How to Check for Lead or Galvanized Steel Water Services

The typical water service pipe materials in the Village of Palatine are Copper, Lead, Galvanized Steel, and Plastic (rare). The vast majority of water services in Palatine are made of copper. Homes built prior to the 1960's have the greatest potential for lead or galvanized water services.

The Village gathered water service material data in conjunction with the 2015 water meter replacement project. The inventory data is linked to this GIS map application that residents can use to begin the process of identifying their water service material. Lookup your address using the magnifying glass at the top right corner of the map.

The next step in determining your home's water service material is to physically check your water service pipe. In order to verify your water service material, you will need a flathead screwdriver, key or a coin and a magnet, then follow these steps: 

  1. Find the water meter in your home. Look at the pipe that comes through the outside wall or floor of your home and connects to your water meter. Carefully scratch the pipe (like you would a lottery ticket) with a screwdriver, key or coin. If the pipe is painted you will have to scratch off the paint layer. Do not use a knife or other sharp tool. Take care not to puncture the pipe.
  2. Copper Pipe. If the scraped area is copper in color, like a penny, and a magnet does not stick to it, your service line is most likely copper.Copper Pipe
  3. Lead Pipe. If the scraped area is shiny and silver in color, and a magnet does not stick to it, your service line is most likely lead. Your property qualifies for participation in the Lead and Galvanized Steel Water Service Replacement Program.Lead Pipe
  4. Galvanized Steel Pipe. If the scraped area remains a dull gray color, and a magnet sticks to the surface, your service line is most likely galvanized steel. Your property qualifies for participation in the Lead and Galvanized Steel Water Service Replacement Program.Galvanized Steel Pipe

If you are still not sure of the material after performing the above procedure, you may send a photo of your meter with the adjacent piping to publicworks@palatine.il.us and the Department of Public Works Engineering Division will review it further.

Check your address on our interactive GIS map application to identify if your home may have a lead service line.

lead map

Is your address identified as having a lead service line? Learn more about our Lead and Galvanized Steel Water Service Line Replacement Cost Sharing Program here.