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If you have difficulty completing the survey on a computer or mobile device, please call our Water Department for assistance at 708-756-5397 or email us at WaterServiceLineSurvey@chicagoheights.net.
Locate the water service line coming into the home or building. This is typically found in the basement. An inlet valve and the water meter are installed on the pipe after the point of entry. For this survey, we will be identifying the pipe material listed as "SURVEY AREA" shown in the picture: "Water Service Line".
Use a key or the flat edge of a screwdriver to scratch through any corrosion that may have built up on the outside of the pipe. DO NOT use a knife or other sharp object to do the scratch test and take care not to puncture a hole in the pipe.
Compare your findings to the illustrations below.
The Scratch Test:
If the scraped area is SHINY & SILVER, your service line is LEAD.
The Magnet Test:
A magnet will not stick to a lead pipe.
The Tapping Test:
Tapping a lead pipe with a coin will produce a dull noise.
If the scraped area is COPPER in COLOR, like a penny, your service line is COPPER.
A magnet will not stick to a copper pipe.
Tapping a copper pipe with a coin will produce a metallic ringing noise.
If the scraped area is DULL & GRAY, your service line is GALVANIZED STEEL.
A magnet will stick to a galvanized pipe.
Tapping a galvanized pipe with a coin will produce a metallic ringing noise.
Identify your material type.
You have reached the end of this survey. Please submit your results. Thank you for helping the City gather this important data!
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