Swab Testing of Service Lines
NPU has created an initial inventory of lead service pipes based on construction records, but those records are not perfect. To improve our inventory, 150 homes within the NPU service area will be selected for In–Home Verification (Swab Testing). This includes:
- A physical inspection of the home’s service line to determine existing material. The service line will be “swabbed” and the results will be immediately known (presence of lead or not).
- Access to the service line pipe inside the home (often in the basement) will be required for a swab test. The space must be clear and the pipe must be exposed to complete the test.
- Homeowners will be notified via door hanger ahead of time if their home was selected.
- This test takes approximately 15 minutes.