Galvanic corrosion
In plumbing
An electrochemical process that can accelerate deterioration of one metal when unlike metals are electrically connected through an electrolyte. The materials, liquid conditions and protection determine the risk; appearance alone does not establish compatibility.
Using Galvanic corrosion in a plumbing system
Updated
A distinction worth remembering
Dimensions, mass, temperatures and time must use consistent units. State the assumptions behind a simplified water-heating or pipe-volume result, then identify whether losses, extra components or a change of phase would require a broader model.
Questions to take further
- Why can a correct number still be a poor design answer?
- The arithmetic may be correct for only part of the system. Missing water volume, unmeasured operating conditions or omitted heat losses can make the model incomplete.
Sources
- Skills England: plumbing and domestic heating technician — The systems, materials, planning and customer responsibilities in the England occupational standard.
Where Galvanic corrosion fits in the learning path
The Plumbing Basics section covers these topics:
- Water in a Home
- Meet the plumbing trade and routes in
- Science and calculations for plumbers
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- Science and calculations for plumbersPlumbing Basics
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Recall a related term
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A chemical added to the water in a wet heating system to slow the corrosion of metal parts inside it. BS 7593 is the code of practice for cleaning and treating heating water. Every time fresh water goes in, for example through repeated topping up, the inhibitor is weakened.
Inhibitor
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Inhibitor
A chemical added to the water in a wet heating system to slow the corrosion of metal parts inside it. BS 7593 is the code of practice for cleaning and treating heating water. Every time fresh water goes in, for example through repeated topping up, the inhibitor is weakened.
Read the Inhibitor entryMagnetite — Heating sludge
Black iron oxide formed as steel radiators corrode inside a heating system. It settles as sludge along the bottom of radiators and collects in pumps, valves and boilers, causing cold spots, noise and blockages. Cleaning, inhibitor and a magnetic filter keep it under control.
Read the Magnetite entryBefore you start: some plumbing work is regulated or notifiable
Some water fittings work needs notice to, and consent from, the water supplier before it starts. Check the rules where you live.
Gas work is for competent workers covered by a Gas Safe registered business in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has separate gas regulations. Do not work on gas pipes or appliances yourself.
In England, installing an unvented hot-water system over 15 litres is notifiable building work: use a competent installer registered with a competent-person scheme, or tell building control before work starts. Leave this work to a suitably skilled person.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own water and building rules; check which apply before work starts. Electrical connections belong with an electrician.
This guide does not qualify you or make you competent, approved or registered for plumbing, gas or unvented work.
A definition is a start. Using it in a real question is where it sticks.