Date: Thu, 10 May 2007
From: "Garcia Systems" <garciasystems@mchsi.com>
To: <realhelp@alaska.com>
Subject: Pin Holes in Copper pipe
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To Whom it may Concern: </font>
<p><font size="+0">As I retired Master Plumber I can tell you that we
were using copper pipe (L) in the early 60's and a few years later (M)
became legal for residences and small commercial use. The "Pin
Hole" problem can be Chemicals or Compounds in the water, but not
likely to be the problem. Buried copper pipe is usually the one affected
by Compounds or Chemicals in the Ground. If the copper pipe is not
buried in the ground but inside the building and is getting Pin Holes it
is probably Electrolysis causing the problem. Electrolysis causes Pin
Holes in Copper, peels the Chrome off of Faucets, causes pits and
corrosion in faucets and metal plumbing parts, etc. This is usually
caused by using the water Copper Pipe for an Electrical Ground. We tried
(Unsuccessfully) to get the Electrical code changed where the water
piping was not to be used as an electrical ground. There is a fitting
called a Dielectric Union and possibly some other type of connectors on
the market now, that prevents the buried water supply pipe from passing
small amounts of electricity (dielectric Process) into the piping that
is in the house. This can also be done by installing a 6" long (or
longer) piece of non metal pipe (plastic water pipe) between the buried
pipe and the water piping entering the house or building above the
ground level. This will isolate the above ground water system from the
buried water system and will no longer be able to be used as an
Electrical Ground. Note: First disconnect electrical ground wire from
the piping system and reconnect ground wire to an Approved Ground Rod.
Disconnect the electrical Ground wire from the water pipe and Use a
copper, brass or some other type of Approved Electrical Ground Rod to
Ground your Electrical wiring system in the house or building. Don't
Disconnect Electrical Ground wire from water piping unless you Replace
it with an Approved Electrical Ground Rod or device. Electrical System
Must Have A Ground Connection. This should solve the problem. pg ]]>
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