Water quality
How to identify lead pipes
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
Look at the pipe where your water line enters the house, before the main shutoff. Lead is dull gray, soft, and scratches to shiny silver with a key or coin; a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is also gray but a magnet sticks to it. Copper is reddish brown. If it looks like lead, check your utility's service line inventory and replacement program before hiring anyone.
Where to look
- Basement or crawlspace wall where the line enters, usually near the meter.
- In warm climates, at the meter box or where the line rises near the house.
- Check both sides of the meter: the utility's side and yours can differ.
The tests
| Test | Lead | Galvanized | Copper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Dull gray | Gray | Reddish brown |
| Scratch | Shiny silver | Gray metal | Bright copper |
| Magnet | No | Yes | No |
| Joints | Often a bulb-shaped wiped joint | Threaded | Soldered or compression |
If it's lead
Many utilities and states now replace lead lines at low or no cost and ban partial replacements. See lead service line replacement and state pages such as New Jersey, Michigan and Illinois.
Lowering exposure while you wait for replacement
If you have or suspect a lead service line, use only cold water for drinking, cooking and baby formula, since hot water dissolves more metal. When water has sat for several hours, run the kitchen tap until it turns noticeably colder, which brings in fresh water from the main; showering or running a load of laundry first also flushes the line. Clean faucet aerators every few months, because particles of lead can collect in the screen.
A filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead removal, on a pitcher or under the sink, is a practical stopgap; change cartridges on schedule or they stop working. Boiling water does not remove lead. Ask your water utility for a free or low-cost lead test and whether it has a replacement program: many utilities now inventory service lines and replace the private side for free or at reduced cost, especially when they replace the public side at the same time.
Tell everyone in the household, especially anyone pregnant or caring for young children, since they are most sensitive to lead. Pediatricians can order a simple blood lead test, and many health departments offer them free.
Common questions
Does a magnet stick to lead pipe?
No; a magnet sticks to galvanized steel, not lead or copper.
What does a lead pipe look like when scratched?
Bright, shiny silver under the dull gray surface.
Can I have lead on one side of the meter but not the other?
Yes; the utility and owner sections may be different materials.
Is it safe to scratch a lead pipe?
A light scratch to check is common guidance; don't cut, file or sand it, and wash your hands after.
What if I can't tell what my pipe is?
Check your water utility's service line inventory or ask a plumber to identify it.
Do I have to replace a lead pipe myself?
Check utility programs first; many replace lead lines at low or no cost.
General information; codes vary by location. See our editorial standards.