For your home or commercial needs, you can use PVC, PEX, Copper, Cast Iron, or Stainless Steel pipes. Every material has its own characteristics & longevity. You must choose the perfect material based on your budget, purpose & longevity. Copper is much more beneficial than other materials for water supply pipes.
Copper Pipes for Water Supply
Copper pipes hold more than 99.9% of pure copper. Since 1960, copper pipes have been used as the initial water distribution method. Using these pipes, you can quickly get a guarantee of your water supply pipes’ lifespan (around 70 years).
This lifespan depends on various features like where it’s located, the thickness of the pipes & the environmental conditions. From a reliability & long-lasting perspective, there are no other reasonable alternatives than copper pipes, although the price is higher. Copper pipes are desirable & popular for the following reasons:
- Long-lasting
- Durability
- Bacteria resistant
- Recyclable
- Non-toxic
- Heat resistant
- Malleability
- Aesthetic outlook
Types of Copper Pipes for Water Supply:
There are three types of copper pipes based on thickness. If you can’t differentiate a copper pipe based on its thickness, there is also a color-coded option on the pipe.
Type K Copper Pipe
This is the thickest type of copper pipe, identified by Green Stamp. This type is offered in both rigid and flexible forms. Flexible rolls of type K copper pipe are easier to run in trench & can be used with wide fittings so that these can be used for underground water mains. Besides, its thickness supports it in bearing the pressure from backfilled earth in trenches. The rigid form of type K is commonly used for sprinkler systems & indoor applications.
Regarding size determination, you must remember that the outside diameter of all 3 types of rigid-form pipes will be 1/8 inch bigger than what the pipe’s label says. For example, a 1/2-inch copper pipe has an outside diameter of 5/8-inch. 1/2-inch type K pipe has a wall thickness of .049 inches, while 3/4-inch has a thickness of .065 inches. Type K copper pipe is the most expensive since its wall thickness is the largest in the pipe diameter ratio.
Type L Copper Pipe
Type L copper is thinner than type K but thicker than type M copper pipes. Blue Stamp identifies it & is popular among commercial infrastructures & landowners. It comes in both flexible rolls and rigid tubing. Flexible form of type L copper pipe is the general & widely accepted choice for fixing or replacing old water distribution lines. This type of pipe is used vastly to supply potable water, carry warm water, and supply water to sprinkler systems. Type L can also be used at exterior functions where it will be directly exposed.
The thickness of this type of copper pipe is .045 inches for a 3/4-inch diameter. These copper pipes are durable and can last around 80-100 years. The price is less expensive than type K pipes.
Type M
Identification: Red Stamp is the identification of Type M copper pipes. These pipes are thinner than both type K and L copper pipes. These pipes are not available in flexible form. Type M is for low budgets and can be used for repairs, replacements, and extensions to interior water supply lines. Since this type uses less copper than the others, it’s much lighter and easier to install.
The quality lifespan of type M copper pipe is around 20-30 years. Since the durability is not high, you must monitor many factors if you use this type of copper pipe on your home or office system. The factors are water pressure, chemical composition of water, etc. Type M is not a good choice for outdoor water functions.
The wall thickness is .032 inches for a 3/4-inch diameter pipe or .028 inches thickness for a 1/2-inch diameter pipe. The price is very cheap compared to the other 2 types because its wall is thinner, which means less copper.
Comparison between 3 types of copper pipes:
It will help your water supply work or any renovation work if you know the difference between copper pipe types and the best application for each.
Copper Pipe Type | Durability | Uses | Price |
Type K | Very strong with thick walls | Main water lines in residential & commercial applications | Expensive |
Type L | Strong with thick walls | Many interior & exterior water distribution | Less expensive |
Type M | Less intense, with thinner walls | Repairs and replacements for interior water lines | Cheaper |
Choosing the right Copper Pipe:
When choosing the perfect type of copper pipe for your project, it is crucial to consider the application’s specific requirements, such as pressure, durability, and installation conditions. Type K offers maximum strength and is perfect for applications requiring high pressure and durability, such as underground installations and municipal water supply systems. Type L is a multipurpose solution for most residential and commercial water projects, combining strength and flexibility for interior & exterior installations. Since Type M is a cost-effective solution for low-pressure systems, it’s a smart pick for indoor water supply systems in homes with tight money. To guarantee the longevity, safety, and effectiveness of plumbing systems, it is essential to understand the properties and suitable applications of each type of copper pipe. You can ensure that your system will operate correctly and dependably for many years by choosing the appropriate copper pipe type for your particular requirements.
Conclusion
Your whole project or any renovation or replacement will be successful when you choose the best copper pipe, depending on your requirements. No one wants the damaged water supply line & it becomes a matter of annoying & hassle to repair repeatedly.