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!

Termite Damage Control

Termites are a group of eusocial insects that, until recently, were classified at the taxonomic rank of order Isoptera , but are now accepted as the epifamily Termitoidae, of the cockroach order Blattodea. While termites are commonly known, especially in Australia, as "white ants," they are only distantly related to the ants. They will feed around and in moistened wood and lumber as well, gates - doors and windows - siding - eaves and fascia boards , that get wet during rain , plumbing leaks or everyday home watering. Building anything that rids of moisture will aid in your fight against the elements of nature.

There are products for protecting against termite infestation on the market including local sprays , orange oil. These can lower the termite control costs and help you DIY the termite treatment(s) around your home.

Like ants, some bees, and wasps—which are all placed in the separate order termites divide labour among castes, produce overlapping generations and take care of young collectively. Termites mostly feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, soil, or animal dung, and about 10 percent of the estimated 4,000 species are economically significant as pests that can cause serious structural damage to buildings, crops or plantation forests. Termites are major detritivores, particularly in the subtropical and tropical regions, and their recycling of wood and other plant matter is of considerable ecological importance.