Copper / Galvanized ... Electrolosis

Electrolysis is an often misused term when applied to copper plumbing tubing. True electrolysis, or electrolytic corrosion, as it is more properly designated with regard to piping, is caused by an imposed (external) stray DC current and happens when 2 or more different metals touch IE., copper and steel plumbing components. In many cases, it is also thought that grounding of a building’s electrical system to the copper piping can cause this phenomenon, but there is no statistical data to support this, nor is it recommended that the piping system be used as the main electrical ground for a building or dwelling.

Usually, what people are really referring to when they say electrolysis is galvanic or dissimilar metal corrosion. Galvanic corrosion is caused by self-induced current created by electrical potential of two dissimilar metals in contact with an electrolyte. It can occur when two dissimilar metals (such as copper tube and steel pipe) are connected in the presence of an electrolyte.

Stainless steel , Brass and Copper, all common metal piping materials and how they react to each other, it is rarely the copper tube that fails because of galvanic corrosion. Black steel and Galvanized steel when connected to the other metals above , will start an eating away by corrosion until sooner than later a leak in your plumbing pipes will occur. Do it right the first time!

How to fix a toilet DIY

When a toilet begins to leak it can cause other problems within your bathroom including damage to your flooring or even the sub flooring depending how long the water has sat there. It can even destroy the ceiling and the frame work you have. Most times these sneaky leaks come from the fill valve or flush valve, but on a very rare case though it starts with cracks in the hairline tank.

These Challenges you could face with the toilet might have you replace the tank or in a worst case scenario replace the toilet all together. The Toilet Repair you might have to do depends on the leaks that I mentioned earlier. If its worst case scenario it might cost you some money to either replace the whole toilet or have somebody come out and fix the problem at hand.

How to Repair Copper Pipe

Unbelievable is the best way to describe this new age of DIY Plumbing. When the last time about a year ago we got the call for something to do with a leak, in which we discovered although we could not see it, that a copper line some how developed a pin hole mini misting leak. Inside the wall underneath the tub it was there and it was producing moisture all the while black mold with many a little creature making homes nearby. This particular leak would have only been accessible had the tub and tile been demo'ed out of the way or on the other side of the wall in the kitchen, granite top as well as a portion of the lower cabinetry dismantled and installed again, now getting into the $ 2000.00 US range!

After a few calls and an extensive conversation with the home owner at the time, we came upon a newer line of fittings and figured if we can get one hand on the pipe we were able to cut, sand any burrs and push on the product sold to us that could keep this job near $200.00 US , well it would be at least worth a try!

Within minutes we had the water back on and a dry hand testing and testing until we were convinced that this newfangled plumbing fitting has just revolutionized the art of sweating/soldering copper plumbing forever. You CAN DO IT!