Lead – Lead Water Main Service Lines
Lead Water Main
Lead has not been an approved material for a water main service in over 60 years. Lead in the drinking supply 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 water 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 it 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 service 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 main services. If repair work is needed on a lead service line by law it must be replaced. In addition once an existing lead water service 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 Service Lines
Galvanized Pipe
Galvanized pipe water main services 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 service. 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. Impurities in levels such as these are not typically found in copper water services
Copper – K Copper Water Main Service Lines
Copper Tubing
K type copper is the material that the vast majority of water services are 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 Service Lines
Brass Pipe
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 then 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
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.
Retainer Gland
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 as well as for a water main.
About Joseph L. Balkan Inc.
Balkan Plumbing is the largest sewer & water main company in NYC. We are licensed, bonded, and insured. As a family run business in operation for over 50 years, our 10 year guarantee means we continue to stand by our work after the job is done. We are expertly equipped, from our 48,000 square foot facility to dozens of trucks, heavy moving equipment, backhoes and pneumatics. For all your sewer & water service, catch basins, hydrants, manholes, fire sprinkler services, water mains and trench drains contact Balkan Plumbing today.
Joseph L. Balkan Inc.
130-01 Jamaica Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Phone: (718) 849-0900 | Espanol (718) 849-0900
Fax: (718) 849-9570
