Chicago Lead Pipe Replacement Services

We have replaced our fair share of lead piping from homes in Chicago’s North Shore. Most homes have cleared out the obvious lead lines at this time, but many have overlooked their service line, the pipe that brings water from the street into your home. For your peace of mind, we’ve put together a quick test to see if your water service line, or sewer lateral, is made of lead. Of course, if you’d prefer an expert opinion, we’re only a phone call away.

To replace your home’s lead pipes, call us or contact us today!

Why You Shouldn’t Delay Replacing Your Lead Pipes

By now you are probably aware that lead service lines are an ongoing problem in Chicago and its suburbs. No one is sure how many lead water service lines are still installed in our area, but it’s estimated to be up to 400,000! What we do know for sure is that they should be replaced as soon as possible for the health of your family.

Because we specialize in plumbing in older homes, we have seen and replaced a lot of lead pipes. Commonly, our replacement customers were not aware that the service line that brings the water from the street into their home was made of lead until one of our plumbers tested it. Sometimes a previous homeowner may have replaced all the lead piping throughout the home, but didn’t replace the service line. For the health and safety of everyone in the home, we strongly suggest replacing any lead piping found anywhere in your home.

The Health Risks of Lead Water Lines

Lead pipes don’t just affect your plumbing—they can directly impact your family’s health. Even small amounts of lead exposure are linked to:

• Children’s health risks – developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

• Pregnant women – complications during pregnancy and risks to unborn babies.

• Adults – high blood pressure, kidney problems, and cognitive decline.

Because water constantly flows through your service line, even pipes that look fine on the outside can leach lead into your drinking water. That’s why replacing your lead water line is more than a plumbing upgrade—it’s an investment in your family’s long-term health and safety.

At American Vintage Home, we combine decades of plumbing expertise with specialized training in older homes to ensure your replacement is done right the first time.

How To Identify a Lead Water Line in Your Home

If you’re worried that your home may have a lead water line, it’s important to know how to spot the signs. While the safest option is to have a licensed plumber from American Vintage Home inspect your system, you can also do a simple test yourself to identify what type of water service line you have. All you’ll need is a flat-head screwdriver and a strong magnet.

Start by locating the pipe where water enters your home. Then gently scratch the surface of the pipe with the screwdriver and see how the material reacts:

Copper

The scratched area will look like a copper penny. A magnet will NOT stick to it.

Plastic

The scratched area will appear ivory or white in color. A magnet will NOT stick to it

Galvanized steel

The scratched area will have a silver-gray color. A strong magnet will stick to it.

Lead 

The scratched area will have a dull silver-gray color, and the metal will usually be soft and easy to scratch. A magnet will NOT stick to it. Lead pipes are easy to bend and may be misshapen. If you have lead pipes, we recommend replacement if at all possible.

Be sure to scratch test your pipes and service line in multiple areas. It’s not uncommon to have more than one type of piping on your water line.

If you discover a lead water line in your home, replacement is highly recommended. Lead exposure poses serious health risks, and modern plumbing codes no longer allow the use of lead pipes. At American Vintage Home, our certified plumbing technicians specialize in Lead Water Line Replacement for older homes across Chicago’s North Shore. We’ll remove hazardous materials safely and provide a lasting solution to keep your drinking water clean and your family safe.

Lead Pipe Removal & Replacement

If you suspect your Chicago North Shore home still has a lead service line, don’t worry—our experts can help. American Vintage Home provides professional Lead Water Line Replacement services designed for older homes like yours. Our  industry expertise plumbing technicians are specially trained to handle the unique challenges of historic construction while ensuring safe and thorough lead pipe removal. With decades of experience and engineering expertise, we deliver solutions that are fast, reliable, and cost-effective—protecting both your home and your family’s health.

Take Advantage of City Programs

Some local cities and suburbs are tackling the lead service line problem by offering refunds or incentive programs for replacement. The best program we have found in our area comes from Highland Park Department of Public Works. Their Voluntary Sewer Lateral Cost Share Program offers up to 20% or $1,260 reimbursement for private sewer lateral rehabilitation. They require certified plans to be submitted by a Licensed Plumbing Contractor, which we will be happy to do for you. If you are interested in this program, don’t wait. Highland Park has a limited amount of funds allocated for this program, and no one can say how long the program will run.

If you’re outside of Highland Park, we urge you to look into what programs your city may offer. You could qualify for big reimbursement money. We would be happy to help you look for programs available to you.

For expert plumbing repair in your Chicago North Shore-area home, including Highland Park and Winnetka, give American Vintage Home a call or schedule your services online! We are standing by to provide you with exceptional customer service around the clock!

Get Your Main Service Line Checked by American Vintage Home.

Don’t wait to find out if you have a lead service line. Our experts are ready to help!