01What a service line is
The water service line runs from the city main under the street to your building, ending at the main shutoff and meter. In NYC, the property owner is generally responsible for this line. Lead was commonly used for service lines in older housing.
- Cold water
- Hot water
- Drain / waste / sewer
- Vent
- 1City water main, maintained by NYC DEP
- 2Water service line, owned by the property owner. In older houses it may be lead or galvanized
- 3Main shutoff valve and water meter in the cellar: know where yours is
- 4Water heater or boiler with a domestic hot-water coil
- 5Cast-iron soil stack: common in original work, and can crack, scale or rust through
- 6Vent through the roof: lets the drains breathe and protects trap seals
- 7House trap: a U-shaped trap on the building drain, a frequent clog point in older houses
- 8Fresh-air inlet: a small vent near the front wall or under the stoop that serves the house trap
- 9Building sewer: owner-responsible, running under the sidewalk to the main
- 10City sewer main (in many areas a combined storm-and-sanitary sewer)
02New York City
NYC DEP told the City Council in June 2024 that there are at least 130,000 known lead service lines in the city (an estimated ~150,000), plus about 200,000 lines of unknown material. DEP publishes a building-by-building map of service line material.
What it shows: Of 854,672 records, 16.0% were classed potential lead and 26.6% unknown. In June 2024, DEP testified to at least 130,000 known lead lines (an estimated ~150,000) and about 200,000 of unknown material, which is consistent with this picture. DEP publishes a building-by-building map.
"Not lead" is computed as total records minus the two other categories. Preprint figures are not peer-reviewed; use DEP's current map for any individual property.
Table view
| Status | Records |
|---|---|
| Potential lead | 136,891 |
| Unknown material | 227,443 |
| Not lead | 490,338 |
03New Jersey
A 2021 state law (P.L.2021, c.183) requires community water systems to replace all lead service lines in their service area, generally within 10 years, and to notify affected customers. If your utility contacts you, the replacement is usually coordinated by the utility, often including the part on your property.
04How to check your own line
- NYC: look up your address on DEP's service line map. NJ: check your water utility's service line inventory.
- Find where the water line enters the cellar, before the meter.
- Lead is dull gray and soft: a gentle scratch with a key shows shiny silver, and a magnet won't stick. Galvanized steel is magnetic; copper is reddish.
- Not sure? A plumber can identify it.
A scratched lead service line at the water meter shows the soft, shiny metal underneath.
05What replacement involves
- A new line from the main (or the curb connection) to the building, usually copper
- Excavation or trenchless methods, depending on the site
- Permits and coordination with the city or water utility
- Restoring the sidewalk, lawn or driveway
Until a line is replaced, run cold water for a while before drinking if it has sat for hours, use only cold water for cooking and drinking, and clean faucet aerators. Follow your utility's current advice.
06Frequently asked questions
Is lead in the service line dangerous?
Lead in drinking water is a health concern, especially for children and pregnant people. Follow your utility's guidance and consider testing your water.
Who pays to replace a lead line in New Jersey?
The 2021 law sets out how utilities fund replacement; many programs cover the customer's side too. Ask your utility about your address.
07Related
Guides & rules
Sources & review
Last reviewed . General information, not legal or engineering advice. Rules change and individual buildings differ.