Galvanized Pipe To Copper Pipe Connection

How to connect copper to galvanized plumbing.

Galvanized pipe to copper pipe connection. When connecting a copper pipe fitting to a galvanized steel pipe you must use a dielectric fitting. Whenever you join copper water lines to galvanized steel pipe you should be concerned about the corrosion caused by joining two dissimilar metals called galvanic corrosion an electrochemical reaction occurs that causes the steel pipe in this case to rust and clog up. When you join pipes made of dissimilar metals the 2010 california plumbing code requires you to do it with a dielectric union. Also be aware that directly joining two different types of metals in this case galvanized steel pipe and copper can cause rapid corrosion at the joint called dielectric corrosion.

The rubber or plastic. The problem with galvanized pipe is that it reacts with the minerals in the water supply. Sweat on the copper part of the dielectric fitting which is threaded coat all the threads with tape or pipe compound and. The reaction creates scale which will eventually clog the pipe.

To limit this problem make the steel copper connections with special dielectric unions rather than with a regular coupling. Eventually galvanized pipe will have to be replaced and when that happens your choices are to replace it with more galvanized pipe copper pipe or plastic pipe. This will keep the. Next connect copper pipes together until you reach the galvanized pipe threads.

The dielectric fittings commonly available in home centers photo 1.