Water Line Repair in Washington, DC

Who is responsible for what

DC Water replaces the water service pipe in public space. Replacement of the service pipe on private property is the owner's cost, and DC Water will coordinate the work when both sides are being replaced. Exactly where the split falls depends on the property, so ask DC Water about your address before work begins.

Signs the service line needs attention

• A soggy strip of yard or a sunken spot between the street and the house
• Water seeping through the basement wall where the pipe enters
• Pressure that has dropped throughout the house
• A meter that keeps moving with every fixture closed
• A service line known or suspected to be lead or galvanized steel

Lead and galvanized lines

Many District homes were built when lead and galvanized iron service pipes were common. DC Water's Lead Free DC effort aims to replace lead and galvanized-iron service lines with copper and offers several replacement programs, including private-side replacements started by customers. Its Service Line Inventory Map shows the recorded material for a property, and DC Water offers free lead testing. DC Water also warns that galvanized pipes inside a home can collect lead from a past lead service line and recommends replacing that galvanized plumbing too. Program terms change, so check with DC Water for current details before hiring anyone.

Repair or replace

A single leak in a copper line in good shape can be cut out and repaired. A lead or galvanized line, or one that has leaked more than once, is usually better replaced. A new line is often run by open trench, though some sites allow boring or pulling new pipe through a small pit to limit damage to walkways and plantings.

Digging safely

Before any digging, property owners must call 811, which reaches Miss Utility in DC, at least two working days in advance. The requirement applies even if you plan to hire a professional, so confirm who is placing the call.

What changes the cost

Line length, depth, what sits on top of it (steps, a patio, a garden, a stoop), the method used, and whether the job is coordinated with a DC Water public-side replacement all affect the price. New service piping typically needs a DC Department of Buildings plumbing permit pulled by a contractor holding a DC plumbing license.