Lead service pipes in older Ottawa homes
If your home was built before the late 1950s, the pipe that brings water in from the street may be made of lead. That's common in older neighbourhoods across Ottawa. Here is how to check and what the City's program offers.
Who owns which part of the pipe
The City of Ottawa explains that the water service pipe has two parts:
- Private portion: from your home to the water shut-off valve. The property owner is responsible for it.
- Public portion: from the shut-off valve to the watermain. The City owns and maintains it.
When the City replaces a watermain, it replaces the public portion with copper. Unless the owner replaces the private portion, that part stays lead (ottawa.ca, Lead Pipe Replacement Program overview; program FAQ (PDF)).
How to tell if you have a lead pipe
According to the City, homes potentially affected are typically those built before 1958. The City's page also has an address lookup tool. To check yourself:
- Find where the water pipe comes up through the basement floor, before the water meter.
- Gently scratch the pipe with sandpaper or a coin.
- Lead is dull grey, soft and scratches easily to a shiny silver. Copper is reddish-brown and may have green spots.
Source: ottawa.ca, How can I tell if I have a lead service pipe?
The City of Ottawa Lead Pipe Replacement Program
The program supports either a partial or a full replacement. Details below are from ottawa.ca, checked Oct. 11, 2026.
Partial (private-only) replacement rebate
- Up to $1,000, which the City describes as about 20% of the pipe replacement cost.
- Available when the public portion has been replaced, or is scheduled to be replaced within the next two years.
- The private replacement must have been completed on or after September 25, 2019.
- You apply with proof of ownership, a paid itemized invoice showing the original pipe material and length replaced, and a copy of the building permit and inspection.
Source: ottawa.ca, Rebate for partial replacement
Full (private and public) replacement
- Both portions must be lead, and the property owner applies and agrees to pay for the private portion.
- The City reviews records, contacts eligible owners, and does a site visit with a Construction Agreement that sets out responsibilities and an approximate cost.
- The City provides a list of approved contractors for the private side, and describes payment options that include spreading the cost over several years.
- The program covers excavation and replacement of the private service; landscaping, decks and interior finishes are not included.
Source: ottawa.ca, Full replacement. Program terms can change, so confirm on ottawa.ca before planning work.
What affects the cost
The City notes that the cost of the private portion depends on the length and depth of the pipe. Other factors include what's in the way (driveway, mature trees, front steps), how the pipe enters the basement, and interior finishing near the entry point. We don't publish a single figure because these jobs vary so much.
In the meantime
The City's FAQ explains how to have your tap water tested for lead. Many people also run the cold tap until it is noticeably colder before drinking, especially first thing in the morning.
Get a personal quote from photos
Send us:
- A photo of the water pipe where it comes through the basement floor, including the meter
- A close-up after a light scratch test
- A photo of the front of the house showing the path to the street
A licensed plumber reviews every request and replies with a personal quote. No automatic estimates and no obligation. This is a small pilot, so we can't promise a response time.