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.

DIY Leak Test your House

In determining a leak in your system, the only absolute sure way for a decision to be made here, is to go straight to the source. The water service meter to your house monitors every drop that passes the gauge. When pouring a concrete slab foundation, the plumbing lines are re trenched and placed in the ground prior to the concrete pour, as time progresses there is often several things that may have to occur or end up going wrong.
A visual inspection of the outside of your residence may aide in any abnormalities IE., wet areas near the exterior perimeters, higher than usual water bills, interior mold stench, warm places beneath the flooring etc. If you are experiencing any of these common issues, then before calling a plumbing contractor and getting invoiced for the trip, a final DIY leak test can be performed.
Turn off any and all appliances, dishwasher or washing machine. Check any and all the sinks faucets to be sure they are 100% in the off position. If any toilet is running because of needed repairs, then shut off their angle stop or (supply line) and if you are not alone then tell everyone else to please wait on flushing any toilets or washing any hands.

It is now time to find your water meter, typically on or near the street or curb. In the front of the property and in the ground. If you are absolutely positive that all fixtures/machines and spigots are off then the meter should not be moving/counting or digitally calculating the city or counties water passing through it. Chances are that this has assisted you in DIY leak detection.