While replacement of every curb box or valve box may not be required during a lead service line replacement, the work presents an excellent opportunity to evaluate and upgrade existing access infrastructure. When excavation exposes existing curb stops and associated components, replacing aging, damaged or deteriorated materials at the same time may be more practical and cost-effective.

LSLR projects also provide an opportunity to consider the materials and configurations used for underground access and protection. Depending on utility specifications and site conditions, cast iron, plastic, or hybrid solutions may offer advantages.

When existing boxes can remain in service but components are damaged, Bingham & Taylor offers replacement products including repair lids, which are designed to restore access without needing to replace the whole top section. A variety of configurations are available to accommodate a wide range of scenarios and conditions.

Each material has its own advantages and considerations when selecting underground utility access boxes.

Cast iron has a long history of proven performance in waterworks applications. Its strength, durability, and ability to withstand demanding service conditions make it a dependable choice. However, not all cast iron products are manufactured to the same standards. Wall thickness, casting quality, and manufacturing consistency can affect durability and resistance to breakage. While lower-cost options may offer an attractive initial price, utilities and contractors should consider product quality, reliability, and long-term performance when evaluating their options.

Plastic offers advantages including reduced weight, corrosion resistance, and ease of handling. However, not all plastic access boxes are created equal. Wall thickness, material composition, and product design can significantly affect performance. Bingham & Taylor’s Bison™ thick-walled plastic products are engineered to provide a robust alternative, offering strength and durability without the weight of cast iron.

Hybrid solutions combine the advantages of both materials. Typically featuring a cast iron rim and lid of top section with a plastic bottom section, these designs provide strength and durability where it’s needed at the surface while reducing overall weight and potentially lowering material costs.

Bingham & Taylor offers high-quality American-made cast iron, Bison, and hybrid underground access products. Learn more about choosing the right material for your application or explore our curb box and valve box product lines.

Not necessarily. Whether a meter box or meter pit needs to be replaced during lead service line replacement depends on the location of the water meter, the condition of the existing systems, and utility requirements.

LSLR projects can present municipalities and utilities with an opportunity to upgrade metering systems and access. Where outdoor meters are involved, improvements may include accessibility and location or adding automated meter reading and advanced metering infrastructure systems. This may require upgrading to modern products that better support AMI/AMR transmission, such as Bingham & Taylor’s Maverick® composite meter lids.

Bingham & Taylor offers a range of meter access solutions, including light-weight but durable meter pits and heavy-duty MBX meter boxes. Explore our meter access products to learn more.

Many federally funded lead service line replacement (LSLR) projects are subject to domestic sourcing requirements, including the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) and American Iron and Steel (AIS) provisions.

Requirements vary by funding program, so utilities and contractors should verify applicable regulations and product documentation before purchasing.

Beyond regulatory compliance, choosing American-made products supports domestic manufacturing, American jobs, and the skilled workforce that produces the infrastructure our communities depend on. Domestic manufacturing also provides greater visibility into production processes, quality standards, and material sourcing while reducing reliance on overseas supply chains.

Bingham & Taylor and our parent company, Charlotte Pipe and Foundry, have a longstanding commitment to American manufacturing. We believe the products used to build and maintain America’s water infrastructure should be manufactured here whenever possible. That commitment is reflected in our continued investment in domestic manufacturing and our dedication to producing quality products for the waterworks industry.

Learn more about our commitment to American manufacturing and domestic sourcing compliance.