Lead service line replacement in Saint Paul, MN

Start in the basement where the water line comes through the foundation wall or floor, just before the meter. Look at the pipe between the wall and the first valve. Copper is the color of a penny and rings when tapped. Galvanized steel is gray, hard, and a magnet will stick to it. Lead is softer, dull gray, and a magnet won't stick.

The scratch test is the easiest check. Use a coin or key to gently scratch the pipe surface. If it shows bright, shiny silver, it's likely lead. Don't use a file or knife, and don't scratch through the pipe. If you're unsure, call us and we'll confirm it. We can also check the line for signs it was partly replaced before, which happens more than people think.

A service line has two parts. The public side runs from the water main under the street to the curb stop, a valve usually near the property line. The private side runs from that curb stop into your house. Saint Paul Regional Water Services has been replacing lead service lines across its service area, and they handle work on the public side.

Because programs and schedules can change and depend on your address, check with SPRWS about the public side of your line and whether any program applies to you. We replace the private side, and we coordinate timing so both sides can be done together. Replacing only part of a lead line can stir up lead, so full replacement is the goal.

When a lead pipe is cut or disturbed, small particles can break loose and flow into your household water for a while. If only one side is replaced, the remaining lead section can still affect water quality. That's why coordinating both sides matters. When public and private work happen close together, the old lead is removed completely and you get a single, continuous new copper line.

After replacement, we flush the plumbing thoroughly. We'll also suggest flushing cold water taps for several minutes before drinking for the first few days, and cleaning faucet aerators, which can trap small particles. If you have young kids or someone pregnant at home, testing the water after the work is a sensible extra step.

We usually replace the private side with Type K copper, which handles burial and Minnesota frost well. Depending on the yard and line route, we either dig a trench from curb stop to foundation or use trenchless methods that pull new copper through with small access pits at each end. Trenchless often saves lawns, gardens and sidewalks, but not every site allows it.

Where the line enters the house, we cut through or core the foundation, install the new pipe, seal the opening against groundwater, and set a new main shutoff valve. If your meter setup is old, we may replace the valves on both sides. We bond and ground the new line properly, since older homes often used the water line as an electrical ground.

• Confirm line material and route
• Call for utility locates before any digging
• Coordinate with SPRWS on public side timing
• Install new copper by trench or pull
• New main shutoff and sealed foundation entry
• Flush lines, restore service and backfill

A new service line is a natural time to look at the plumbing just inside. Many Saint Paul homes with lead lines also have galvanized steel supply pipe inside, which can hold lead particles in its scale and narrows over time. We'll look at the first few feet of piping, the meter valves and the main shutoff, and let you know if a repipe or partial repipe would help.

We also check water pressure after replacement. A new, wider line can raise pressure noticeably. If it's too high, a pressure reducing valve protects fixtures and appliances. And if you have a water softener or filter, we'll make sure it's reconnected correctly.