Steps to Safely Flush Your Household Plumbing After Water Line Construction

After construction on your water service line, it is important that you follow these instructions to thoroughly flush your household plumbing for at least 30 minutes before anyone in your house drinks water or turns on the hot water in any faucets. This will help minimize your exposure to lead in your water.
For more information about water safety, usage of NSF-approved water filters, and other questions you may have, please visit pgh2o.com/lead-facts, call the Lead Help Desk at 412-255-8987, or email [e-mail].
FLUSHING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Throw away any ice in your freezer. If you have an automatic ice maker, shut it off.
Tip: Do not use any filtered water from your refrigerator or any other source until you complete the flushing.
2. Unscrew and remove the aerators from all of your sinks and taps.
Tip: If your aerator is difficult to remove, you may need to use a pair of pliers.
3. Once your aerators are removed, separate the parts and remove any debris. Soak the parts in white vinegar and scrub them with a brush.
4. Starting at the lowest level of your home and working your way up, fully turn on all the cold water taps in your sinks, tubs, and showers.
Tip: Make sure to turn on any taps and hose spigots on the outside of your house as well.
5. After you turn on the last tap, allow all the water run for at least 30 minutes.
6. Starting at the highest level of your home and working your way down, shut off each of your water taps.
After completing these steps, the 30-minute flushing process is complete. If you received a lead water test kit, allow your water to sit for 6 to 8 hours and carefully follow the instructions provided to take and submit your water sample.
Please be advised that lead levels in your water may be elevated for up to six months following construction.