[Wendy]

We started taking down walls and saw what looks like two water pipes. One with a green wire and other with just a clamp. We wanted to get rid of these pipes but do we have to keep them for grounding. What to do?

Attached are photos.


Thanks,

Wendy

[torrus]

Generally the main electrical panel in your house is grounded to the water line - as long as this is done somewhere you can remove the existing one(s).

[kelly]

Electricians everywhere unite to tell me if I am wrong...

BUT...any outlet can be considered up to code if you use one of the newer type boxes which has the little circuit breaker integrated into it- essentially shutting down power to the outlet if there is a surge. This negates the need for grounding each outlet- NOT A REPLACEMENT FOR GROUNDING YOUR ELECTRICAL SERVICE, however.

We have these (3-prong) all over our house replacing the two-prong outlets which drive me nuts.