Metal on metal pipe contact

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#1

Originally Posted By: jruddy
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I just inspected an older home (built 1900-1920) and in the basement found two pipes that crossed and touched each another.


One was a branch off the main gas service pipe that serviced the water heater. This pipe was steel.

The other was a copper water pipe.

I would think that there should at least be some non-metallic separator between the pipes but wanted to know if there is any metallurgical action between the pipes just by being in contact with each other. Is there much chance of a spark since the copper is a softer metal?

#2

Originally Posted By: gbeaumont
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Hi Joseph,


Yes that is a potential problem, the two pipes should not be in contact period. Not only is there and issue of galvanic reaction, but also general vibration over the years will eventually cause a leak.

Regards

Gerry

--
Gerry Beaumont
NACHI Education Committee
e-mail : education@nachi.org
NACHI phone 484-429-5466

Inspection Depot Education
gbeaumont@inspectiondepot.com

"Education is a journey, not a destination"

#3

Originally Posted By: jruddy
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Thanks for the quick reply Gerry!! This board is great as an education tool.