What a lead, copper or galvanized water pipe looks like where it enters your home, and EPA's scratch-and-magnet check at the water meter.
Sources: EPA and CDC, linked inline. Last checked 2026-10-09. This guide is general information, not medical, legal or plumbing advice.
Where to look
The service line is the pipe that brings water from the water main into the building. It usually comes through the basement wall or floor (or a crawl space or utility closet) and connects to the water meter. Look at the section of pipe between where it enters the building and the shutoff valve or meter. EPA's interactive Protect Your Tap guide walks through this step by step: “All you need is a penny (or key) and a magnet.”
The scratch-and-magnet check
EPA researchers describe it this way (EPA): “Lead is a dull, soft, non-magnetic material that turns a shiny silver color when scratched.” “If the scratched area turns yellow orange, it is likely copper. But if it turns shiny silver, it may be lead or galvanized iron. To distinguish between lead and galvanized iron, the resident could place a magnet on the pipe. If the magnet sticks to the pipe, it's likely iron and not lead.”
| Material | Scratch (coin or key) | Magnet |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Soft; scratches easily to shiny silver | Does not stick |
| Copper | Penny-colored | Does not stick |
| Galvanized steel (iron) | Hard to scratch | Sticks |
Summary of EPA's scratch-test description and Know Your Plumbing fact sheet, which also notes that a lead service line may have “a bulb-like shape at the connection” and that old galvanized pipe can be “dark brown, gray, or even black colored on the surface.”
Other clues and limits
EPA notes that “Lead pipes are more likely to be found in older cities and homes built before 1986” (EPA). A check at the meter only shows the part of the line inside your home; the part under the street or yard can be a different material. EPA: “Even if you know your service line is not lead, lead can be found in other plumbing materials and faucets. Testing your drinking water is the only way to confirm if lead is present.” (EPA Protect Your Tap)
If what you see doesn't match your utility's record, tell the utility. Many utilities ask customers to report or photograph the pipe so they can update the inventory.
Check your address: look up your service line in your utility's published inventory.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tell if my pipe is lead without a plumber?
EPA's Protect Your Tap guide describes a check you can do with a coin or key and a magnet: lead is soft, scratches to shiny silver and a magnet does not stick to it. Confirm the result with your water utility.
Does a non-lead pipe at my meter mean my water has no lead?
No. EPA says lead can be found in other plumbing materials and faucets, and that testing your drinking water is the only way to confirm if lead is present.