Checking Your Service Line Material

Take the following steps to check and report your service line material:


What you'll need:

· House key, coin, flathead screwdriver, or paint scraper
· Strong refrigerator magnet

Steps to check your service line:

  1. Find the water meter in your basement and look at the service line that enters the water meter.
  2. Use the house key, coin, flathead screwdriver, or paint scraper to carefully scratch the pipe surface.
  3. Compare the scratched area to the following descriptions:
    1. If it looks shiny and silver, the pipe is made of lead. A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.
    2. If it is a dull gray color with no noticeable scratch on the surface, the pipe is galvanized steel. A magnet will stick to galvanized steel pipe.
    3. If it is the same color as a penny, the pipe is copper. A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe. 
    4. If it is smooth and red, blue, white, or black, the pipe is plastic. A magnet will not stick to a plastic pipe.
  4. Report your service line material using the survey below.

Westfield Service Line Material Identification

Survey Form:

Click here to complete your survey with a mobile device, or computer
Note: The survey link will take you to an external site. Information submitted on the survey will be collected  and maintained by a third party who is assisting the City of Westfield in completing the EPA required Lead Service Line Inventory.

Click here for printable instructions on checking your service line

Unable to complete the inspection on your own? 

If you are unable to complete the inspection, the Westfield DPW-Water Division or a certified contractor will be conducting home visits to inspect your service line. This check will tell us the material of your customer-owned service line, including if it is lead or galvanized (which may have lead). 

The day we visit your home to check your line, we will leave information with you telling you the material of your service line. Please retain for your records. If the line is lead or galvanized steel, you will receive additional information on how to protect yourself and your family from lead in drinking water with home flushing (running water) information.

Prior to the inspection, you'll receive a flyer like this. When you do, please contact us at 413-572-6226 or water.dept@cityofwestfield.org to schedule a day and time.