Based on its thickness, there are four types of copper pipes, each with its own use case. If you're not a veteran plumber and can't differentiate a copper pipe based on its thickness, the text printed on the pipe is also color-coded.
From thickest to thinnest, copper pipes are classified as follows:
Type K (green)
Type L (blue)
Type M (red)
DMW copper pipes (yellow)
The thickness of the copper pipe also determines its price, pressure rating, and durability, among other things.
Type K, L, and M are most commonly used to distribute water, while the DWV copper pipe is mostly used for waste management.
Type K
Type K copper pipes have the thickest wall out of the four. Since it also contains the most amount of copper, it's also the heaviest and the most expensive. However, these features make Type K copper pipes extremely durable.
Unfortunately, its high price often turns away many homeowners. Instead, Type K copper pipes are often used for commercial buildings, city water mains, or industrial use cases. Type K copper pipes come in both hard pipe and flexible rolls.
The thickness of a Type K tube depends on its size. A ¾ inch tube has a thickness of 0.065 inches, while a ½ inch pipe has 0.049-inch thick walls.
Type L
Type L and Type M copper pipes are more popular among homeowners and small commercial buildings. Type L pipes are cheaper than Type K copper pipes, but still have high durability that makes them last longer under optimal conditions.
Even if they're lighter than type K copper pipes, Type L pipe is still suitable for underground use.
Type L copper pipes come in hard pipes or flexible rolls. Hard Type L pipes are commonly used indoors to supply potable water, carry hot water, and supply water to sprinkler systems.
On the other hand, soft Type L copper tubing is used for underground and outdoor use since they're easier to work with and don't need fittings (which increase the chance of a leak).
Type L copper pipes are also the go-to choice when there are concerns about the water supply wearing the pipe down (if the pressure on the water supply is too high). Because these can withstand high water pressure, these are the good middle-ground for most residential properties.
Type M
Among these three main types of copper pipes used to distribute water, Type M pipes have the thinnest pipe walls.
This may sound like a disadvantage, but this actually makes Type M the best choice for many homeowners for a few reasons. Since it uses less copper than the other two, it's much cheaper, lighter, and easier to install in comparison.
However, since it's not as durable, you may need to keep an eye on many factors if you use Type M copper pipes on your plumbing system. Some examples of things you need to monitor are:
The water pressure going through your pipes
The chemical composition of the water.
The weather and landscape conditions. (Type M pipes aren't very suitable for outdoor or underground use like Type L.)
If you want to install type M copper piping in your building, make sure to check your local building codes beforehand to see if it's allowed. Additionally, check the water pressure running through your pipes.
Copper DWV Pipes
Copper DWV (Drain, Waste, and Vent) pipes are pipes that are used to remove waterborne waste from your property.
Unlike water supply lines, which need to use pressure to deliver water, DWV pipes use gravity to operate. This application is perfect for copper DWV pipes, as its walls can't stand a high-pressure flow, even in the thickest DWV pipes.
It's more likely that you'll encounter DWV pipes in older homes, as most others will already have been replaced by PEX pipes or PVC pipes. DWV pipes are bigger than pipes used in most water supply systems (a 2-inch DWV pipe has a wall thickness of 0.042 inches).
About us
GNEE is a leading international trader and supplier specializing in a comprehensive range of high-quality copper and copper alloy products. We serve a global clientele across various industries, including HVAC/R, automotive, electronics, construction, and industrial manufacturing.
Our Extensive Product Portfolio
We boast a vast inventory and robust supply chain for virtually all forms of copper products. Our expertise covers:
Copper Seamless Tube / Capillary Copper Tube
Copper Welded Tube / Copper Air Conditioning Tube
Copper Refrigeration Tube / Copper Water Tube
Deoxidized Copper Tube / Copper Coil Tube
Copper Sheets & Plates&Strips：
Copper Strip / Copper Thin Strip
Copper Heavy Duty Strip / Precision Copper Strip
Copper Foil Sheet / Copper Thin Sheet
Copper Thick Plate / Copper Chequered Plate
Copper Shim Stock / Copper Busbar
Copper Round Bar / Copper Square Bar
Copper Hexagon Bar / Copper Flat Bar
Copper Alloy Rod / C11000 Electrolytic Tough Pitch (ETP) Copper Rod
Copper Wire / Bare Copper Wire
Copper Alloy Wire / Oxygen-Free Copper Wire
Copper Profiles / Copper Fittings
Material Grades & International Standards
We provide materials that conform to major international standards to ensure performance, reliability, and global acceptance. Commonly supplied grades and standards include:
Common Grades:
Pure Copper: C10100 (Oxygen-Free Electronic Copper), C10200 (Oxygen-Free Copper), C11000 (Electrolytic Tough Pitch - ETP Copper)
Copper Alloys:
Brass: C26000 (Cartridge Brass), C27200 (Brass), C36000 (Free-Cutting Brass), C38500 (Architectural Bronze)
Phosphor Bronze: C51000
Aluminum Bronze: C60800
Copper-Nickel: C70600 (CuNi 90/10)
Admiralty Brass: C44300
ASTM Standards:
B68 / B68M: Seamless Copper Tube
B75 / B75M: Seamless Copper Pipe
B111 / B111M: Copper and Copper-Alloy Seamless Condenser Tubes and Ferrule Stock
B152 / B152M: Copper Sheet, Strip, Plate, and Rolled Bar
B187 / B187M: Copper Bus Bar, Rod, and Shapes
B301: Free-Cutting Brass Rod
