Reply To: Electrolysis in copper pipes

: Hello Plumbing Gurus, : I have a problem that is driving me crazy. I have repaired a good half a dozen pinhole leaks in the copper pipes in my basement in the last year. To make matters worse, Ive just remodled and all the leaks were in the ceiling, requireing a lot of patch jobs. I had a plumber here awhile back and he said it was electrolysis. This is an older home (about 30 yrs. old), with the older style romex. : Kind of a braided cloth covering. He says even if it just lays on a pipe, you will get electrolysis. Ive installed additional grounding straps (in the furnace/utility room) from the copper pipes to the supply line coming through the slab (full basement). : Is this sufficient? Honestly, I havent checked the electrical grounding rod outside. : (I live in Alaska,–snow) Is there a test to see if you have current coming through the copper pipes? Inside the pipes is a black hard residue encrusted on the sides. Please, : please, please. If there is someone who could help me out I would be EXTREMELY greatful. : Regards, Allan SundHELP