Follow the steps below.

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 sandpaper to expose the metal.

 

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

 

Step 3. See 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

	Lead	Copper	Galvanized
Scratch Test Result	Shiny silver	Penny-colored	Dull to shiny silver
Magnet Test Result	No attraction	No attraction	Attraction
Tapping Test Result	Dull noise	Metallic ringing	Metallic ringing

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