Recent estimates show that about 1 in 7 water service lines in Dayton may still be partially or fully made of lead or galvanized steel, materials that pose a risk to public health and are now targeted for replacement under upcoming federal rules. Though the water is treated and safe, aging service lines may still present a threat, especially if disturbed or damaged.
What’s the Issue?
Water service lines are underground pipes that carry water from the city’s water main into your home. While the city maintains the public portion of these lines, homeowners are responsible for the section that runs from the property line into the house, including all interior plumbing and fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can be harmful, particularly to children. Although Dayton uses corrosion control in its treatment process to reduce exposure, federal regulations require all lead and galvanized lines to be replaced by 2037, and the timeline is set to begin in November 2027.
What Should Homeowners Do?
The city is encouraging residents to identify the material of their service lines using a simple magnet or scratch test. A magnet will stick to galvanized steel but not to lead or copper, and lead pipes show a shiny silver surface when scratched.
Homeowners are also being urged to report their findings to ServiceLineCompliance.com, which helps the city build an accurate inventory and prioritize future replacements.
How Eco Can Help
At Eco Plumbers, Electricians, and HVAC Technicians, we’re ready to help homeowners across Dayton and the surrounding areas take proactive steps toward safer plumbing.
✅ Water Line Replacements – If your property has lead or galvanized steel service lines, our licensed and experienced technicians can safely and efficiently replace them with modern, code-compliant materials like copper or PEX.
✅ Financing Available – We understand that water line replacement can be a major investment. That’s why we offer flexible financing options to make the process easier on your budget.
✅ EcoFi Membership Discount – Our EcoFi Advantage Members receive 10% off all services, including water line replacements, along with priority scheduling and other valuable benefits.
✅ Licensed & Trusted in Dayton – Eco is fully licensed to perform water line replacements in Dayton and beyond. We stand behind our work with industry-leading guarantees and a strong reputation for customer satisfaction.
Don’t Wait!
Replacing outdated water lines now protects your home and health while preparing you for upcoming federal requirements. Whether you’ve already identified your service line material or need help figuring it out, Eco is here to walk you through the next steps.
Source: Dayton Daily News, “1 in 7 Dayton water lines contains lead or steel,” by Cornelius Frolik and Sydney Dawes, June 24, 2025.
Link to original article
