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Flickit · Jan 20, 2007, 06:28 AM

Have connected a galvanized 3/4" water pipe to a copper fitting inside a wall and wondered how important is it that these are separated by a brass type fitting or union? OK to use a union inside an outside wall?

Thanks,
Flickit

speedball1 · Jan 20, 2007, 06:37 AM

Hey Flickit,

If you recall from high school chemistry, two dissimilar (different) metals, when placed in an acidic solution, will create a battery. And one metal will usually erode away as the chemical reaction progresses. The other metal may have a buildup of new material, which may be a chemical combination of the eroded metal and the acid. Since virtually all domestic water is slightly acidic or slightly basic, this electro-galvanic action can occur in any metal plumbing system.

When copper and steel pipes are connected together directly, the "battery" has a path for electrical current to flow. (This current is tiny, and the voltage is not a safety hazard.)

If the current cannot flow, because there is no electrical connection (interrupted by the plastic insulators) then the "battery" never discharges. In theory there will always be a small voltage between the different metals. The metals do not erode.
In answer to your question it's acceptable to use a union inside a outside wall. Hope this answers your question, Tom

Flickit · Jan 20, 2007, 06:55 AM

Thanks, Tom!

I mostly remember sodium and potassium from chemistry and how explosive they are when exposed to water in the school's bathroom! ;)

Flickit

speedball1 · Jan 20, 2007, 08:25 AM

Originally Posted by Flickit

Thanks, Tom!

I mostly remember sodium and potassium from chemistry and how explosive they are when exposed to water in the school's bathroom! ;)

Flickit

Ahhh! The old "cherry bomb" in the toilet trick. Are you saying that you blew up a toilet when you were in school?? Shame on you! We did the same thing in high school in the girls bathroom with a cherry bomb. Made quite a splash! Cheers, Tom

Flickit · Jan 20, 2007, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by speedball1

Ahhh! The old "cherry bomb" in the toilet trick. Are you saying that you blew up a toilet when you were in school??? Shame on you! We did the same thing in high school in the girls bathroom with a cherry bomb. Made quite a splash!! Cheers, Tom

Yes, we did and enjoyed it but the stuff is really dangerous. BTW... we used the men's room. After all, we weren't vandals or hooligans... just experimenters.