Check Your Line

How do I check my service line’s material?

To find out if you have a copper, lead or galvanized steel service on your property, you (or your landlord) can perform a Materials Verification Test on the water service line where it connects to the water meter to determine the material of the water service line on your property.

Please follow the steps below, and then send the results of the test along with your address to info@newarkleadserviceline.com. The City of Newark will include your results in their water service line inventory records.

What You Need

  • A house key or coin

  • A strong refrigerator magnet

Steps to Check Your Service Line

  1. Find the water meter on your property.

  2. Look for the pipe that comes through the outside wall of your home and connects to your meter.

  3. Use a key or coin to gently scratch the pipe (like you would scratch a lottery ticket). If the pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal first.

  4. Place the magnet on the pipe to see if it sticks to the pipe.

  5. Determine your pipe material and send your results and address to info@newarkleadserviceline.com

Your Test Results

copper.jpg

If your pipe is copper:
The pipe may appear dull brown on the outside but will be the color of a bright penny if gently scratched. A magnet won’t stick to a copper pipe.

lead.jpg

If your pipe is lead:
The pipe will appear dull and soft but will turn a shiny silver color when scratched. A magnet won’t stick to a lead pipe.

steel.jpg

If your pipe is galvanized steel:
The scratched area will remain a dull gray, and a magnet will stick to the surface. If you have a galvanized steel pipe, you may still have a lead gooseneck on your service line.

Please send your results and address to info@newarkleadserviceline.com

I performed a visual inspection of my lead service line. What if I am still not sure about my lead service line material?

If you tested your water service line, and are still unsure of your lead service line material, the City will visit your home to inspect your service line at no cost to you. To schedule an inspection, contact the Lead Service Line Replacement Team at (973) 733-6303 or email waterandsewer@ci.newark.nj.us

Are there other ways I can check to see if I have a lead service line?

For more information on identifying a lead service line, including NPR’s interactive tool for lead pipe identification, visit https://www.lslr-collaborative.org/identifying-service-line-material.html

Lead test kits to test the pipe can be purchased at your local hardware store. Look for an EPA recognized kit. You can purchase an EPA-approved lead test kit at https://www.epa.gov/lead/lead-test-kits or https://www.amazon.com/dp/b008bk15pu

For questions about lead in water or testing your water service line, contact the Lead Service Line Replacement Team at (973) 733-6303 or email waterandsewer@ci.newark.nj.us