The city needs your help
The best way to complete this inventory is for each resident and homeowner to identify the material of their service line. If you are able, please take a picture and email your address and the material to
leadserviceline@pikevilleky.gov
SERVICE LINE MATERIAL
Lead
A dull, silver-gray color that is easily scratched with a coin. Use a magnet - strong magnets will NOT cling to lead pipes.
Galvanized
A dull, silver-gray color. Use a magnet - strong magnets will typically cling to galvanized pipes.
Copper
The color of a copper penny. Copper line will usually have bends on it.
Plastic
White, rigid pipe.
Brass
Dark reddish brown to a dull yellow color. Rigid pipe.
FAQ
What is lead?
Lead is a naturally occurring metal that may be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. Lead does not naturally occur in water, but may be leached into water from plumbing fixtures, lead based solder, and service lines.
What is a Service Line?
The pipe that connects your household plumbing to the water main in the street is called a Service Line. Service Lines past the water meter are not part of the public water system and are the responsibility of the property owner.
What does a Lead Service Line look like?
Lead service lines are generally a dull gray color and are soft. You can identify them easily by carefully scratching with a key. If the pipe is made of lead, the area you scratched will turn a bright silver color. Do not use a knife or other sharp instrument and take care not to puncture a hole in the pipe.
Note: galvanized piping can also be dull gray in color. A strong magnet will typically cling to galvanized pipe, but will not cling to lead pipes. The best way to know what kind of plumbing and service lines you have in your home is to hire a licensed plumber.
What happens if I have a lead service line?
If you have a lead service line, the City of Pikeville encourages you to replace your service line. The property owner is responsible for any portion of the service line after hte meter. The actual cost of the service line replacement depends on several factors including length of service line, where the service line is located, and the technique user to install the service line. Please contact a licensed plumber to discuss a lead service line replacement. It is always a good idea to get a quote in advance of hiring a professional plumber to do work in your home. The City of Pikeville cannot recommend plumbers.
Immediately after a lead service line replacement, you will need to flush the service line.
Does the city perform Lead Sampling?
The results from samples collected in the water system are included in the annual water quality report (also known as the Consumer Confidence Report).
Download Report
Because service lines, faucet fixtures, household pipes, and/or solder can contribute significantly to the lead and copper levels in tap water, we ask our customers to collect samples in their homes. These samples are collected on a tri-annual basis (by monitoring once every three years) at homes that are considered vulnerable based on when they were constructed, and the materials used. We do this monitoring according to the requirements of the Lead and Copper Rule by the EPA.
Is water the only source of lead in homes and businesses?
No. Lead in drinking water generally represents only about 20% of total exposures according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
