Iron pipe and copper pipe difference: Size, Works, How To Choose

In this blog post, you’ll read:Choosing the right pipe size for your plumbing needs can be challenging with terms like Iron Pipe Size (IPS), Copper Pipe Size (CPS), and Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). Each has distinct applications and measurements. This guide clarifies these terms, their uses, and provides standard size charts. For reliable components, trust Plumberstar, a leading stainless steel pipe fittings manufacturer.
Table of Contents

The first pipe to be used in plumbing was iron pipes. They are also known as IPS. Now, there is a wider variety of pipes, of which copper is copper per, also known as CTS, is becoming one of the favorite pipes to use.

Even if they can be used for the same purpose, there is a large difference between iron pipes and copper pipes. Before choosing, knowing the differences is essential, according to drain pipe manufacturers.

brass plumbing pipe fittings
brass plumbing pipe fittings

Understanding Iron pipe and copper pipes in plumbing

There is a difference between using iron pipes and copper pipes in plumbing. It is important to ensure you understand what these pipes are used for to choose the right one.  Even if Iron pipes are the most recommended, there are some cases where copper pipes will be more preferred, especially with valve corps. Copper pipes are yellow-brass – in color, while the iron pipes are silver, for those who don’t know.

Iron Pipes

Iron pipes are just as durable as copper pipes. However, iron pipes are a lot stronger and tougher.  This is due to their molecular structure. The downside is that Iron pipes are more prone to developing leaks. This is because of erosion that took place with iron, especially at the connection points.  Iron plumbing pipes are preferred for larger plumbing projects.

  • Stronger pipes as copper
  • Proncopperore leakage
  • Great for large plumbing projects.

Copper pipes

Copper pipes, on the other hand, are preferred for household plumbing. This is due to their anti-corrosion properties and the variety of sizes available. Copper pipes can be found in hard and soft pipes and won’t cause drinking water to become rusty. For home use, more than 95% of plumbing pipes are copper. The copper idea for the copper pipe is that it’s getting expensive.

  • Preferred for household plumbing
  • It won’t leak and corrode like iron pipes
  • Choose between hard or soft copper pipes
  • There were reports of copper pipes corroding due to incorrect and prolonged use.

What is Copper Pipe Size (CPS)?

This term is the most recent pipe size that different drain pipe manufacturers are now practicing, representing the pipe’s outside diameter. This measurement is available in inches and millimeters; most water systems have such fittings. Copper, CPVC, and PEX are common materials for these pipes.

The first pipe to be used in plumbing was iron pipes. They are also known as IPS. Now, there is a more extensive variety of pipes, of which copper is copper per, also known as CTS, and is becoming one of the favorite pipes to use.

Even if they can be used for the same purpose, there is a large difference between iron pipes and copper pipes. Before choosing, knowing the differences is essential, according to drain pipe manufacturers.

Understanding Iron pipe and copper pipes in plumbing

There is a difference between using iron pipes and copper pipes in plumbing. It is important to ensure you understand what these pipes are used for to choose the right one.  Even if Iron pipes are the most recommended, there are some cases where copper pipes will be more preferred, especially with valve corps. Copper pipes are yellow-brass – in color, while the iron pipes are silver, for those who don’t know.

Iron Pipes

Iron pipes are just as durable as copper pipes. However, iron pipes are a lot stronger and tougher.  This is due to their molecular structure. The downside is that Iron pipes are more prone to developing leaks. This is because of erosion with iron, Especially at the connection points.  Iron plumbing pipes are preferred for larger plumbing projects.

  • Stronger pipes as copper
  • Proncopperore leakage
  • Great for large plumbing projects.

Copper pipes

Copper pipes, on the other hand, are preferred for household plumbing. This is due to their anti-corrosion properties and the variety of sizes available. Copper pipes can be found in hard and soft pipes and won’t cause drinking water to become rusty. For home use, more than 95% of plumbing pipes are copper. The thecopperide to copper pipe is that it’s getting expensive.

  • Preferred for household plumbing
  • It won’t leak and corrode like iron pipes
  • Choose between hard or soft copper pipes
  • There were reports of copper pipes corroding with incorrect use and prolonged use.

Important Terms You Need to Know

  • IPS = Iron Pipe Size
  • CTS = Copper Tube Size
  • NPS = Nominal Pipe Size
  • D = Outside Diameter
  • D = Inside Diameter
  • SDR= Standard Dimension Ratio
  • CTS = Copper Tube Sizes

The main differences between iron and copper plumbing pipes

There are a couple of distinct differences between iron and copper plumbing pipes. Choosing the wrong type of pipe for the wrong purpose can make a huge difference in the durability of the installation.  There isn’t much difference between iron and copper regarding installation. The only thing that makes copper easier is that it’s made from a softer material.

Iron pipes

Iron pipes are preferred for projects that don’t involve drinking water. Because iron pipes rust and corrode. It contaminates drinking water, causing health problems. Iron pipes are recommended for large plumbing installations.

Especially with fewer connections in between pipes. With iron ones, rust is always a possibility. They are making it necessary to do regular maintenance to see if the plumbing is still in good condition.  Iron per linear foot ranges between $2 and $10.

iron pipe fittings
iron pipe fittings

Copper pipes

Copper pipes are known to be residential “gold pipes.” Not only because of their color but also because of their durability, price, and ease of installation. It is known that copper pipe plumbing can go 50 years without any replacements or maintenance. Unlike Irironwhich needs regular maintenance.

It is easy to find the right size copper pipe and fitting. Because most households use copper, the comparability is larger. It is a safe option for drinking water because it doesn’t corrode and rust, leaving particles in it.  No regular inspections are needed to investigate the condition of the pipes. Copper pipe costs per linear foot range from $2-$8. Copper handles heat a lot better than irons well.

Size differences between Iron and copper pipes

Understanding the size differences between iron and copper pipes can be hard. There is some essential information to know when selecting iron and copper.  Thcopperide diameter is the main difference in size between iron and copper plumbing pipes. She was also known as the OD.

In earlier days, Irironas measured with the inner pipe, meaning they measured the inner diameter. Today, we are measuring the outer diameter because they work with the pipes cold, not hot, as during the older days.  The difference in outside diameter is 1/8 inch in thickness.

When measuring copper pipes, you need to look at the designated letters. K is for the thickest part, L is for the intermediate, and M is for the thinnest part of the pipe. To make it easier to understand, iron and copper pipes might look similar in size, but there is a difference of 18 inches.

size iron and copper pipes
size iron and copper pipes

The differences in how these plumbing pipes work

Iron pipes and copper pipes might be used for the same purpose, but they work in different ways. Iron is a durable plumbing option that is great for industrial use. With prolonged use in households, the pipes will rust and cause long-term and short-term illness. They can’t be used again after a while, but you can recycle them with copper. Makcopperpper is the copper environment-friendly option.

Copper pipes are the perfect pipe for transporting water to households and taps. The fact that the pipes are softer makes them easier to work with. Especially when it comes to homeowners doing their plumbing, it isn’t recommended to do an iron plumbing installation yourself. They are heat-resistant, but copper pipes can take more heat than iron. For longer pipes, irons are preferred because they are easier to handle larger sizes, like in industrial pipelines. Moving other fluids than water is preferred because water rusts iron pipes faster.  The ease of use with softer copper pipes makes it preferable to use in homes. Especially when keeping water clean without any rust or corrosion.

plumbing pipes work
plumbing pipes work

Which plumbing pipe to consider

Understanding the differences between iron plumbing pipes and copper pipes, you might understand when to use which pipe. But here are a couple of tips to remember when deciding which pipe to use for your plumbing project.

  • Understand the material. Remember what material is best for what plumbing project. Iron isn’t long for water transfer, and copper isn’t suitable for large industrial plumbing projects.
  • There isn’t a price difference so that the price won’t be the deciding factor between iron and copper.
  • Concopperthe durability of the pipes. Copper doesn’t rust and will last longer than IrironIron, which is a stronger material, but it is not preferred as much because of its need for regular maintenance.
  • Copper pipes can handle high pressure much more than IrironIron, which is more prone to leak, and iron pipes have a higher chance of a burst or leak with high pressure.
  • For households, you can remember that copper is for water systems, and irons are for sewage and drainage systems.

Conclusion

There is a huge difference between iron plumbing pipes and copper plumbing pipes. Most inexperienced homeowners might consider prisoner copper. Beccopperopper is scopperthan. However, because Irons are prone to corrosion, it isn’t recommended.

From their sizes, functions, and features. There is a huge difference between them; you must choose the pipes carefully. Talking to an experienced valve corp is always possible when you don’t know which option will be best for your plumbing project.

Solutions For Waterworks Plumbing

Get quote Now

Free Sample with OEM