Lead Line Replacement

Your water service line provides all the water to your home for drinking, bathing, and cleaning. It plays a critical role in transporting water from the municipal main to your house through an underground system of pipes. In older neighborhoods and homes, such as those in Chicago, lead was commonly used for water service lines for many decades due to its affordability, availability, and ease of use. However, we now know the significant health risks associated with lead exposure. Replacing these lead pipes is now required to ensure the safety and health of your household and to comply with current health and safety standards.

What is a B Box?

lead line
A B Box, short for Buffalo Box, is a valve located between the city water main and your residence. Typically made of cast iron, it is designed to fit a buffalo valve key, which is used to control the water supply to your home. The water company may use this valve to shut off the water in emergencies. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining all the underground piping that runs from the B Box (at the street) to their home.

Green Tech Plumbing Co.

Lead Line Replacement Experts

Green Tech Plumbing has replaced hundreds of lead service lines across Cook County, IL. We can replace most lead service lines in just one day! Call us today at 847-518-5338 to schedule your free estimate.

lead line replacement

To check your service line for lead, start by locating your water meter in the basement. Look for the pipe that runs from the meter through the outside wall of your home. Lightly scratch the pipe with a key or coin (avoid using something sharp). If the scratch reveals a silver color, the pipe could be lead. If the pipe is painted, you may need to use sandpaper to expose the metal. Finally, place a magnet on the pipe—if it sticks, the pipe is steel (lead is not magnetic).

If you cannot see the service line, you may need to check utility records or excavate to determine the material.

Green Tech Plumbing, based in Des Plaines, IL, and serving the northwestern suburbs of Chicago, is available 24/7 to provide a free estimate for lead service line replacement. Call us at 847-518-5338 or email us to get started.

Get the Lead Out

Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, including developmental delays in children and damage to the nervous system.

Property Value

Replacing a lead water line with a copper one not only ensures safer, cleaner water but can also significantly increase your property’s value.

Peace of Mind

Upgrading from lead to copper water lines provides peace of mind, knowing your family has safe, reliable, and lead-free water for years to come.

Is My Home Lead Free?

Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead water service lines. To determine if your home has a lead line, check for the following:

  • Lead service lines connecting the water main to your house
  • Old plumbing solder
  • Outdated brass faucets and valves
  • Obtain a water quality report from an independent laboratory

Lead water service lines were commonly installed in the past due to their low cost and ease of use. However, recent research on the health risks—particularly the toxic and potentially carcinogenic properties of lead—has spurred a nationwide initiative to replace them. Our expertise lies in replacing these hazardous lead water service lines with copper, ensuring your drinking water is safe and reliable.

The Risks of Lead Water Service Lines

Lead water service lines were commonly installed in the past due to their low cost and ease of use. However, recent research on the health risks—particularly the toxic and potentially carcinogenic properties of lead—has spurred a nationwide initiative to replace them. Our expertise lies in replacing these hazardous lead water service lines with copper, ensuring your drinking water is safe and reliable.

Adverse Health Effects of Lead In Children

Even low levels of lead in the blood of children can result in:

  • Behavior and learning problems
  • Lower IQ and hyperactivity
  • Slowed growth
  • Hearing problems
  • Anemia
  • In rare cases, the ingestion of lead can cause seizures, coma, and even death

In Pregnant Women

  • Reduced growth of the fetus
  • Premature birth
  • Effects of Workplace Hazards on Female Reproductive Health (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health)
  • Lead can also be transmitted through breast milk. Read more on lead exposure in pregnancy and lactating women (PDF) (302 pp, 4.3 MB, About PDF)

In Adults

Lead is also harmful to adults. Adults exposed to lead can suffer from:

  • Cardiovascular effects increased blood pressure and incidence of hypertension.
  • Decreased kidney function.
  • Reproductive problems (in both men and women).

Get Expert Help for Lead Service Line Replacement

Are you concerned about lead in your water supply? At Green Tech Plumbing, we specialize in replacing outdated lead service lines with safe, durable, and code-compliant solutions. With over a decade of experience serving Chicago and the northwestern suburbs, you can trust us to expertly handle your water service line replacement needs.

For more information about lead service lines, check out this post.