting and breaking of service material and soil excavation from the point of connection to the main.
    • Replacement with new routes. The discarded pipe is replaced with a new pipe, which is installed along a different route using trenchless methods, such as guided boring or impact moling.
    • Replacement using routes. It is a preferred and cost-effective approach to remove the pipe while simultaneously replacing it with a new pipe along the original route through techniques such as pipe pulling and pipe splitting.
  • Engineering services. Construction and replacement of lead service lines are the core engineering services in the process. Although engineering services are relatively fixed for project initiation and per individual replacement, a rise in construction costs because of extensive pavement requirements, the depth of service lines and soil conditions may affect the cost of engineering services.
  • Permitting. Permitting requirements for lead service line replacement are set at the local level, and costs vary significantly from municipality to municipality.
  • Customer outreach. This includes scheduling appointments, signing forms, getting access to building interiors and following up. Outreach costs can vary significantly from household to household, but the variability is typically because of the ownership status or employment schedule of the resident.
  • Post-replacement provisions. Water quality sampling, household flushing and water filter provisions ensure the replaced line is properly connected to the water supply and the water is lead-free. The costs associated with the post-replacement provisions are not always accounted for in the initial replacement estimates.

Estimating lead service line replacement costs can be tricky for communities. Partnering with an expert can help with accurate projections to secure funding and ensure successful replacements.

Partner with Fehr Graham​

At Fehr Graham, we are a dedicated team of licensed engineers who help communities access safe drinking water. We have helped municipalities across the Midwest replace more than 4,200 lead service lines. We have also helped communities secure lead service line inventory grants and other funding for service line replacement.

To learn about how Fehr Graham can help you estimate lead service line replacement cost, contact us or call 815.394.4700.

Tyler Nelson is a trailblazer in municipal engineering with more than two decades of experience, making him an invaluable advisor to clients. He leads diverse design and construction projects and commits to fostering sustainable and efficient development for tomorrow’s communities. Tyler is dedicated and forward-thinking, making him the go-to professional for insightful engineering solutions. Reach him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..