This is a brief description of the types and properties of typical materials used for water service lines. As plastics are not typically approved in NYC they have been deliberately omitted. Knowing the type and properties of your water line can help determine the condition of the service and whether repairs or a replacement is required.
Lead - Lead water main lines
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Lead has not been an approved material for water main services in over 60 years. Lead in drinking water does not occur naturally; it does not come from rivers, reservoirs, etc. If lead is present in a house supply system it typically emanates from the main distribution system or house plumbing.
There are various services that test for lead inexpensively. If a house is serviced by a lead water main it is strongly suggested that before using water the tap be run for 15 to 30 seconds when the water has not been run for 6 hours or so. This precaution will help eliminate the possibility of ingesting lead which could lead to lead poisoning.
There are a few ways to determine if a water main line is lead. Lead is characterized by a silver color, is malleable, and has a round shaped "wipe joint" just before the main control valve (refer to photo and video). Wiped joints had to be used because lead cannot be threaded like a pipe can.
The NYC DEP code does not permit the repair of existing lead water lines. If repair work is needed on a lead water line by law it must be replaced. In addition once an existing lead water line is moved in any manner tiny hairline cracks are made, which will form into a leak typically within 18 months or less.
Galvanized - Galvanized water main lines
Galvanized pipe water lines are primarily found in areas where NYC residents were previously serviced by a private water supply company, such as Jamaica Water (JWP). Galvanized pipe is not legal in NYC as a material for a water supply line.
Galvanized pipe reacts to contact with water or moisture, and corrodes on the outside and inside of the pipe (refer to photo and video). It is similar to a clogged artery in a person - Only instead of a heart attack you get a flood! It is strongly suggested that any existing galvanized water service be replaced immediately with better materials, as when they leak the service typically ruptures.
The NYC DEP code does not permit repairs on existing galvanized water main service lines. In addition repairing an existing galvanized water service would be a repair with little integrity. The same applies for existing lead water service lines.
It is easy to determine if a water service is galvanized as it is the only water service material that is magnetic. Simply place any magnet on the water service, if it sticks the service is galvanized.
Typically when water is turned on in a house with galvanized piping the initial water will be rust colored or contain rust.
Copper - K copper water main lines
K type copper is the material that the vast majority of water servicesare installed with in NYC by a licensed master plumber. In addition most existing water services are K copper. K copper tubing (not pipe) is used for water services up to 2" in size. K copper water services are characterized by flare fittings at the end of the tubing (refer to photo). K copper water services typically have a lifespan in excess of 50 years.
Brass - Brass water main lines
Brass pipe, which is threaded at each end is generally used solely for 2 1/2" water services. Therefore it is a material that is used infrequently, and is expensive compared to other approved materials. Brass is a metal composed primarily of copper and zinc. Copper is the main component, and brass is usually classified as a copper alloy. Brass is stronger and harder than copper, but not as strong or hard as steel.
Brass water services have a life expectancy in excess of 50 years. Brass is not a magnetic material. To test whether a water service is galvanized or brass a magnet can be used, galvanized is magnetic. These materials can appear similar to the naked eye. Both brass and galvanized pipe are threaded pipe, however brass is a legal material in NYC and has a much longer life expectancy.
Ductile Iron Pipe - Ductile Iron water main lines
Ductile Iron pipe is a cement lined pipe used for water services larger than 2" in diameter. Typically used for fire sprinkler services or for large buildings, such as apartment buildings. Ductile Iron pipe is the same material that NYC uses for its distribution system and lasts for many decades. Our of all the materials used, Ductile iron pipe may be the most durable water service material approved for use in NYC.
Ductile iron pipe is put together with either push-on joints or mechanical joint retainer glands with set screws. Ductile Iron Mechanical Joint pipe contains no lead whatsoever (refer to photos). In some specific instances, such as unstable ground conditions, ductile iron pipe is used for house sewer installations.
This brief tutorial is meant to provide basic information to help property owners understand how to evaluate the condition of their water service line and whether repair or replacement work may be needed. In some cases it may explain why water is discolored, or may contain harmful substances such as lead.
Water Main Service Line Materials, The Basic Information You Need To Know
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