If your house is 30-or-more years old, chances are you have galvanized pipe. Today most water systems use copper pipe instead of galvanized because it is easier to install and lasts much longer. Over time, hard water corrodes galvanized pipe, eventually causing it to spring a leak. Replacing galvanized pipe with copper is a good idea, but if your budget doesn't allow doing it all, you can replace only the bad sections with copper. The two different types of pipe should never come into contact with each other because they are dissimilar materials. Direct contact can set up a condition known as electrolysis which will speed up pipe deterioration. Instead, use a special di-electric union between any copper and galvanized pipe for long-lasting, safe connection. And that's the On The House tip for today.