Guide to Identifying Your Service Line Material

Understanding what type of service line connects your home to the public water system is important for maintaining safe drinking water. Here’s a simple guide from Southington Water Department to help you identify the material of your service line using visual and practical tests.

Step-by-Step Process for Identifying Your Service Line Material

  1. Locate the Water Line
    Begin by finding where the water line enters your home. This is usually found in the basement, utility room, or near the water meter.

  2. Observe the Color
    Take note of the color of the pipe entering your home. This is one of the first clues to identifying the material.

  3. Perform a Scratch Test
    Gently scratch the surface of the pipe using a coin or a flathead screwdriver. Observe the color and texture of the scratch to determine the material.

  4. Use a Magnet
    Hold a magnet to the pipe and see if it sticks. This can help further distinguish between materials.

  5. Compare Your Findings with the Key Below
    Match the characteristics of your pipe to one of the descriptions below to identify the material.

Key to Common Service Line Materials

 

  • Lead Service Line

    • Color: Gray or silver
    • Scratch Test: Soft and easy to scratch; shiny and silver underneath.
    • Magnet Test: Magnets will not stick to lead.
    • Other Characteristics: Lead pipes often widen at the base and form a "bulb" shape.

    r/Plumbing - a metal pipes with a wire attached to it

    		 How to Find Out If Your Home Has Lead Service Lines

    Galvanized Steel Service Line

    • Color: Gray or silver
    • Scratch Test: No visible scratch; harder surface.
    • Magnet Test: Magnets will stick to galvanized steel.
    • Other Characteristics: Galvanized pipes usually have threaded connections.

     

    		 A silver-blue colored galvanized steel service line  

    Copper Service Line

    • Color: Dull brown, may have greenish corrosion.
    • Scratch Test: Reveals a shiny, copper color similar to a penny.
    • Magnet Test: Magnets will not stick to copper.
    • Other Characteristics: Copper pipes may show signs of green corrosion.

     

    Brass Service Line

    • Color: Brown, possibly with green corrosion spots.
    • Scratch Test: Reveals a gold color underneath.
    • Magnet Test: Magnets will not stick to brass.
    • Other Characteristics: Brass pipes often have threaded connections.

     

    		  

    Plastic Service Line

    • Color: Smooth surface; can be red, blue, black, or white.
    • Scratch Test: No metallic scratch.
    • Magnet Test: Magnets will not stick to plastic.
    • Other Characteristics: Plastic pipes are typically smooth and come in various colors.
    		 Water seeping in through main water line pvc pipe area. : r/Renovations  

 

If you’re unsure about the material of your service line or need further assistance, please contact the Southington Water Department at 860-628-5593 or email us at [email protected].