4 Different Types of Copper Pipe and How to Choose One
| Type | Fitting Methods | Flexible form available | Common Use |
| Type K | •Soldered •Compression •Push-fit •Press- ... | Yes | Main water lines, underground lines |
| Type L | •Soldered •Compression •Push-fit •Press- ... | Yes | Branch water supply lines |
| Type M | •Soldered •Compression •Push-fit •Press- ... | No | Branch water supply lines |
| DWV | Soldered, Slip-joint | No | DWV plumbing lines |
What is type M copper pipe?
Type M Copper Pipe: Type M copper pipe is thinner than both type K and L copper pipe. Sold in both rigid and flexible forms, Type M is used most commonly for heating water services and vacuum systems.
What is type K copper pipe used for?
Type K Copper Pipe: Type K copper pipe has the thickest wall of all the common types. It is used for water distribution, fire protection, oil, HVAC, and many other applications in the construction industry. Type K pipe is available in a rigid and flexible form and can be used with flared and compression fittings.
What is Type L copper pipe used for?
Type L Copper Pipe: Type L copper pipe is used for interior plumbing, fire protection, and some HVAC applications. It is available in rigid and flexible forms and can be used with sweat, compression, and flare fittings.
What type of copper pipe should I use for underground applications?
Editors’ Choice: Coils of Mueller Streamline Type K copper pipe (available at Lowe’s) are used in underground applications like water mains because of their ease of use and durability. 2. Type L Copper Pipe
Should I use Type M or type L copper?
When to use Type L and Type M copper pipe sizes. Type L copper pipe is recommended where you need strength and protection. But for normal “in the wall” household plumbing, Type M copper pipe is just fine.
Can Type M copper be used for gas?
It can be used with atmosphere, Sweat, Tension, Flare, etc. Because of its comparatively low expense, Type M tubing is favored for residential work; a thinner wall implies less metal, and thus less. Form M copper is not allowed in all areas and installations of plumbing standards.
Can you use Type M copper outside?
Type M has red markings and comes in flexible rolls and rigid tubing. While it isn't often used in outdoor underground applications, Type M copper pipe is a perfect fit and plenty durable if you are looking to run a water system in your home.
Which is stronger L or M copper?
Type L comes with thicker walls than type M. Type L also has a high rating in terms of pressure than type M. Some local plumbing codes only allow the use of type L and don't allow the use of type M in homes. However, international codes of construction allow the use of types L, M, and K pipes for supplying water.
Can Type M copper be used for refrigeration?
Just like type M, this type is available in hard drawn straight sections. This type of tubing is not used with HVAC refrigerants and may be seen as drains, water lines and minimal presssure applications. It is available hard and soft.
Can you bend Type M copper pipe?
1:352:43How to bend copper pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you need to do is make sure it can come out you can put a screwdriver to it if you want to stopMoreAll you need to do is make sure it can come out you can put a screwdriver to it if you want to stop your going out all the way in. But you can just hold it.
Can you use Type M copper underground?
Type K is the heaviest. Type L is medium weight and used most often for water lines in homes. Type M is thinner and is used underground or for light domestic water lines if local codes allow.
What type of copper is used for plumbing?
Type L copper pipe is used for interior plumbing, as well as for fire protection, and some HVAC applications. It is available in rigid and flexible forms. Type L is considered the most common type of copper piping, as it can be used in many more applications than Type K.
What type of copper is allowed for underground use?
Use Type K Copper Pipe Three types of rigid copper pipes are available: Type M has thin walls, and Type L has medium walls usually used for general household installation. Type K has the thickest walls. For underground installations, use Type K copper pipe.
What size copper pipe is used for water?
1/2 to 1 inchWhite plastic, copper, and galvanized (silver-toned) pipes from 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter generally carry water, though some galvanized steel, black steel, and flexible copper pipes of the same sizes may carry gas.
Is copper pipe safe for drinking water?
Copper pipes with lead-free joint materials are the best choice for water pipes. They are long-lasting and won't leach chemicals into your drinking water. However, copper pipes are generally more expensive, and copper's intensive extraction and manufacturing process presents some environmental trade-offs.
Why do copper pipes go green?
Patina, or the greenish colour that appears on copper pipes, happens from oxidation. Oxidation is common on copper when it is exposed to water and air over time. While this oxidized layer is not harmful, it does cause the copper to become corroded.
What type of copper pipe is used for water supply?
Inflexible hard copper pipe requires pipe bending equipment in order to bend it and is usually cut and fit rather than bent. Most residential water supply plumbing uses two types of hard copper pipe called type M and type L. Advertisement.
What are the different types of copper pipes?
Manufacturers provide copper pipe in four standardized types: K, L, M and DWV. The letters indicate, in part, the relative thickness of the pipe wall from thickest to thinnest. The actual wall thickness depends on the size of the pipe.
Which is more expensive, type L or type M?
Type L costs more than type M. Type L with its thicker walls weighs more and requires more copper, thereby costing more to manufacture and also to transport. Copper pipes of the same type and size all have the same outside diameter, which allows them to use the same fittings for connections.
Is type M allowed in a building code?
Some local codes specify that only type L is allowed and that type M is not allowed. The International Building Code allows both L and M, as well as type K for use as water supply pipe. Advertisement.
What is the difference between Type M and Type M copper pipe?
Best of all, it costs less than the other copper pipe types! Advertisement. Type M has red markings and comes in flexible rolls and rigid tubing. While it isn’t often used in outdoor underground applications, Type M copper pipe is a perfect fit and plenty durable if you are looking to run a water system in your home.
What is copper pipe used for?
Photo: depositphotos.com. Copper pipes have been used as water supply lines in homes for decades, and you’ve probably seen them under your cabinets or overhead in your basement. Most people know that pipes come in different diameters, but what you may not realize is that some types of copper pipes are thicker than others, too.
What type of copper pipe is used for underground water lines?
2. Type L Copper Pipe. While not quite as thick as Type K, with a wall thickness of .045 inches for a ¾-inch diameter pipe, it is still quite durable and can be used in many more ways. Type L is beefy enough to be used in underground applications but is often used to replace or repair water lines.
What type of copper pipe is best for a home?
1. Type K Copper Pipe. Of all copper pipe types, Type K has the thickest walls and is the most durable.
What is the thickest type of copper pipe?
Of all copper pipe types, Type K has the thickest walls and is the most durable. Pipe wall thickness varies according to the pipe diameter. ½-inch Type K pipe has a wall thickness of .049 inches, while ¾-inch has a thickness of .065 inches. Its thickness also makes Type K the heaviest and most expensive type of copper pipe. You won’t find Type K copper pipes under your sink or connected to other plumbing fixtures; partly because they aren’t as easy to work with as other types of copper but mostly due to the prohibitive cost. Type K’s thickness lends itself to use in commercial plumbing, HVAC, and sprinkler systems but most commonly found in underground water main installations. A thinner pipe can crimp or collapse underground, but Type K’s durability will allow it to last longer, meaning it doesn’t need to be dug up every few years.
What is a K pipe?
Distinguished by green markings, Type K pipe is available in both rigid form and in flexible rolls. You’ll often find flexible rolls of Type K used for underground water mains because they are easier to run in a trench, require no fittings, and can be used with compression and flared fittings.
What is the best alternative to copper water?
But according to veteran plumber Charlie Avoles, the best alternative to copper is PEX (flexible plastic pipe).
What is the difference between copper pipe and copper pipe?
The difference is the wall thickness of the copper pipe sizes and therefore the pressure it can handle. The exterior dimensions are identical, meaning you use the same copper fittings. You also use the same tools, materials and techniques to cut and sweat them.
How long does a type L pipe last?
Most plumbers use the less-expensive Type M for residential projects: One told me, “Type L pipe will last 300 years and Type M only 250.”. But check with your building inspector; some areas require Type L. Acidic water with a pH of 7 or less can be hard on copper pipe.
Is copper pipe acidic?
Acidic water with a pH of 7 or less can be hard on copper pipe. If you have a well and find out from testing that the water is acidic, you may want to use the thicker-wall Type L pipe; better yet, use “plastic” CPVC pipe and fittings. Note that most “city water,” even in areas of the country where the water is acidic, ...
What is type M copper?
Type M copper pipes tend to be found most in vacuum systems and for distributing water throughout your home, making it a relatively popular choice for copper tubing. AD: Local Counselor>.
What type of copper pipe is used for water lines?
Copper pipe Type L is the most common variety out of the three and can be found in interior plumbing systems. Furthermore, there are two kinds available: hard copper Type L and soft copper Type L. For water line replacement, the latter is most common, and the former for outside the house since it’s more durable and will need to withstand direct exposure to the elements.
What is copper pipe?
Copper piping can be found in numerous appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators. Whether it’s soft copper or rigid copper, or used for residential purposes or commercial construction, copper pipes are a major part of any project. However, there’s more than just one kind of copper pipe, and to do the job right, you need to know what kind of copper pipe is needed most. The three most predominant kinds of these pipes are called: 1 Type L pipe 2 Type K pipe 3 Type M pipe
What are the different types of copper pipes?
The three most predominant kinds of these pipes are called: Type L pipe. Type K pipe. Type M pipe.
Which type of copper pipe has the thickest walls?
Among the three different kinds of copper tubing, Type K possesses the thickest walls. Type K copper pipes are often found in water distribution systems, but they’re also quite commonly used in the oil industry, in heating and air systems, and even in fire protection.
Can you use K copper pipes for natural gas?
You won’t ever find these being used for natural gas, though. Type K is unapproved, due to the harm the gas can cause to the pipe’s joints. K Copper pipes, however, are useful when installing main water lines.
Do copper pipes need to be bent?
Whenever copper pipes are used for many of these applications, they need to be reshaped, bent, or coiled. If you are a part of one of these industries, or are doing some home maintenance and need coiled tubing, contact Metal Forming Solutions.
What is the purpose of copper tubing and fittings?
Tubing and Fittings in HVACR. The copper tubing and fittings used in air conditioning and refrigeration are designed and processed for HVACR and are often charged with nitrogen. The nitrogen keeps the tubing clean and dry preventing the onset of oxidation/corrosion. This type of tubing is used for hot and cold water supplies and ...
What is hardened copper tubing?
Hardened Copper Tubing. Hardened copper tubing is used for water lines, commercial refrigeration and HVAC. This type of tubing is joined using grooved, compression, crimped, or sweat connections. The runs are mostly straight except where it must be bent to go around construction. Elbow fittings are used to make the bend.
What are the different types of tubing?
Other Types of Tubing. There are other types of tubing besides copper. Aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and plastic tubing are used in HVAC and refrigeration applications. Aluminum coils and refrigerant piping are being used. The use of stainless steel may be seen in certain types of ducting and the walls of mechanical parts within an HVAC system.
What is the thickest type of copper tubing?
Copper tubing is usually available in either soft or hard presentations. Type K is the thickest of the types and is often used underground. It is coated or may by suited with a polyethylene coating. It is usually available as hard drawn straight sections and in rolls that have been annealed. Type L is thinner than type K ...
Is copper tubing annealed?
Soft copper tubing will bend easily and can be forced around obstacles and construction. Copper such as this is said to be annealed. In the world of metallurg y, copper, brass, and silver are cooled slowly in the air so they remain in such a state as to be formed or shaped in definite ways. It is more expensive when it is annealed.
What type of copper is used for refrigerant?
Copper has a high resistance to corrosion, but it is becoming increasingly expensive. There are two types of copper tubes: rigid copper and soft copper. Copper tubes are most often used to supply cold or hot tap water, but they can also be used in HVAC systems as a refrigerant thread. Type L, Type DWV, Type K, and Type M are ...
What is copper pipe used for?
Copper tube is frequently used in HVAC systems to deliver hot and cold tap water as well as a refrigerant line. The two main types of copper tubing are soft copper tubing and rigid copper tubing.
What are the two types of copper tubing?
The two main types of copper tubing are soft copper tubing and rigid copper tubing. To join copper tubing, a flared attachment, compression connection, or solder is used. Manibhadra Fittings is one of the leading Copper Tubes manufacturers in India. Copper has a high resistance to corrosion, but it is becoming increasingly expensive.
What is the most common thickness of copper tubes?
Type L, Type DWV, Type K, and Type M are the most common thicknesses available for tubes made of copper in the United States and Canada.
Why are copper pipes so popular?
Copper Pipe and Tube are popular due to their ability to withstand extreme cold and heat. Copper pipes are recyclable and can be installed outdoors. Copper Pipes are highly flexible and can extend long distances throughout the home.
Why is type L more expensive than type M?
In general, type L is more expensive than type M. The reason for the price difference is that type L has thicker walls and thus weighs more. As a result, type l needs more copper to produce, resulting in a higher production cost than type M. Since type L weighs more than type M, the cost of transportation is also higher.
What is the difference between type L and type M copper pipes?
The difference between type L and type M copper pipes is that type L pipes are thicker. However, when should you use type L copper pipes, and when should you use type M copper pipes? As a general rule, you should use type L copper pipes for water supply in a building.
Which is more expensive, L or M copper?
L copper pipes are more expensive than M copper pipes, and for that reason, M copper pipes are sometimes preferred. In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about the differences between the four types of copper pipes, when you should use each type of copper pipe, and how to know whether you should use L or M copper pipes.
Why do L copper pipes last longer?
However, type L copper pipes last longer because it's thicker and won’t need to be replaced as soon as type M copper pipes. Most plumbers recommend using type M copper pipes for the supply of heating, such as in an underfloor heating system. However, type M copper pipes are a lot cheaper than type L pipes.
How long do copper pipes last?
And copper pipes generally will last 80 to 100 years. But, some plumbers believe that if you use the thinner type M pipes instead of type L copper pipes, you will need to replace them after 20 to 30 years.
What type of copper pipes are there?
There are four types of copper pipes, K, L, M, and DMV. K copper pipes are the only type of copper pipes that can be buried underground. L copper pipes are used for supplying water, whereas M copper pipes are used for heating. DMV pipes aren’t used for water supply and have no pressure rating.
Why are L pipes more expensive than M pipes?
Copper, though, is relatively rare and costly to extract from the ground, and for that reason, type L pipes are more costly than type M pipes because they contain more copper and are on average around 15% of the price of type L pipes.
How does water flow through a copper pipe?
Water flows through pipes under pressure. And for water to get from the ground to a shower head, or an upstairs kitchen or bathroom, it needs to be pumped under reasonably high pressure. Each type of copper pipe has been stress tested in a lab to see how it holds up under varying water pressure.
What is standard copper tube?
Standard Tubes: Types of Copper Tube. Long lasting copper tube is a favorite choice for plumbing, heating, cooling and other systems. In the United States, it is manufactured to meet the requirements of specifications established by ASTM International. All tube supplied to these ASTM standards is a minimum of 99.9 percent pure copper.
What is the UNS C12200?
The copper customarily used for tube supplied to these specifications is deoxidized with phosphorus and referred to as UNS C12200 or DHP 1 Copper. Other coppers may also be used.
How to join a tube in a hard temper?
Tube in the hard temper condition is usually joined by soldering or brazing, using capillary fittings or by welding. Tube in the soft temper can be joined by the same techniques and is also commonly joined by the use of flare-type and compression fittings.
