Home Inspection State Practice Exam

Connections of dissimilar metals in a plumbing system, such as galvanized steel pipe and copper pipe, will usually cause?

1. Leaking joints

2. Corrosion and electrolysis

3. Blockages

4. Pressure loss

The correct answer is: Corrosion and electrolysis

The presence of dissimilar metals, such as galvanized steel and copper, in a plumbing system can lead to corrosion and electrolysis due to a phenomenon known as galvanic corrosion. When two different metals are in contact, an electrochemical reaction occurs, where one metal (the anode) loses electrons and corrodes faster, while the other metal (the cathode) gains electrons and is protected. In a plumbing system, this interaction can result in the failure of one of the metals, leading to leaks from corroded joints or pipe sections. Over time, as galvanic corrosion progresses, it can compromise the integrity of the plumbing system, leading to more significant issues if not addressed. While leaking joints, blockages, and pressure loss may occur in a plumbing system for various reasons, they are not the primary consequence of the reaction between dissimilar metals. The main issue to focus on with connections of differing metals is indeed the risk of corrosion and the associated electrolysis, making it the correct answer in this context.