How to Identify Your Water Service Material

Big Rack With Water Pipes Construction Material Warehouse

a water service meter in a basementThe water serving your home typically enters your residence through your basement or crawl space. The meter service is generally within 5-10 feet of entering the home.

Identify the type of pipe coming into the home/business through the wall or floor as either plastic, copper, galvanized steel or lead. If unable to visually determine the material type, hold a magnet against the pipe.

If the magnet sticks to the pipe, the material is galvanized steel and this step is completed. If the magnet does not stick and the pipe appears to be in good condition, gently scrape the pipe with a screwdriver or utility knife and use the characteristics below to help determine the material type.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If the pipe entering the floor or wall is corroded or in otherwise poor condition, only perform the magnet test.

Pipe Material Identifying Characteristics:

Copper – scraping a copper pipe will reveal a shiny “new penny” color and the pipe will not attract a magnet.

example of a copper pipe next to a shiny penny

Galvanized Iron – scraping a galvanized steel pipe will reveal a silver/white color and the pipe will attract a magnet.

example of a galvanized iron pipe

Lead – Scraping a lead pipe will reveal a silver/white color and the pipe will not attract a magnet.

example of a lead pipe

A plastic pipe should be easy to identify, can be many different colors and the pipe will not attract a magnet.

MPU

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