Chicago lead pipe replacement
City of Chicago Department of Water Management runs these programs for the lead pipe on your side of the property line.
Equity Lead Service Line Replacement Program
The utility does the work
Pays: Free full replacement of the lead line from the water main into the home, plus a free water meter. The city calls it a $16,000 to $30,000 value.
Who qualifies: Homeowners who live in the home, with household income below 80% of area median income. Homes with kids 18 and under or high lead test results go first.
Who does the work: The city assigns the contractor.
How to start: Apply online or on paper with income and ownership documents.
Homeowner-Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement
You hire the plumber
Pays: The city waives permit fees, which the page says can save up to $5,000, connects the new line to the main, and gives a free water meter.
Who qualifies: Any residential homeowner replacing the full lead line as its own project, not part of a renovation. Commercial and mixed-use buildings are not eligible.
Who does the work: You hire a licensed plumber from the city's list.
How to start: Confirm the line is lead, hire a plumber from the city list, and the plumber requests the fee waiver.
Hiring your own plumber? Get the approval the program asks for before work starts, and keep every estimate and invoice.
Test your water
- Free lead test kits from city water utilities
- Tap Score's mail-in Lead and Copper test: $55 (Tap Score)
- What EPA says to do until the pipe is replaced
Programs in other cities · Water testing in Illinois
Checked on the official program page October 3, 2026. Programs change and run out of money. Check the official page before you hire anyone.