12 Plumbing Myths Busted | Family Handyman

Posted by Merlyn Hunt on Monday, February 12, 2024

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Flushing all the Toilets in a Skyscraper Will Destroy It

Well, engineers are one step ahead of you on this one and actually consider the possibility of all the toilets flushing at the same time. Because of that, buildings are designed to withstand such an event. There are typically several plumbing systems within a building, thus reducing the possibility of any failure.

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Family Handyman

A Dielectric Union is all I Need to Protect my Water Heater from Electrolysis/ Galvanic Action

Dielectric unions help, but don’t stop galvanic corrosion. Dielectric nipples do better.

Anytime you join two dissimilar metals (such as copper and galvanized pipe) and add water, you create a flow of electrons (electrolysis or galvanic action), that eventually destroys the galvanized pipe. For decades, plumbers have used an insulated dielectric union to prevent the damage. A dielectric union does provide a small measure of protection. But it’s not enough to prevent the complete failure of the galvanized pipe (top photo). Lab tests show that a 3-in. dielectric nipple reduces current flow by 85 percent over the use of a dielectric union alone. So, next time you install a water heater, install a dielectric nipple in addition to a dielectric union. Buy them at a plumbing supply store or contact the manufacturer (perfectioncorp.com) to find a local distributor.

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