What causes galvanic corrosion in plumbing systems?

Galvanic corrosion occurs due to the electrochemical reaction that takes place when two dissimilar metals come into contact with each other in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water. This contact creates a galvanic cell where one metal acts as the anode, which corrodes more quickly, while the other acts as the cathode. The process is driven by the difference in electrochemical potentials between the two metals, leading to accelerated deterioration of the anode.

For instance, if copper and iron were to be installed together in a plumbing system, and there is moisture present, the steel may corrode at a faster rate because it is more electronegative compared to copper. This highlights the importance of material compatibility in plumbing systems to prevent galvanic corrosion, which can lead to significant damage over time.