Lead Pipe Construction Dashboard

• To avoid damaging underground utility lines, the city's contractor will locate and identify utilities using temporary paint before commencing construction. Water service lines will be indicated with blue spray paint along curbs, sidewalks, and potentially with small blue flags in your yard to indicate their location.
• Once the contractor has marked your sidewalk or yard, you'll have the opportunity to assess whether any special plants, trees, or yard features might be impacted by the upcoming work. Whenever feasible, it's advisable to relocate yard items and special plants at least ten feet away from the blue line. The contractor may be capable of working around or beneath larger items like trees, sidewalks, or stone walls.
• If necessary, “No parking” signs will be posted in designated areas on your street prior to the commencement of construction. The Syracuse Department of Water will issue a notification, placed as a door hanger at your residence, before shutting off water service. It is advisable to store a supply of water in advance for drinking and cooking purposes.
• The contractor will reach out to schedule a time to enter the home. You must be home on the scheduled date and time for the lead pipe replacement on private property. During the replacement process, the contractor will require access to your basement or crawl space to connect your shut-off valve. It will be necessary to move items such as boxes, furniture, washers, and dryers to facilitate access. The homeowner is responsible for relocating these items.

• The establishment of new services may necessitate brief closures of sidewalks and streets. These closures are intended to be temporary. Should you require any special accommodations, please contact 315-448-8354. Additionally, the contractor will ensure that excavations are filled or covered by the end of each day.
• An open trench water pipe service replacement involves digging a trench to access and remove an old or damaged water pipe, then installing a new pipe in its place. After the new pipe is set and connected, the trench is filled back in and restored to its original condition. In some cases the contractor may do a closed trench service replacement, often referred to as "trenchless" replacement, which involves replacing an old pipe with minimal digging. Before the service replacement, the contractor will determine the appropriate approach based on various property factors.
• The contractor will inform you before disconnecting your service. It is advisable to refrain from flushing your toilet during this period, usually lasting 2 to 3 hours, to prevent any potential clogging. Once the water service has been reconnected, the contractor will notify you accordingly. It is recommended to fill a bathtub or large jugs of water to be used for sanitary purposes, such as washing hands, during this time.

• The contractor will ensure the restoration of their work areas following the pipe replacement. This encompasses roadway paving, sidewalk repair, and lawn seeding. The Department of Water will verify that work areas have been restored according to specifications using both pre and post-construction photos.

• After construction is completed, the contractor will ask the homeowner to flush the outside faucet to remove any possible sediment.

  
  

Following a lead pipe replacement, residual lead particles may persist in the plumbing system, resulting in a temporary increase in lead levels in your tap water. To address this issue, please adhere to the following guidelines: 

• Immediately after replacement, flush the faucets in your tub and laundry room sink for 10 minutes each, using cold water. Begin with the faucets on the lowest floors and gradually move to those on the upper floors. Ensure that the faucet is fully open to effectively expel the particles along with the water flow.
• Run all faucets intended for drinking or cooking for a duration of 10 minutes.
  • Clean the aerator and then reattach it securely onto the faucet.
  • Remove the aerator from the end of the faucet to prevent particle trapping by the screen. Continue this once a month for six months.
  • Turn on the cold water faucet to its maximum flow.
• Avoid opening a hot water faucet until the flushing process is complete.
• If the aerator is in poor condition, replace it with a new one, available at any local hardware store.

See step-by-step instructions below: