The MDC has developed an online survey to allow customers with Unknown water service line materials on the Customer Side to identify the materials themselves and self-report them electronically.
Follow the instructions below and submit the online survey in step 6.
Know your material already? Click here to report it
Step 1: Get a strong magnet and a key or coin.
Step 2: Find where your water service line enters the building. There will likely be a main shut-off valve in the basement where the pipe comes into the property.
Step 3: Compare your pipe to the plastic example photos and description below. If the pipe coming into your property matches the photos and description, it is plastic. If your pipe is plastic, skip to Step 5. If your pipe is not plastic, continue to Step 4.
Step 4: Test the material of the pipe coming from the street: scratch the pipe with the key or coin, then hold the magnet to the pipe and see if it sticks. Compare your results to the options below. Galvanized steel and lead look similar, so the magnet test is the easiest way to tell the difference.
Step 5: Take a photo at the location where the pipe comes through the concrete wall.
Step 6: Fill out the online survey here with the photo of your water service line. After you send your survey, we will review your photo, confirm your material, or ask for more information.
If you would like an MDC representative to look at your water service line in your basement, call 860-808-2347 to schedule an inspection.