If you have exposed pipe either in your meter box, near a pressure reducing valve, or going into your home, you can inspect the service line yourself or have it done by a licensed plumber.

Here are some steps to follow:

    1. Clean the pipe. Start by wiping with a cloth. If there is a lot of dirt or corrosion, you may need to use a wire brush or a fine-grit sandpaper to expose the actual pipe material.
    2. If necessary, carefully scratch the outer layer with a hard tool like a screwdriver to expose bare metal.
    3. Use a strong magnet to see if the material is magnetic.
    4. Take pictures of the pipe showing the pipe material.
    5. Submit this information to SAWS using the Service Line Reporting Form.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You are inspecting your home’s water service line material at your own risk. SAWS is not responsible for any damage, injuries, or errors in material identification.

How to identify the different service line materials

PVC, PEX or other plastic pipe

  • Blue, white or gray plastic pipe that may be rigid or flexible.
  • Not magnetic.

Classification: Non-Lead

PVC pipe

PEX Pipe

Copper pipe

  • Reddish copper colored metal (like a U.S. penny).
  • May initially look like iron, but the scratch test will easily expose copper color.
  • Not magnetic

Classification: Non-Lead

Scratch reveals copper material Green patina from oxidation on copper pipe

Copper pipe

Galvanized pipe

  • Iron or steel pipe with a protective zinc coating to prevent rust.
  • Shiny gray/silver material for steel-based pipe.
  • Brown or reddish for iron-based pipe.
  • Magnetic.

Classification: Either Non-Lead (if never exposed to lead in water) or Galvanized Pipe Requiring Replacement (if previously exposed to lead in water). A further review of historical records regarding upstream pipe materials will help us determine the proper classification.

Galvanized steel pipe

Galvanized steel pipe  Magnet will stick to steel pipes

Lead pipe

  • Dull gray color when scratched.
  • Non-magnetic.

Classification: Lead

Galvanized iron pipe  Magnet will stock to iron pipes

Did you or a licensed plumber perform a service line inspection?

You need to report the inspection results to SAWS to meet local, state and federal requirements. It is city code for this information to be reported when a licensed plumber exposes a customer’s service line.

 

Service Line Reporting Form