Water Quality ยป Lead Center

Post-Replacement Flushing and Filter Instructions

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WHAT YOU NEED TO DO AFTER SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT
Right After the New Service Line is Installed
  • Complete the whole building flushing process.
  • Use a pitcher filter.
  • Clean faucet strainers/screens.
For 3 Months After installation
  • Perform whole building flushing every other week.
  • Perform 5-minute daily flushing.
  • Use a pitcher filter.
  • Clean strainers/screens once a month.
For 6 Months After installation
  • Perform 5-minute daily flushing.
  • Use a pitcher filter.
  • Clean strainers/screens once a month.
IMPORTANT
You MUST run cold water through your building's plumbing after replacement before using the water.
Flushing Your Building
You will experience a temporary increase in lead levels in your water from particles dislodged during construction.
  1. Starting with the lower level and working your way to the upper level, fully open high flow cold water faucets such as utility sinks, bathtubs, and showers (maximum of three faucets).
  2. Once the last faucet is open, let the water run for 10 minutes.
  3. At the end of the 10 minutes, turn of the faucets starting with the lower level, working your way up to the upper level.
  4. Remove and rinse/clean out strainers/screens on all kitchen and bathroom faucets.
  5. Flush each kitchen and bathroom cold water faucet, one at a time, for 5 minutes with the strainers/screens removed.
  6. Replace clean strainers/screens to the faucets
Flush your building every other week for 3 months after replacement. Remove and clean faucet strainers/screens once a month.
Sampling After Service Line Replacement
We will reach out in 3 to 6 months with instructions for how to receive a free lead test kit.
  1. Follow the steps to request a kit.
  2. Once you receive it, follow the test kit instructions to collect tap water samples and return the filled bottles for free laboratory testing.
  3. We will tell you the sample results.
Cleaning Your Faucet Strainers/Screens
The strainer/screen is usually at the tip of the faucet and can be screwed off to clean.
  1. Remove faucet strainers/screens from all taps.
  2. Rinse the faucet strainers/screens.
  3. Soak the strainers/screens in vinegar for 5 minutes and then clean with a small brush. Rinse with clean water.
  4. Run the water without strainers/screens for 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Put the faucet strainers/screens back in place.
  6. Complete these steps once a month for 6 months. After 6 months, clean debris every 3 months.
5-Minute Daily Flushing
  1. Run cold water through the plumbing in your house for 3 to 5 minutes each morning (or if you haven't used it for six hours) before drinking. The longer the water stays in the plumbing, the more lead it may have. Taking a shower, running the dishwasher, or flushing a toilet will flush your lines.
  2. Continue 5-minute daily flushes for at least 6 months after we replace your lead service line.
Using a Pitcher Filter for Your Drinking Water
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency strongly recommends using a pitcher certified to NSF 53/42 standards to filter the water you drink and cook with, for 6 months after replacing lead water pipes.
  1. We will give you a pitcher filter with a 6-month filter cartridge supply right after replacing your service line.
  2. Follow the package instructions on how to use the filter and how/when to replace the cartridge.
Questions?