If the repair is yours to pay
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Default rule and exceptions
For residential customers, Pittsburgh Water is responsible for the water service line from the main to, and including, the curb box; the property owner is responsible for the portion between the curb box and the water meter.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Responsible for the portion of the water service line between the curb box and the water meter. |
| City / utility | Pittsburgh Water is responsible for the portion from the main to, and including, the curb box. |
| Exceptions | Pittsburgh Water notes that in some instances its example diagram may not indicate who owns which section. |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Oct 9, 2026.
For residential customers, the portion of the water service line from the main to, and including, the curb box is the responsibility of Pittsburgh Water. The portion between the curb box and the water meter is the responsibility of the property owner.
in a typical situation, the section of your water line that runs between the water main and the curb box is owned and maintained by Pittsburgh Water. The section between the curb box and the water meter belongs to you. In some instances, this example diagram may not be indicative of ownership.
Our Reimbursement Program will reimburse the costs of a privately-owned lead service line replacement. ... Reimbursement determined by income of the Property Owner or Tenant
City rules rest on state law. Read Pennsylvania's sidewalk statute, quoted verbatim, or see all 50 states in one table.
Common questions
Who pays for water service line in Pittsburgh, PA?
Responsibility is shared. Responsible for the portion of the water service line between the curb box and the water meter.
Are there exceptions in Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh Water notes that in some instances its example diagram may not indicate who owns which section.
Is there any cost help for water service line in Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh Water reimburses the cost of replacing a privately-owned lead service line; reimbursement is determined by income of the property owner or tenant.
What is this based on for Pittsburgh, PA?
This verdict is sourced to Pipe Ownership and 3 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- Pipe Ownershipofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-09
- Lead Service Line Replacement Reimbursement Programofficial-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-09
- Lead Service Line Replacement Reimbursement Program (assistance)official-guide · verified-primary · accessed 2026-10-09
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