Looking for a plumber to replace a lead water line in Wilkes-Barre, PA? Describe your project once and up to three licensed plumbers who work in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County get back to you with a quote. It's free and there is no obligation.
Wilkes-Barre is home to about 44,661 people (2024 Census Bureau estimate), a stable community (+0.7% since 2020). With 6,521 people per sq mi, it is a densely built-up area. Homes built before the mid-1980s, and especially before 1950, are the most likely to have a lead or galvanized service line.
Wilkes-Barre at a glance
- Population (Census Bureau estimate, 2024)
- 44,661 (+0.7% since 2020)
- Rank in Pennsylvania
- 11th of 1,013 cities and towns
- Land area
- 6.8 sq mi
- Population density
- 6,521 people per sq mi (densely built-up)
- Type
- City (Wilkes-Barre city)
- Main county
- Luzerne County
What to check before hiring in Wilkes-Barre
- Ask your utility first: it holds the service line inventory and may run a replacement program with free or shared costs.
- License and permit: in Pennsylvania, the work is done by a licensed plumber or contractor under a permit.
- Price drivers: line length and depth, sidewalk or driveway crossings, and the connection inside the home.
- Meanwhile: follow your utility's advice and use a filter certified for lead.
Useful official resources
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EPA: lead in drinking water
Health effects and how to reduce exposure.
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EPA: lead
Federal information on lead hazards.
Services available in Wilkes-Barre
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Lead service line replacement
Replacement of the private side of a lead or galvanized service line, coordinated with the water utility.
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Service line material check
Identification of the service line material at the meter and the entry point, for the utility inventory or a purchase.
Frequently asked questions in Wilkes-Barre
How much does lead line replacement cost in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
It depends on the line length and depth and on what your utility covers. Describe your home: plumbers who serve Wilkes-Barre reply with a quote.
Will my utility replace my line?
Many utilities have programs to replace lead lines; check with yours before hiring, as they may cover all or part of the cost.
How long does it take?
A typical replacement takes a day, plus the permit and the coordination with the utility.
Which licensed plumbers will contact me?
Up to three independent licensed plumbers who serve Wilkes-Barre and the surrounding area, chosen for the service you need. Your details are shared only with your consent.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (Vintage 2024) and Gazetteer Files (public domain), imported on 10/31/2026. Figures describe the incorporated place or county as published; they are shown for information only.