Identify Your Service Line

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

Graphic showing a typical water service entering a residential basement.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

Copper service line entering basement.Copper pipe being scratched with a copper penny.

Copper Pipe

  • Magnet does not stick.
  • Scratched area is shiny and copper colored.
  • Joints are soldered.
  • Pipe is flexible, often with visible curves.
  • Exterior is brown, sometimes with green or dark brown corrosion.

Lead service line entering basement.Lead pipe being scratched with a copper penny.

Lead Pipe

  • Magnet does not stick.
  • Scratched area is shiny and silver.
  • Joints often have a distinctive bulb or flare.
  • Pipe is flexible, often with visible curves.
  • Exterior is dull gray.

Galvanized steel pipe with a magnet attached.

Galvanized Steel Pipe

  • Magnet sticks to pipe.
  • Scratched area remains dull gray.
  • Joints are threaded (screw together).
  • Pipe comes in straight, rigid sections.
  • Exterior is dark gray or black.

Other Materials

  • Brass pipes are similar in color to copper pipes but have threaded connections. A magnet will not stick to a brass pipe. If your pipe has threaded connections and is golden in color, your service line is brass.
  • Plastic pipes come in a variety of colors, typically white, black, blue, or red. A magnet will not stick to a plastic pipe.

Submit Your Results

  2. CitySealHighResLead Test - Submit Your Results

    Troy’s water mains do not contain lead, however 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.

    Please use the form below to submit your test results to the Department of Public Utilities.

    photo | By submitting a photo, we can verify your pipe material and avoid the need for a future appointment. If you are having difficulty taking or uploading a photo, please email maps@troyny.gov

  13. Are you the owner of this residence*

  21. By submitting a photo, we can verify your pipe material and avoid the need for a future appointment. If you are having difficulty taking or uploading a photo, please email Maps Division.

  23. Please submit any questions or comments

    24. Leave This Blank:

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