Most of us don’t give much thought to the types of pipes in our house. If the pipes behind your walls are working, there’s no problem. On the other hand, it’s important to be familiar with different kinds of pipes to ensure you are prepared for issues such as pipe bursts or water leaks. To help you prepare for a broken water or sewer pipe, we have created a list of the benefits of investing in copper pipes.
Benefits of Using Copper Pipes
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Copper pipes are mostly used as water supply lines or refrigerant lines in heating and air conditioning systems. They play a big role in providing comfort and convenience in your home. Copper plumbing is found in about 95% of American homes. Prior to replacing a cracked pipe in your foundation, view our tips to become acquainted with this type of pipe.
1.) Durability
Copper pipes are very durable. They can withstand as much as 1,000 pounds of pressure. In more extreme climates, copper pipes offer a significant advantage over other pipes because they handle thawing and freezing better.
2.) Lightweight
Since copper pipes feature a variety of anti-corrosion properties, the pipe walls can be engineered to be thin and lightweight. This makes them easier to remove and install from residential properties. If you’re looking for ways to save money on labor costs, you should consider purchasing copper piping.
3.) Cost-Effective
Copper pipes might be more expensive when compared to PVC, but this category of pipes is less expensive on a long-term basis since it requires less maintenance and repair. Copper’s durability and strength makes it favorable amongst homeowners. Since it requires less attention from licensed plumbers, you will save money by spending less on maintenance and replacements. Additionally, copper pipes are easy to assemble and disassemble to fix various types of problems such as cracks, holes, and water leaks.
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4.) Safety
A huge advantage of copper is that it is a non-toxic material. It transports drinking water safely while maintaining its purity. Copper has biostatic and impermeable properties, making it tough for unwanted contaminants to get through the pipe and into the water. Copper is also naturally resistant to the growth of bacteria. Overall, it is one of the safest materials to transport potable water in.
5.) They Can Be Used in Countless Applications
Copper’s versatility makes it a lead contender for different home systems and applications. Copper pipes are used in domestic plumbing, air conditioning lines, medical gas lines, and fire sprinklers.
Disadvantages of Copper Pipes
From irrigation to domestic residences, copper plumbing pipes are widely used in the plumbing industry due to their thermal performance, antibacterial properties, and longevity. However, copper pipes can still succumb to problems over time. For example, copper is more likely to deteriorate in cold weather when compared to other types of pipes. In rare cases, you could experience copper toxicity. If water has been stagnant in copper for too long, copper particles can begin to leak into the water. When you drink this water, it could have negative effects on your health.
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Different Types of Copper Pipes
From residential spaces to commercial properties, copper is widely used. There are four types of copper pipes you need to research prior to pulling out your wallet.
Type L Copper Tubing
Type L copper pipes are most often used for interior plumbing, fire protection, and HVAC systems. It is thicker than Type M but thinner than Type K, making it the most common type of copper piping. It can be made rigid or flexible and works well with different types of fittings.
Type M Copper Pipe
This type of copper pipe is the thinnest out of L and K and is commonly used for domestic water service and vacuum systems. Because it has thinner walls, it is usually cheaper, making it a favorable option for residential work. However, it is not always allowed by plumbing codes in all areas and applications.
Type K Copper Pipe
Type K copper pipe has the thickest walls, making it more durable and reliable. It’s resistance to different climates and conditions makes it a great choice for water distribution, fire protection, oil circulation, and other types of applications in the construction industry. It is most recommended for main water lines in underground installations since it can withstand a lot of pressure. Since it is the thickest and toughest copper pipe, it is usually the most expensive.
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DWV Pipes
DWV stands for drain, waste, and vent. This type of copper plumbing is not used for any type of water applications. Instead, DWV pipes are utilized as drain and vent lines. It has very thin walls and cannot withstand a lot of pressure, making it one of the rarest copper pipes used. It is typically found in older homes since the latest copper pipes are available in K, L, and M varieties.
Plumbing Repair & Installation Services
If you still need help deciding if copper pipes are the right choice for your home, give our team of licensed plumbers a call by phone at (302) 367-7915 to schedule an appointment. We offer plumbing services for clogged drains, cracked water pipes, and malfunctioning water heaters. In addition, our team of licensed technicians offer HVAC repair services for defective furnaces and damaged air conditioners. To fix the heating system in your home, you will need to understand how a furnace works. Do not attempt to fix a furnace without a licensed technician. With over 65 years of experience in heating, cooling, and plumbing solutions, our team has the equipment and parts necessary to resolve your problem. Trust us with all of your home service needs—you won’t be disappointed. Contact us today to see how we can help.
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