Step 1.
Your service line carries water to your house from the water main. Locate the service line coming into your home. This is typically in the basement. A shut‐off valve is installed on the pipe after this point of entry. You will need to test between the point of entry and the shut‐off valve. If the pipe is covered, you may need to expose a small test area. If the pipe is painted, you may need to use sand paper to expose the metal.

Water Service Testing Location is typically in the basement.

Step 2.
Use a key or coin to scratch the surface of the pipe. DO NOT use a sharp instrument to avoid punctures. If the scratch turns a shiny silver color, the line could be lead or galvanized.

Step 3.
Determine if a magnet is attracted to the pipe. If the magnet sticks, it is galvanized pipe.
Strong magnets work best.

Step 4.
Lightly tap the pipe and take note of the sound produced.

Step 5.
Compare your findings to the chart below.

Test Result Comparison Chart

Note: Plastic is a rigid material that can vary in color but is most commonly white.