Check Your Pipes
Do I have a Lead Water Service Line?
Most homeowners have no idea what type of water line brings water into their home — and that’s completely normal. For decades, Chicago and many surrounding suburbs used lead pipes for residential service lines, and today, those same pipes are often buried underground or tucked behind walls where you can’t easily see them. Over time, paint, corrosion, and repairs can make them even harder to recognize.
This guide walks you step-by-step through how to safely identify your service line, what materials to look for, and simple tests you can do yourself — like the scratch test and magnet test. You’ll also learn when it’s best to stop and call a licensed plumber or city inspector, especially if you suspect your line might contain lead. Knowing what’s under your floor or in your basement is the first step toward protecting your family’s health and planning for replacement.
| Type | Appearance | Safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Smooth gray, silvery when scratched | ❌ No | Most common in older Chicagoland homes |
| Galvanized Steel | Dull gray, rough surface | ⚠️ Maybe | Can release lead from old fittings |
| Copper | Brown/orange color | ✅ Yes | Preferred replacement material |
If your home was built before 1986, there’s a good chance lead is present somewhere in the plumbing system.
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1 — Locate Your Water Service Line
Find where the water pipe comes through the wall or floor near:
The water meter
The main shut-off valve
The front wall facing the street
Wipe away dust or old paint so you can see the metal surface clearly.
Tip: Take a photo before and after scratching — it helps when you speak to a plumber or your village.
Step 2 — The Scratch Test
Use a coin or key to gently scratch the pipe surface:
Dull, gray, and shiny when scratched → Lead
Brownish/red or copper-colored → Copper (safe)
Dark gray, rough surface → Galvanized steel (may still contain downstream lead)
Lead pipes are soft — the coin leaves a bright silvery line.
Step 3 — The Magnet TestUse any household magnet:
Does NOT stick → Likely Lead
Magnet sticks → Galvanized steel (steel attracts)
Lead never attracts a magnet.