Lead Water Service Line: How to Check What Your Pipe Is Made Of
Older homes can have older pipe. Here is how to find out what your water service line is made of, and what to do with the answer.
Referral service: Gardena Water Line Pros is not a plumbing contractor. Your call may be connected to an independent, third-party service provider who sets its own availability, pricing and terms. Read our referral disclosure.
The short answer
You can often tell what a service line is made of by looking at the pipe where it enters the house and doing two simple checks: a scratch test and a magnet test. These checks only identify pipe material. They do not tell you whether lead is in your drinking water. EPA says testing your drinking water is the only way to confirm if lead is present.
What Golden State Water says
Golden State Water, the water utility for Gardena, has a service material inventory page. It states that the utility has determined its distribution system does not have lead or galvanized service lines that require replacement, and that this includes customer-owned lines. It adds that if lead pipes are identified on a property, the customer will be notified within 30 days. The page does not describe a way to look up your own address, so if you want your line verified, the utility says to email [email protected] or call its 24-hour customer service line at 909-394-2272.
That statement is about the utility's inventory. It doesn't replace checking your own home if you have a specific concern, for example an older property or plumbing that has been changed over the years.
Where to look
The water service line runs from the meter to your house. The easiest place to see it is where it comes out of the ground or through the wall near the main shut-off valve, often close to the front hose bib or in a garage or utility area. The part you can see there is usually a short length of pipe before the valve.
A quick material check
EPA's Protect Your Tap guide uses a coin or key and a magnet. In general, here is how the common materials differ:
| Material | Looks like | Magnet | Light scratch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Reddish-brown or green, often with soldered fittings | Does not stick | Shows shiny copper color |
| Galvanized steel | Gray, often rusty or rough, threaded fittings | Sticks | Stays gray metal |
| Lead | Dull gray, soft looking, may have a bulge where joined | Does not stick | Shows shiny silver |
| Plastic (PVC, PEX, polybutylene) | Usually blue, black, white or gray, smooth | Does not stick | Scratches like plastic |
Be careful. Scratch only a small spot with a key or coin, don't use a knife or file, and wash your hands afterward. If you think you have a lead pipe, don't rely on this check alone. Contact the utility and consider a water test.
If the pipe is galvanized
Galvanized steel can corrode from the inside, which may restrict flow and lower pressure over time. See our guide on galvanized and polybutylene water lines for the signs and the replacement conversation.
Test the water, not just the pipe
If you're worried about lead in drinking water, EPA says testing is the only way to confirm it. EPA lists certified laboratories that test drinking water. You can also contact Golden State Water about water quality questions.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Only a qualified inspector or lab can confirm what a specific pipe or water supply contains. Gardena Water Line Pros is a referral service, not a plumbing contractor.
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Frequently asked questions
Does Golden State Water say there are lead service lines in its system?
On its service material inventory page, Golden State Water states it has determined that its distribution system does not have lead or galvanized service lines that require replacement, including customer-owned lines. It also says it will notify customers within 30 days if it identifies lead pipes on a property. You can ask the utility to verify your own line.
Can I confirm lead in my drinking water by looking at the pipe?
No. EPA says testing your drinking water is the only way to confirm whether lead is present. A pipe check only helps you learn what the pipe is made of.
What does galvanized steel pipe look like?
Galvanized steel is gray and often rusty or bumpy, and a magnet sticks to it. It is a different problem from lead, but it can corrode from the inside and restrict flow over time.
Who do I ask about my service line material in Gardena?
Start with Golden State Water. The utility says material verification can be requested by email at [email protected] or by calling its 24-hour customer service line at 909-394-2272.
Replacing an old water service line?
Call to be connected with an independent provider, when one is available, to look at your line.
Referral service: Gardena Water Line Pros is not a plumbing contractor. Your call may be connected to an independent, third-party service provider who sets its own availability, pricing and terms. Read our referral disclosure.