Copper Tubing

Copper Tubing

Today, copper tube for the plumbing, heating and air-conditioning application is available in drawn and annealed tempers and in a range of wall thicknesses and diameters.
There are two basic types of copper tubing: rigid copper and soft copper. Copper tube is available in three wall thicknesses designated as type K, L, M and DWV, and are marked in accordance with ASTM B 88 standard as: type K, green; type L, blue; type M, red; and type DWV, yellow or light orange. The outside diameter of those tubing is identical.

Specifications established by ASTM require that copper tube has a minimum of 99.9 percent pure copper.

Soft copper tubing is the great choice for the areas where it is necessary to go around some obstacles, because the copper pipes could be easily bent to follow all the angles at which the joints are kept to a minimum.

There is a number of ways to join copper tube, most widely used are soldering, pressed connection or compression. Also, this is the only type of tube, which can be connected with flare connection.

Soldering connection

Pressed connection

Compression

Rigid copper tubing is mostly used for water lines and for connection of gas appliances. These tubes are connected the same way as the soft copper tube.

Application of copper tube.

Copper pipes are convenient for cold and hot water distribution, waste water systems, distribution of gas for households, in pipelines for liquid fuels but also for HVAC systems for refrigerant lines
Not all copper tubing is intended for drinking water application, so if you are using copper tubes to supply drinking water make sure that it is intended for that application. NSF certification according to NSF/ANSI 61 guarantees suitability of such tubes.

Advantages of copper tube.

Copper pipes have many advantages. Copper is an ecological, natural material, known for antibacterial properties from ancient times, so that in the pipes can not reach the bacteria growth. It is suitable both for the cold and for the hot water. If there is a sudden change in water temperature, copper will remain intact.

Contact Sacramento Repipe for more details and questions.