Copper pipes are used throughout your property for your water supply. They can be manufactured as either soft copper or rigid copper. Copper is highly corrosion-resistant and lead-free, delivering safe drinking water. It is the most used material for plumbing pipes since it is durable and long-lasting.
Copper piping is recycled into numerous other materials at the same metal purity, making it sustainable and cost-effective.
A soft copper pipe type can easily be moved and bent into place without tools. In contrast, more complex or rigid copper types need specialised cutting and joining tools.
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What are the different types of copper pipes?
Four commonly used copper pipes are used in residential and commercial plumbing: Type K, Type L, and Type M. Copper DWV piping are used for water supply in older properties. The letters indicate the size and thickness of the walls and their diameter.
They are made from the same material and can be rigid and soft, but the main differences between these pipes are the pressure rating and the pipe wall thickness. The thickness and pressure rating determine the suitable application.
For example, a copper pipe with a thinner diameter and low water pressure rating is unsuitable for construction-grade water delivery. And domestic water supply lines that require minimal water pressure will only need a thinner-sized copper pipe.
These pipes also have colour coding to differentiate the various types and applications.
Types of copper tubing and pipes
Type K pipe= Green
It is suitable only for underground installation and supplies water into the house. Its wall thickness is the largest and is used for heavy-duty water distribution.
Type L Pipe= Blue
Type L copper pipes have a substantial wall thickness and are ideal for water supply lines. They also have a higher pressure rating for residential properties and are the most common copper pipe used.
Type M Pipe= Red
Type M copper pipes supply water to homes. Because of their thinner wall thickness, M copper pipes have a lower pressure rating, which is ideal for general domestic water supply.
DWV= Yellow
It is most commonly used for plumbing drains and vents in older properties. It has now been replaced with PVC or ABS plastic pipes and should only be used for above-ground applications.
The different types of copper pipes
Understanding your plumbing system means making more informed decisions about maintenance, cleaning, and preventing blocked and damaged drains. Copper pipes are highly durable, provide a lead-free solution to drinking water, and are found in many homes across Australia. When purchasing a property, you can always use a DIY plumbing checklist to help you identify the types of pipes used.
We hope this guide has helped determine the type of copper pipes and water lines you have throughout your home.
