Failing water pipes.

[ptonsparky]

One of my competitors is working in a home that has water pipes that are deteriorating. Someone told him it is because he does not have a good enough "ground". I know this is bulloney but I need a reference for support, and to give to him. Some one have a link?

Thank you.

 

[augie47]

the opposite might be more accurate....

http://www.nationaldriller.com/Articles/Feature_Article/5568207104197010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0____

 

[LJSMITH1]

Your competitor is probably being fed a line of BS..

I would start by having a comprehensive water analysis done. A common issue with well water is that the pH may be far from neutral (7.0). This will certainly be a factor in causing the copper pipes to deteriorate. Also, things like improper fluxing (or the incorrect type) and flushing of the system can cause chronic pinholes to develop.

If the water is coming from a city source, I still would have the water tested. It seems the last thing to look for is a dielectric problem or electrolysis.

Water testing should be thorough and cover measurement of any and all dissolved elements. Many water testing organizations provide the 'basic' measurements (pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Chlorine, and various pesticides or organics). You need to ask for a full analysis which covers things like Aluminum, Iron, Manganese, Hydrogen Sulfide, etc. From these results, it might become clear as to the cause of the problem.

http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/techcorner/electrolysis_cause_copper_tube_fail.html

http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/techcorner/staining_bathroom_fixtures.html

http://www.toolbase.org/Building-Systems/Plumbing/copper-pinhole-leaks

http://www.plumbingworld.com/cuno_info_page.html

This paper really makes the best attempt to explain the phenomenon.

http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/speccol/sc5300/sc5339/000113/001000/001566/unrestricted/20054442e.pdf

The bottom line is that with *most* studied forms of copper tubing pinhole leaks in home water distribution systems, electrolysis was not the problem.

Good Luck!

 

[steve66]

Your competitor is probably being fed a line of BS..

I would start by having a comprehensive water analysis done. A common issue with well water is that the pH may be far from neutral (7.0). This will certainly be a factor in causing the copper pipes to deteriorate. Also, things like improper fluxing (or the incorrect type) and flushing of the system can cause chronic pinholes to develop.

If the water is coming from a city source, I still would have the water tested. It seems the last thing to look for is a dielectric problem or electrolysis.

Water testing should be thorough and cover measurement of any and all dissolved elements. Many water testing organizations provide the 'basic' measurements (pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Chlorine, and various pesticides or organics). You need to ask for a full analysis which covers things like Aluminum, Iron, Manganese, Hydrogen Sulfide, etc. From these results, it might become clear as to the cause of the problem.

http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/techcorner/electrolysis_cause_copper_tube_fail.html

http://www.copper.org/applications/plumbing/techcorner/staining_bathroom_fixtures.html

http://www.toolbase.org/Building-Systems/Plumbing/copper-pinhole-leaks

http://www.plumbingworld.com/cuno_info_page.html

This paper really makes the best attempt to explain the phenomenon.

http://www.msa.md.gov/megafile/msa/...0113/001000/001566/unrestricted/20054442e.pdf

The bottom line is that with *most* studied forms of copper tubing pinhole leaks in home water distribution systems, electrolysis was not the problem.

Good Luck!

I paged through that last link, and here is the only reference I saw to electrolysis:

H. Exterior Factors​

[FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman][FONT=Times New Roman,Times New Roman]The Task Force found no evidence to contribute pitting corrosion and the resulting pinhole leaks to any factors exterior to the plumbing. (e.g. electrolysis, lightning.)
[/FONT][/FONT]

Steve

 

[wireman]

Your post says "water pipes". Is it copper or actually tubing?
Two experiences with this sort of thing and neither had anything to do with grounding, etc.

1. I know someone who had 1/2" copper pipe with sweatted fitting and the hot water pipe developed pinhole leaks. It was replaced and happened again. They disconnected the hot water circulating pump and no more problems. This pump was to allow them to have instant hot water at each faucet.

2. This same person had flexible tubing and tubing connectors that were incompatible. This caused a funky growth to build up around the connectors and fill up the tubing. No problems since this was changed out. NOTE: she had to get the water company rep, water softner rep, and plumber all together at the same time to get this straightened out. The plumber had no recourse when the the others said the water was OK. He installed the correct fittings and no more problems.

Just my 2 cents worth.