After nearly a century of use in commercial and residential applications, copper tube pipes have stood the test of time. It's durable, non-corrosive, and long-lasting-with a maximum lifespan of 70 years. The tricky thing about copper pipes is deciding which type to install. You must consider factors like how thick the pipe should be and what your intended application is. If you need help making a decision, keep reading below to understand the benefits of each type.
Type K Copper Pipe
With an average thickness of .65 inches, Type K is the thickest type of copper pipe. It comes in both flexible and rigid options and is on the pricier end of the copper piping spectrum.
Type K is used for water and oil transportation, fire protection, and HVAC applications. Its primary use is for main water lines and underground lines due to its durability to withstand intense pressure.
Type L Copper Pipe
With an average thickness of .40 inches, Type L is thinner than Type K. Like Type K, it comes in both flexible and rigid options. It's also the most commonly used type of copper pipe due to its enhanced versatility and flexibility.
Type L is used for indoor plumbing, fire safety, and HVAC purposes. Technicians use it primarily to repair and replace old interior branch water lines, but it's also effective for outdoor applications.
Type M Copper Pipe
Type M is thinner and cheaper than Types K and L. For example, a ½ inch pipe is generally .28 inches thick. Unlike Types K and L, Type M only comes in a rigid option.
Type M is used for household water distribution and vacuum systems. It's ideal for repairing, extending, and replacing interior branch water lines. Before investing in this type of copper piping, keep in mind that it doesn't adhere to all plumbing codes, so it's best to consult with those who know best.
Copper DWV Piping
Copper DWV piping is the thinnest type, with a 1 ½ inch pipe having a thickness of only .42 inches. Like Type M, this copper pipe only comes in a rigid option. As a result of its thinness and rigidness, copper DWV piping can only be used for above-ground purposes because it's not strong or flexible enough to withstand extreme pressure.
Copper DWV piping is used for plumbing drains and vents, specifically DWV (drain-waste-vent) plumbing lines. It's most commonly found in older homes.
How You Can You Tell if a Copper Pipe Is Leaking
It's not uncommon for copper pipes-especially older ones-to leak from time to time. When water escapes through pinhole leaks in the pipes, a blue-green stain forms. These pinhole leaks, which are difficult to detect, often form when increased acidity in the water causes long-term corrosion.
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
