Water Service Line Self-Inspection Instructions.2024-11-15T09:34:50-05:00
WATER SERVICE LINE SELF-INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS
Please follow the instructions below to determine the water service line material and submit the results by clicking the link in Step 4.
STEP 1 – LOCATE THE WATER SERVICE LINE
Water service lines are typically found coming into the location at the lowest level of the building. The water service line usually comes into the building either through the basement floor or low on the wall of the foundation. If the location does not have a basements/foundation, the line will likely be located within a crawl space or utility closet. The water service line will be connected to the water meter. If you are unable to locate the water service line please contact us.
STEP 2 – DETERMINE THE MATERIAL
For this step you will need a magnet and a *coin to test & compare the service line material.
– Magnet Test – Place the magnet on the water service line. Note whether the magnet sticks or falls off as this will help determine the material type.
– Scratch Test – Take the coin, place it so the side is touching the pipe; scratch through any corrosion that may have built up on the outside of the pipe. Note what the scratches look like as well as the color of the pipe.
– Compare – Use the info gathered from Magnet Test & the Scratch Test to compare with the examples below to determine the water service line material. The four most common water service line materials are Copper, Plastic, Galvanized, and Lead.
COPPER
Appearance: Copper pipe is the color as a penny. Older copper may have some green or blue color to it.
Scratch Test: Will be same color as a penny.
Magnet Test: Will NOTstick.
PLASTIC
Appearance: Pipe is smooth and usually white, black, red, or blue.
Scratch Test: Not easily scratch.
Magnet Test: Will NOTstick.
GALVANIZED
Appearance: Galvanized steel pipe is black, dull gray, or silver with threaded ends.
Scratch Test: Will have no noticeable scratches on the surface. Magnet Test: WILL Stick.
LEAD
While the use of lead pipes and solder became banned in 1986, older homes may still find lead present in the original plumbing.
Appearance: Lead pipe is dull gray or silver and soft.
Scratch Test: There will a noticeable shiny scratch on the surface.
Magnet Test: Will NOTstick.
*A flathead screwdriver or a house key can be used instead of a coin to perform the scratch test. Do not use a sharp object to perform the scratch test and be careful not to puncture a hole in the pipe.
STEP 3 – TAKE A PHOTO
After completing the scratch & magnet test, take a picture showing the material of the water service line after completing the scratch test. The scratched surface (on the section of the pipe between where the pipe enters the property and the water meter) should be visible in the photo.
