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Electrolysis

CES (JesseVanCamp_
CES (JesseVanCamp_ Member Posts: 1
in THE MAIN WALL
City water service, copper piping at the interior. Voltage between ground rod & ground conductor is 2.2V.
H2o coming out of piping is "green", interior of piping is corroded, pinhole leaks starting to form. system is 7-8 yrs old.....

What's going on?
How do we test for electrolysis?

Comments

  • Ken_8
    Ken_8 Member Posts: 1,640
    More than likely...

    The voltage is the result of natural "spurious signal" and the holes in the copper result of low pH water (acidity).

    In other words, there probably is no direct connection between the voltage leakage and the copper tubing corrosion.

    If the pH of the water in the tubing is 6.8 or less, the water is the problem. If it is above 6.9, double check and make sure the water is from the same source as has been the case for the last year or more.

    This is not to say the electrical voltage potential is not a corrosion contributor, but would suggest a bad grounding arrangement - which may lead to anode/cathode-like poitentials.

    The steel (assuming it is steel) service line to the house may in fact be in very dry soil nearer the surface than a bona-fide earth ground may provide. At any rate, it may not be a bad idea to drive a new copper clad steel 10-footer ground rod into the earth and attach a second ground strap to it?

    Let us know what you find and how you resolve it.

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  • jackchips_2
    jackchips_2 Member Posts: 1,337
    What type of

    copper, the pressure in the system and the size of the main?

    Many pin holes can be caused by high pressure (over 55/60 PSI) and high velocity.
  • Tom Anderson
    Tom Anderson Member Posts: 40


    Had similar problem with our home domestic water... pinholes in straight sections of copper pipe, green stuff on joints and valves, etc. Another indicator is aqua/blueish color on fixtures where faucets dripped.

    Water from our well tested at 6.8 to 6.9 ph. Any water less than 7.0 ph will cause reaction/degredation of copper.

    Had treatment system install to maintain good ph 2 years ago... no problems since. Cost me about $1,400.

    :-)
  • hr
    hr Member Posts: 6,106
    I'd agree with above

    although pressure should, alone, not effect copper. Plenty of good, free, info at www.copper.org

    The ph test would be my first check. a pool test kit will work, or find a digital ph test meter. Keep in mind ph can and will vary depending on the waters source and treatment. It could test OK today, but differently a month from now.

    hot rod

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