Is Copper Pipe Better?

The jury is still out when it comes to a definitive answer to the question
of which type of pipe is better for plumbing in your home. Some experts
still prefer to use copper pipe even though other types such as plastic
CPVC and PEX are very popular.
Copper pipe has advantages over plastic pipe, and most plumbers and
contractors agree: when it comes to the choice of whether or not to use
copper pipe in your home, you should consider your specific needs, such
as where you need to place the pipes and what kind of climate you live
in. The advice of a trusted and reputable contractor is vital; they can
offer you their expert opinion based on experience with all types of pipe
and offer suggestions for your unique situation.
Copper pipe has been used for plumbing for a very long time. Many
contractors swear by it and love working with it because it is so easy to
install, and fewer tools are needed. Again, preference seems to vary with
different contractors.
Durability and flexibility are important features of copper pipe. In a
natural disaster, copper pipe may flex and resist snapping, making it a
safer choice for earthquake prone areas. Copper pipe is also a good
choice for the environment because it can be recycled.

Copper pipe is bacteriostatic, meaning that it is resistant to bacterial

growth, which keeps the water in your home clean. It also resists
corrosion more than other metals do. The down side of this is that
copper can corrode; if it does, your water may have a metallic taste due
to copper levels present in the water.
When it comes to weather and functioning properly outdoors, copper
pipe is very resistant and durable. It is not affected or degraded by
ultraviolet rays. If there is a fire, it releases no harmful toxic gasses due
to its resistance to burning.
There are a few disadvantages to using copper pipe. As was mentioned,
it can corrode, although it does resist corrosion. Copper has also become
expensive, sometimes ten to fifteen times more expensive than PEX
piping. Copper pipe can also freeze and break in extremely cold
temperatures.
Some plumbers like the fact that copper pipe is joined together with
solder which creates strong, reliable joints. Some prefer the ease of
being able to turn off each segment of piping when using PEX pipes and
dont mind the extra tools required. It really depends on your area of the
country and your plumbing contractor as to which type is best for your
home.
If you are replacing pipe in your home or building a home and are
considering copper pipe, do some research and be sure to check with
builders and plumbing contractors in your area to be sure you have all
the facts.

Types of Plumbing Pipes

Metal pipes

Copper: This type of pipe has been used since the early 1960s and is
very reliable but expensive. Copper pipes are highly resistant to
corrosion, tolerant of heat, and not prone to leaks, since the connections
are soldered and fittings stay tight. Copper pipe comes in three sizes: M
(very thin walls), L (medium thickness), and K (thickest walls). Types M
and L are usually used for interior hot and cold supply lines, while Type K
serves for underground service lines. Copper pipes biggest drawback is
price, which is why copper is gradually being replaced by more
economical plastic pipe.

Galvanized Steel: These gray metal pipes are what most of us think of
when we think of plumbing. They were used extensively in home
plumbing in the 1960s, particularly outdoors. They were often buried and
used as supply lines. Galvanized steel is only slightly resistant to
corrosion and rust, and has a life expectancy of about forty years. They
are usually replaced with copper or, more often, PEX and HDPE pipe in
home plumbing.

Stainless Steel: Not seen as often in household use, stainless steel

pipes are strong and highly resistant to corrosion but even more
expensive than copper pipes. Theyre most often used in marine
environments where saltwater would erode other metal pipes.

Cast Iron: This type of pipe was frequently used in the past for
drainage. Its very durable but difficult to work with because of its
weight. If you need to replace broken cast iron pipe, PVC is a good choice
because it joins well with cast iron.

Plastic pipes

Grey Plastic Polybutylene (PB): Gray or beige, usually sold in coils,

this type of flexible pipe was used extensively from the late 1970s to the
mid-1990s as an inexpensive replacement for copper. Over the years,
however, PB has proven to be prone to leaks, which is why its not used
much anymore.

Creamy Plastic Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC): Yellowish or

beige in color, this is basically PVC pipe that has been given extra
chlorination. More reliable than PB and less expensive and easier to
install than copper, it can be used for cold and hot water supply. Its
more flexible than PVC but should not be buried, as it will split if it
freezes.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): White or gray pipe used most often to carry
high pressured water. Although it cant be used with hot water, which
can cause the pipe to warp, its often used for the main supply line into a
home. PVC comes in sizes ranging from 1/2 to 4 in diameter, and it is
inexpensive and very easy to work with.

Cross Linked Polyethylene (PEX): This type of pipe is used

extensively for interior plumbing in new homes. PEX resists heat much
better than most plastic pipe so its often used for water-based heating
systems.

Acrylonitrite-butadiene-styrene (ABS): This is a black plastic

drainage, waste, and vent pipe that was a forerunner to PVC and is
currently prohibited by many current plumbing codes. However, this
piping is not uncommon in mobile homes and usually needs to be
replaced with PVC or HDPE.

High density polyethylene (HDPE): This plumbing pipe is highly

resistant to corrosion, flexible, and very long lasting, and can be used to
carry everything from drinking water to compressed gas to hazardous
waste. HDPE comes in long lengths, and joints are formed through heat
fusion, eliminating leaks. It has unusually low resistance, or drag, making
it a good choice for virtually all plumbing applications.

When you make modifications or perform repairs to your household

plumbing, use the same type of pipe as the original. If thats not
possible, pick a comparable type, suitable for your purpose, which will
also work with your existing pipe. Make sure you understand the

advantages and limitations of each type of plumbing pipe, and youll be

able to choose whats best for your job.

Copper Pipe Plumbing Tips

Copper pipe plumbing is the choice of many professional plumbers, builders and
homeowners alike. It offers a number of benefits over alternative materials
including galvanized steel, PVC and PEX piping. Copper pipe was introduced in
the nineteenth century and came into widespread use in the U.S. after World War
II. It is estimated that approximately 80% of homes and commercial buildings in the
U.S. utilize copper pipe.
Types of Copper Pipe
Copper pipe is available in two types; rigid and flexible. Rigid copper pipe is usually
installed in new home construction although it is more difficult to work with than
flexible copper pipe. Flexible copper pipe is easier to work with and is typically the
choice for small repairs and remodeling. The major advantage of flexible copper
pipe is its ability to be easily routed around obstructions including studs and
electrical conduit.
Copper Pipe Ratings
Copper pipe is available in three classifications. Type M is thin walled. Type L is
medium walled and is the classification used in most e plumbing applications. A
final type, Type K is thick walled and is primarily used in commercial applications.
The specific type required for your project will vary depending on local building
codes. A professional plumber will know which type you require. Type L copper
pipe is available in diameters from to 2 and each has a specific inside and
outside diameter measurement. For instance, a 2 copper pipe actually has an
inside diameter of 1.985 and an outside diameter of 2.125.
Copper Pipe Fittings
Whether using rigid or flexible copper pipe, individual lengths or runs are joined
together using copper fittings. Fittings are available in three categories including
those designed to accommodate bends and turns in the plumbing. Another
category of fittings includes those used to join or branch the plumbing and include

T and Y configurations. The final category includes couplings and adapters

which are used to join copper pipes to other copper pipes as well as galvanized,
cast iron and other types of pipes.
Cutting and Joining Copper Pipes
Copper pipe is extremely durable but is also more difficult to work with than some
other types of plumbing pipe. Because copper is a soft metal it is easily cut. Once
cut to the desirable length, however, the sections must be joined together using
fittings through a soldering process known as sweating. Although not a highly
technical process, sweating pipes does require certain tools and expertise and
should usually be left to a qualified and experienced plumber.
Copper Pipe and Water pH
Copper pipe is not suitable for use in areas with acidic (low pH) water. The
chemical properties of acidic water can corrode copper and, over time, can cause
copper contamination which can be detected by bitter tasting water and the
appearance of blue-green stains on plumbing fixtures. Consumption of water with
high copper levels can result in health complications. For this reason, copper pipe
plumbing is not recommended for use in systems that transport well water. Before
choosing copper pipe for your home, its a good idea to have a qualified plumbing
contractor perform a pH test on the water supply.

The Key Materials of Your Plumbing System

Over the years, there have been a lot of different materials used to move water
around, everything from clay to wood to stone. Modern plumbing is done with a few
choice materials which are specifically made to comply with plumbing codes.

Copper
Copper pipes used for plumbing are almost pure copper, with a minimum purity of
99.9% copper. Rigid copper pipes (as opposed to soft copper) are often used for
hot and cold water supply lines. The joints are soldered together, and while old
joints (pre-1986) might have used a lead solder, modern joints are all made with
lead-free solder.

Brass
Brass is an alloy made out of copper and zinc. Non-plumbing uses can have lead
mixed in to make it more machinable, but the brass used for plumbing is lead-free,
and uses silicon instead. Brass is commonly used for pipe fittings, joints, and
valves, especially with copper pipes.

PEX
PEX and XLPE are the abbreviations used for cross-linked polyethylene. These
have become even more popular over the last few decades, and are a dominant
material for pipes today, often for cold and hot water supply lines. Their strength
and flexibility allow them to make turns without joints, cutting down on seams for
leaks. And, since the turns are more gradual, it allows for greater water pressure.
There are a variety of ways to join them, none of which require soldering or glue.

CPVC (Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride)

This PVC pipe is suitable for both hot and cold water supply lines. Unlike PEX,
CPVC is rigid, and needs joints whenever it makes a turn. These joints are held
together with glue that has to dry when the plumbing is installed. While
inexpensive, this inconvenience is a big reason why PEX has started to replace
CPVC

Chromed Pipes
Exposed pipes dont have to be eyesores. For exposed water supply lines,
chromed copper pipes are often used. From exposed drain pipes, such as the
drain underneath a sink, chromed brass pipes are often used.

PVC
Standard PVC (poly vinyl chloride) is still popular for waste lines, especially when
the pipes are hidden underneath a sink or behind walls. Theyre heat resistant and
easy to cut and fit to size. The joints are usually joined with pressure fittings or
glue, and dont need to stand up to nearly the pressure that supply lines do.

Iron
In an age of shiny copper and high-tech plastic, iron pipes might seem a little oldfashioned, but these strong pipes still have their place. Large cast iron pipes are
used for major waste lines and sewer lines. Black iron pipe is specifically designed
and made for pipes that will carry gas.

Using Flexible Pipe in Home Plumbing

Every home plumbing system consists of a series of pipes and water main fittings
that connect the pipes. Fittings are designed to connect straight, rigid pipes and to
permit them to turn corners, branch off into different directions or enlarge or reduce
the diameter of the pipes. Flexible pipes designed for home plumbing offer a
number of advantages.
Cross-linked polyethylene pipe, is a form of flexible pipe also known as PEX. In the
acronym PEX, the PE refers to the polyethylene from which the pipe is made and
the X denotes the materials cross-linking via molecular chains. This cross-linking
makes the pipe very durable regardless of the temperature, water pressure or

chemicals passing through the pipe. Flexible pipe is a good choice if you are
building a new home or replacing existing pipe work in an older home.
The Many Advantages of Flexible Pipe
Flexible pipe can be used for hot or cold water inlets or outlets.
Flexible pipe can be connected to copper, steel and PVC pipes with specially
designed adapters.
Flexible plumbing pipe can be bent around corners and over obstacles without
you having to use fittings or couplings.
Because flexible pipe has fewer joints and fittings the risk of leaks are significantly
reduced. This also makes it much easier to install.
Because the pipe is flexible it can contract and expand more readily than copper,
steel or PVC pipes, which means it is more resistant to bursts during extreme
temperature changes.
Flexible pipe is less expensive than copper, steel or PVC pipe.
Flexible pipe is not prone to corrosion as metal pipe is.
Flexible pipe is mildew resistant.
This type of pipe can be cut evenly and smoothly without the necessity for special
tools.
Flexible pipe can be connected by crimping, which saves you the trouble of using
lots of connectors or a hot torch (in the case of copper pipes).
You dont need a wrench and lots of strength to install or uninstall flexible pipe
connectors.
Flexible pipe has a low weight and is easy to handle.