In London, Ontario the City owns the water service from the main to the property line and the homeowner owns the part on private property. The City encourages owners to replace their lead portion, then replaces the public portion at no cost. Its Lead Service Extension Replacement Loan Program lets owners of homes with up to three units put the cost on the property tax bill over ten years (as checked September 2026).
- The City owns and maintains the pipe from the main to the property line; the private part is the owner's plumbing.
- Replace your lead portion under permit and the City replaces its portion at no cost to you.
- The loan program puts the private cost on the property tax bill over ten years, for homes of up to three units.
- The loan does not reimburse owners who have already replaced their line.
- The City offers free lead testing of tap water in older homes, and says there is little cause for concern in houses built after 1952.
01 /What does London own, and what do you own?
The City of London says the pipes from the water main to the property line are owned and maintained by the City, and the part on private property belongs to the homeowner as part of the household plumbing. The City states there is little cause for concern about a lead service if the house was built after 1952, which makes the check straightforward for most of the city: pre-1953 houses first.
You can confirm the material at the entry with the identification guide. The Lead Water Line Check applies London's 1952 marker.
02 /How does the City replace its side?
London encourages owners to hire a contractor to replace their portion; the City then completes the process by replacing the public portion at no cost to the homeowner. The owner is responsible for obtaining the plumbing permits for the private work. That order, private first and public right after, is what keeps the gap between the two replacements short.
- Test and confirm
Use the free lead test and check the pipe at the entry.
- Hire and permit
Hire a contractor and obtain the plumbing permit for the private portion.
- Replace your portion
The contractor replaces the pipe on private property.
- City portion
The City replaces the public portion at no cost to you.
03 /How does the London loan work?
Under the Lead Service Extension Replacement Loan Program, you can apply the cost of replacing your portion to your property tax bill and pay it back over ten years. The program covers homes with up to three dwelling units. It does not reimburse owners who have already replaced their line, so apply before the work. The City's page did not state a maximum amount or an interest rate when checked; ask before you sign a contract.
The cost page compares London's tax-bill loan with Hamilton's water-bill loan, Regina's deferral and the grants in Guelph and Québec City.
04 /How do I get the free lead test in London?
The City offers free lead testing of tap water for Londoners who live in older homes. Contact leadtesting@london.ca or 519-661-2489 extension 5780. Follow the sampling instructions exactly, because lead readings depend on how long the water sat in the pipe; the testing guide explains the common methods.
- Book the free test and check the pipe at the entry.
- If the private side is lead, get written quotes and apply for the loan before any work.
- Obtain the plumbing permit and replace your portion.
- Confirm the date for the City's portion and filter until it is done.
For quotes on the private portion, send your details. For water system questions, the City's address is water@london.ca.
05 /What should a London owner check before hiring?
London's program is straightforward, but the loan's timing rule makes the order of steps important: the loan does not reimburse lines already replaced, so the application has to come before the contract is signed. A few checks save time.
- Confirm eligibility: the loan covers homes with up to three dwelling units; ask about a larger building before assuming it applies.
- Ask the maximum and the rate: the City's page did not state them when checked.
- Choose the method: a trench across a lawn, or trenchless pits at the property line and the house; see trenchless water line replacement.
- Plan the entry: most jobs reuse the old foundation opening; a new one needs a sleeve and seal.
- Replace the main shut-off: an old valve at the entry is worth replacing while the pipe is being connected.
Ask each contractor to price the private portion only, from the property line to the entry, with restoration listed separately, so quotes compare cleanly.
FAQQuestions people ask
Does London replace the city part of a lead water service for free?
Yes. Once you replace your portion, the City replaces the public portion at no cost to the homeowner.
Can I put lead pipe replacement on my London tax bill?
Yes, through the Lead Service Extension Replacement Loan Program, repaid over ten years, for homes with up to three units.
Will London's loan pay me back for work already done?
No. The program does not reimburse owners who have already replaced their line.
Which London homes might have lead water services?
Older homes; the City says there is little cause for concern if the house was built after 1952.
Do I need a permit to replace my lead water service in London?
Yes. The City says the owner is responsible for getting the plumbing permits for the private portion.
Can a triplex owner in London use the lead service loan?
Yes, the loan program covers homes with up to three dwelling units. Ask the City about larger buildings.
Who do I contact about lead testing in London?
The City's lead testing contact is leadtesting@london.ca or 519-661-2489 extension 5780.
