Zinc Bathtub

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john7967

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New York City
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Home inspector
I just inspected a penthouse apartmnet in NYC that has a Zinc / Metal bathtub, the faucet is mounted on the wall and not in contact with the tub, Being that the bathtub is metal should it be bonded?
Thank you
 
No general requirements other than mentioned hydromassage.

If you have metallic piping, maybe not a bad idea.

Have bonded a few metallic drain pipes over the years in old houses that were having stray voltage issues with water supply piping, usually was just small voltage that was a result of voltage drop on the service grounded conductor being introduced through bonded water supply piping and drain being at earth potential.
 
The zinc tub shouldn't have to be treated any differently than the millions of cast iron tubs in use out there. No issue that I can see.
 
As kwired mentioned, sometimes you will encounter 'stray voltage' issues when you have _metal_ drain pipes that are not bonded to other plumbing. The pipes act as a ground electrode and pick up voltage from one patch of soil, the water pipes are bonded to the electrical system ground and thus to another patch of soil. A person comes in contact with these two sets of pipes in the shower or bath.

This might make bonding worth while, but I don't believe there is a code requirement.

-Jon
 
As kwired mentioned, sometimes you will encounter 'stray voltage' issues when you have _metal_ drain pipes that are not bonded to other plumbing. The pipes act as a ground electrode and pick up voltage from one patch of soil, the water pipes are bonded to the electrical system ground and thus to another patch of soil. A person comes in contact with these two sets of pipes in the shower or bath.

This might make bonding worth while, but I don't believe there is a code requirement.

-Jon
Actually all metal piping systems need to be bonded, but in old houses you never see metal sewer piping that was bonded. I have bonded a few of them when they had such stray voltage issues. Doesn't even need to be a metal tub. Last one I had an issue with was a non metallic tub/shower, with a metallic drain fitting, had some non metallic drain piping but eventually led to old metal drain piping. First time out I could find no problems, owner wasn't getting an obvious shock but complained of discomfort in her feet when using the shower. Second time out I got smarter and turned the shower on and took measurements. water in the drain pipe was the bridge over the gap that made voltage begin to appear. Bonded the metal drain assembly to the water piping and all the problems went away.
 
My understanding is that metal water piping is required to be bonded, but other metal piping systems are only required to be bonded if they are 'likely to become energized'.

Personally I think it makes as much sense to bond metal drain piping as metal water piping, and I think I am going to review this in my own home. (Shh, that will be DIY :)

-Jon
 
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