Pex and grounding

[LazyPup]

Dielectric nipples would have no effect on the electrical bonding of the system because dielectric nipples are simply a 4" galvanized steel nipple with a plastic internal liner. There still remains a direct physical path for electricity through the body of the dielectric nipple.

One of the leading causes of concern is when the water supply lines from the municipal main to the structure is replaced. In most cases the original water supply line was galvanized iron pip or copper pipe, and in most instances the house electrical system was grounded to the water line at the point where the line enters the structure.

Due to the extreme corrosion factors in galvanized iron pipe and the high cost of both labor and materials to install galvanized iron or copper water lines it is now a common practice to replace the lines with PE pipe (polyethelene pipe), PVC pipe or PEX pipe. When this is done there is no longer any metal pipe iin direct contact with the earth and the house main electrical system grounding is negated.

Some local codes require that when replacing the water supply line with plastic pipe there must be a minimum of 10' of copper pipe immediately before the line enters the structure.

All homeowners shourd be cautioned that if you are replacing a metal water supply line with plastic pipe you should also install a driven ground rod connected to the house electrical system to insure proper bonding.

Although the practice is now code prohibited, back in the days of all metal piping it was common practice that whenever an electrical device required a ground they simply ran a ground wire to the nearest water line. Even though grounding to water lines is now code prohibited, non-the-less we still find equipment grounds attached to water lines in older homes and if replacing a section of copper or galvanized line with plastic line in an older home it is a good practice to install a bare copper bonding wire over the plastic section as was described in the original post.

From personal experience I would also suggest that all plumbers, handymen or DIY'ers should invest in an inexpensive single probe voltage testor and they should test for the presence of electrical current on any metal pipes before they attempt to service the line.

[Redwood]

Originally Posted by LazyPup

From personal experience I would also suggest that all plumbers, handymen or DIY'ers should invest in an inexpensive single probe voltage testor and they should test for the presence of electrical current on any metal pipes before they attempt to service the line.

That is very good advice!
It could save your life!

[LazyPup]

"I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night.
Now I can Plumb"

I worked for three months installing the plumbing in a Holiday Inn, and I still can't afford a room....LOL