While Troy's water mains do not contain lead, the water service line running from the water main to your home may be made of lead, especially if your house was built before 1940.
Find out if You Have a Lead Service Line
Complete these steps and submit your results below. This information will help in planning a city-wide lead service line replacement program. View our Printable Instructions (PDF).
You will need a:
- Key or a coin
- Strong refrigerator magnet
Step 1: Locate your water service where it enters the building
This is typically found in the basement near your water meter. Testing should be done where the service enters the building, before the shut-off valve and the water meter. In some instances, a very short length of lead pipe may enter the house before transitioning to another material.
Step 2: Magnet test
Place a magnet on the pipe and see if it sticks.
Step 3: Scratch test
Carefully scratch the pipe (like you would a lottery ticket) with a key or a coin. Do not use a knife or other sharp tool. If pipe is painted, use sandpaper to expose the metal first.
Step 4: Take a photo
Take a photo of the scratched pipe and compare it to the images below. Be sure to show the pipe entering the building.
Types of Pipes