Water Main / Service Line Repair

I tested my new home for lead in the water since we have a lead water main, and made the unpleasant discover that we do have low levels in our home. Being that I have small children, I’d like to quickly find someone who can do whatever is needed to make the water completely and permanently safe, likely replacing the main and service line (added bonus here is that it should dramatically increase my water pressure to do so anyway).

Does anyone have any recommendations for who to use or stay away from for this kind of work in Brooklyn? I’ve seen older posts on this, but people didn’t name the bad or recommended companies for some reason, which is not helpful.

Any ballpark estimates on what you’ve seen cost wise would also be helpful if you can provide, though I do think I’ve seen $3500-5000 quoted in older posts about similar topics.

Thanks!

garaypetra17

in General Discussion 6 years and 5 months ago

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brooklyngirl | 6 years and 5 months ago

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Balkan might be the cheapest (we used them when our line needed to be replaced all the way out to the street), but they were incredibly, painfully slow. There was a lot of one-guy-actively-working-four-guys-watching going on. It was infuriating.

garaypetra17 | 6 years and 5 months ago

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I did let the water run when I tested, and I know I have a lead main and service line, so it is what it is. The level of lead is at 3 or 4 PPM, which is below 5PPM (where there is heightened risk), but I don’t really want to play games with it given that I have toddlers in the house. I’m going to try Balkan for sure, really appreciate the help.

Has anyone ever gone the route of installing a whole home filter instead? Wondering if there are alternatives I’m not familiar with.

RobertGMarvin

in General Discussion 6 years and 5 months ago

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Did you let the water run for a whie befofre taking the sample to test?

yudashasom | 6 years and 5 months ago

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Lots of factors to take into account. Is the city main on the same side of the street as you, is there a tree, how deep is your front yard/sidewalk? $3500 to 7500 range is within reason. NO ONE will beat Balkan’s prices, no one.

Low levels of lead are not dangerous. I’d wait to replace it until it breaks. There’s a lot of old lead mains out there.

Arkady | 6 years and 5 months ago

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A neighbor of mine was very pleased w/ similar work by Main Man.

whalien | 6 years and 5 months ago

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Balkan should be able to do it. They were amazing and beat most of the other estimates we found. They had to replace out entire sewer line all the way out to the street from our basement. Engineering feat like no other. I’m almost certain they would also do the water. Ask to speak to Frank Marte. He was very helpful.