What is a lead pigtail?

• March 28, 2024 |

In the early 1900s, short pieces of lead pipe were sometimes used to connect the water main to customers’ service lines. These lead pipes could be easily bent and allowed for a flexible connection between the rigid pipes. Because of the age of these service lines, we simply do not have records of where lead pigtails were installed. However, for many years, it has been our policy to remove lead pigtails whenever they are found in our system. Since the pigtails are buried underground near the main, it’s challenging to confirm where they remain in our system.