Large parts of the existing pre-fabricated district heating pipe networks are close to reaching their technical life. There is a need to assess the status of the district heating pipes in order to plan maintenance and replacements of pipes. A first step towards developing a simple and cheap method for technical status assessments of existing pipes without shutting the pipes down has been taken. The proposed mechanical field method is based on that the district heating pipes are uncovered and cylindrical samples still attached to the service pipes are created by removing material around them by use of hole drills. Laboratory equipment for pulling or turning the cylindrical samples off, while measuring load and deformation, has been developed.