Why Use Copper Pipes
Copper is highly durable and does not corrode easily when used with water and for drainage purposes. The inner surface is smooth and there are minimum losses due to friction from the flowing water.
Copper pipes are also ductile. They can expand when water freezes inside them, reducing bursting failures. They are also flexible in the installation process, allowing pipes to be curved around obstacles as they are laid down. Other benefits of copper include its recyclable, non-toxic and antimicrobial nature. These benefits make copper a preferred material for constructing efficient plumbing networks.
Copper Pipe Sizes
Copper pipes come in standard sizes used in plumbing, heating and cooling systems and the sizing is determined as follows.
Copper pipe used in plumbing applications is classified by nominal pipe size (NPS) and actual outside diameter. Pipe size is the internal diameter (I.D.). This pipe is produced to standard dimensions and must conform to industry standard dimensional practices.
Specific dimensions consist of 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2 and 2 inches of nominal pipe size. They include light-wall copper pipe, standard-wall copper pipe and extra-heavy-wall copper pipe with different wall thicknesses. Light-wall copper tubing can be ordered to L-type standards. Standard-wall tubing is classified as M-type and extra-heavy-wall tubing is classified as K-type copper pipe. We’ll have a close look at these copper tubing types in the next section.
L Type Copper Pipes
L-type copper pipes have the slimmest walls compared to the other two main types of copper pipe. They are also relatively cheap due to their lightness and ease of use in the construction process. L-type copper tubing is purchased in straight, rigid lengths of varying length depending on the specification or flexible coils of up to 50ft, with diameters ranging from 1/4 inch to 8 inches.
L type copper pipes have a thin wall that can easily deform due to impacts. This soft copper pipe mustn't be compromised during construction or handling. This type of tubing is used to install drain, waste and vent lines. It can also be utilized in water distribution lines, even though thick-walled tubing is usually recommended.
M Type Copper Pipe
M type copper pipes have medium-thick walls. They provide fairly reasonable power and fall under the medium-budget category. Type M copper pipes are perhaps the most used in most plumbing systems. They have enough corrosion protection for water lines and adequate durability for pressurized systems.
Type M copper tubing includes rigid straight pieces up to 12 feet long. Flexible type M coils are offered in lengths up to 100 feet long. Pipe sizes are available from 1/4 inch to 12 inches. Type M has more pipe thickness than L-type copper but is lighter than type K copper pipes.
Type M copper pipe is recommended for hot and cold potable water distribution. It is also approved for natural gas, medical gas, drainage, waste and vent plumbing systems. The medium wall thickness manages moderate water pressures and is resistant to impacts during handling and installation.
Type K Copper Pipe
Type K copper pipes are the heaviest-walled standard copper tubing available today. Their thick walls provide extra protection against crushing and pressures that can affect other structures. Type K copper tubes come in rigid straight lengths of up to 12 feet and coils of up to 50 feet. Sizes available range from 1/4 inch to 12 inches.
These copper tubing types have a rigid installation form, making them suitable for projects with long straight runs. K-type flexible coils can be bent to fit through tight spaces when installed. K-type copper pipes have the capacity to bear high water pressure because of the thick walls of copper. They are employed to install pipelines for water supply and irrigation purposes.
How to Install Copper Pipes
Copper pipe can be joined by soldering, brazing, flaring and compression fittings. Soldering involves melding parts together using metals with relatively low melting temperatures. Brazing incorporates higher-temperature filler materials. Flaring shapes a flared end that can fit to matching flanges for sealing purposes. Additionally, compression fittings clamp the pipe tightly to ensure no leakage.
Proper handling, cutting and preparation are important factors in installing pipes properly. Applying a lot of pressure during bending can kink or crush copper tubing. Pipes must be adequately supported and suspended to minimize the effect of vibration on the systems. Some potential issues are associated with thermal expansion. Implementing various guidelines and standards in the design and installation process contributes positively to the outcome.
To sum up, knowledge about type L, type M and type K copper pipes assists in choosing the right tubing. Wall thickness, strength, bending, copper pipe diameters and corrosion resistance make it possible to match copper piping systems with multiple applications and operating conditions. When constructed with the right materials and installation, copper plumbing systems ensure long-lasting and hassle-free service.