Look at the pipe where the water line enters your home, usually near the main shut-off. Lead is dull gray, soft enough to scratch easily with a key, and a magnet will not stick. Galvanized steel is gray and a magnet sticks. Copper is orange-brown. If you are unsure, we check it for you.
Signs you need lead & galvanized service line replacement
- A home built before the 1950s
- A notice from your water provider about your service line material
- Dull gray pipe at the main that a magnet does not stick to
- Old galvanized service line with low pressure or rusty water
- Buying or selling an older home
How we handle it
- Identify the materialWe check the line at the house and, where possible, at the meter side.
- Coordinate with the utilityIf the public side is also lead, we coordinate timing so both sides can be replaced.
- Replace the lineA new copper or PE service line, usually pulled trenchlessly to keep the yard intact.
- Flush and documentThe new line is flushed and you get documentation of the material and date for your records.
What lead & galvanized service line replacement usually costs around Greenville
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Service line material check | $95 to $185 |
| Service line replacement, trenchless | $1,890 to $4,650 |
| Interior pipe check after replacement | $145 to $265 |
Ranges reflect common jobs in Greenville and nearby towns. Access, materials and the hour of the call change the final number, and you get an exact price before work starts. Compare prices across all services.
What you can do before we arrive
Use a refrigerator magnet and a key on the pipe where it enters the house. If the magnet does not stick and the key leaves a shiny silver scratch, the pipe may be lead; stop there and let a plumber confirm it.
What we see in Upstate homes
Water providers across the Upstate, including Greenville Water and Spartanburg Water, have published service line inventories, and some older addresses are listed as unknown material. If yours is one of them, a quick visual check at the house often answers the question.
Keeping it from coming back
Until a suspect line is replaced, run the cold water for a minute or two before drinking first thing in the morning, use cold water for cooking, and clean faucet aerators regularly.
Questions about lead & galvanized service line replacement
How do I know if I have a lead service line?
Check the pipe where it enters the house. Lead is dull gray, soft, scratches to a shiny silver and does not attract a magnet. Your water provider's inventory may also list your address.
Are lead service lines common in Greenville?
They are much less common than in older northern cities, but some older homes have them, and galvanized lines that were downstream of lead pipe are also counted in replacement programs.
Will my water provider pay for replacement?
Programs vary by provider and change over time. Check with your provider about any current assistance before the work is scheduled.
Areas we cover for lead & galvanized service line replacement
Plumbcraft sends lead & galvanized service line replacement crews from Greenville and Belton across the Upstate.