Copper: The Backbone of Plumbing!

Plumbing renovations aren’t exactly gripping. As much as you’d like to put it off, at times, whether you like it or not, the right time is right now. This is all the more likely during a kitchen, bathroom, or basement renovation.

If your house is over 50 years old and the plumbing hasn’t been updated, it’s better to address the situation rather than wait until leaks force you to carry out even more significant work. 

Nowadays, different products and materials can be used to carry out a sanitary installation. Nonetheless, copper prevails as the number one choice of many industry professionals. Allow us to explain. 

Why Use Copper Pipes in Plumbing?

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When selecting materials meant for plumbing installations, different criteria come into play. Lead, used for years, made people realize that beyond reliability, efficiency, and durability, health should be prioritized. 

Copper comes out on top here as it has undeniable qualities. Given that it helps neutralize bacteria, said material ensures water quality. Better yet, copper is essential for the proper workings of the human body.

Moreover, this material is versatile and suitable for a wide range of fittings, such as soldering, press systems, compression, and bonding. 

Lifespan: How Long Does Copper Piping Last?

Copper’s durability is another reason why it's such a commonly used pipe material. With a 70- to 80-year service life, it makes it nearly as durable as brass, cast iron, and galvanized steel, which last 100 years. On the other hand, PVC pipes are often switched out after three decades or so. 

Note that while copper oxidizes, the oxidation layer (that blue-green colour) then acts as a shield for the metal. Copper dome roofs found on historically significant buildings are proof. 

Pros and Cons of Different Plumbing Pipe Materials 

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Whenever major work is done to a home’s plumbing system, a slew of important decisions must be made. However, the most important decision of all remains that of the materials used. Once you’ve chosen, some options will no longer be available as not all materials are compatible with one another.

As such, pairing copper and plastic pipes is out of the question. If, for some reason or another, you’re looking to switch things up mid-project, you may need to replace all parts installed. Therefore, before undertaking a plumbing project, carefully assess the advantages and disadvantages of each and every material you're considering. 

To help guide your decision, below is a pipe-specific rundown.

What Is Best: Copper or PVC Pipes?

A lot of recently built homes are fitted with PVC pipes. The benefits of PVC pipes are worth considering when it comes to residential plumbing, given that they're more resilient to physical impacts and corrosion compared to copper. 

Plastic piping wins in terms of consumer choice despite having an inferior service life next to copper. While rather costly, its popularity most likely stems from its ease of installation. Indeed, PVC allows DIYers to carry out simple plumbing tasks. 

How else does PVC top copper? It’s near noiseless (even under pressure), has remarkable flexibility, and it’s not—or barely is—a conductor. As such, water retains its heat as it’s routed through the home. 

However, PVC piping isn’t recommended for exterior use since plastic is vulnerable when exposed to UV rays. Furthermore, since it’s relatively flexible, it does require more support, especially for an underground installation.

OUR TIP: Not all PVC plumbing products are comparable in terms of durability. As such, it’s better to consult with an industry professional who can advise you accordingly. 

Copper vs. Multilayer Pipes: Similarities to Consider

Multilayer pipes are super easy to install. Said type of pipe is new on the market, and quickly won over industry professionals and DIYers. 

Made of three layers, two of which are plastic draping over one thin layer of aluminum, which is the pipe’s core. This material can withstand high temperatures, and is perfectly suitable for plumbing installations, whether meant for new homes or renovation projects.

Not unlike copper, multilayer pipes are retailed in bar-like (straight length spanning up to 3 metres) or coil form (up to a few hundred metres in length). It’s easily bendable, courtesy of its aluminum core. As a result, it can be bent or shaped easily to one’s liking, whether by hand or with a dedicated tool. 

Copper and multilayer pipes can be connected using two thin-head wrenches and compatible fittings and adapters. Since they’re UV-resistant, they can be used behind walls and partitions, as well as for exposed installations. And, given that their colouring isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, they can be painted to better suit one's décor. 

Copper is stiffer and is more resilient to physical impacts. However, multilayer pipes aren’t likely to corrode or scale and have remarkable soundproofing. 

Overall, multilayer pipes are an in-between compromise between copper—more durable but mandates a more complex installation process—and plastic piping, which is more accessible on all fronts, yet has a limited service life.

Choosing Between Copper and PEX Pipes

PEX plumbing pipes are made with cross-linked polyethylene. Said pipes are economical, light, and easy to install, thereby swiftly winning over industry professionals working on new constructions. 

Such plumbing pipes are highly praised for their reliability, resistance, and flexibility. Besides, if you ever have to replace supply pipes tucked away behind a wall, having a plumber install PEX pipes can usually limit the overall installation damage. Given the material’s flexibility, the pipes can be installed without carrying out major demolition work. 

PEX pipes won’t corrode nor scale and have great soundproofing. On top of that, pipe installation calls for half the time as copper. Another great feature about these pipes is that they’re colour-coded: blue for cold water and red for hot water.

Brass vs. Copper: All About the Fittings

Brass is primarily used to fabricate fittings and valves. When comparing different fittings, those made of brass stand out on account of not needing soldering, their screw-on capacity, and their ability to be used for different purposes:

• Connections

• Pipe fittings

• Flared tube fittings

• Unclogging

• Temporary pipe shut-off

• Pipe diversion

Better yet, brass can be used to couple parts made of different materials. As such, brass fittings can be used to join steel and copper pipes. Lastly, brass fittings are easy to use and can be deemed one of the most reliable. 

Brass is pleasantly versatile, making it a key plumbing element and leading to its increasing use year over year.  

Copper Plumbing Installation

How to Connect Pipes Without Soldering

For DIYers lacking soldering experience, material selection will be limited by pipe assembly needs. Ever since quick-connect fittings were invented, it’s safe to say that heat torches can be set aside. Both waterproof and resilient, such fittings can withstand heat, pressure, and frequent usage. 

Below are the options to consider: 

• Screw-in fitting

• Mechanical connector

• Automatic coupler

Screw-In Fittings

Srew-in fittings are easily disassembled. Made of brass, they’re used on pre-shaped pipes to which a gasket has already been secured.

Mechanical Connectors

Mechanical connectors can be used on perfectly cut and deburred copper pipes. Simply slide on the washer, then the nut, position de connector, and tighten around the pipe using a wrench.

The installation process is the same with mechanical connectors made with a spring washer and a rubber gasket. 

Automatic Coupler

The automatic coupler is the simplest way to join two pipes. Since it’s pre-assembled, no tools are required. It’s a rather straightforward process: rotor clips ensure the system is sealed. 

Simply slide the copper tube inside the fitting and push it all the way in until you hear a click, indicating the fitting is secured and the installation is properly sealed.

PRO TIP: To install such a fitting, you first have to carefully cut the copper pipe, deburring the end to remove any copper shavings.  

How to Solder for Beginners 

If you were to go around compression or quick-connect fittings (screw-in, mechanical, or automatic couplings), the sole remaining way to assemble copper tubes and fittings is soldering. Indeed, copper pipes can’t be soldered end-to-end as one might with steel or stainless steel pipes. 

Capillary soldering is most often talked about, even though said technique implies fusing two materials of the same kind, which isn’t the case here. Brazing, which is the exact term referencing the soldering technique employed with copper, consists of joining metal surfaces (for example, two pipes connected with a coupling) with a filler metal (brazing), melting at a temperature that doesn’t deteriorate copper. 

The fittings embed into one another, allowing for a restricted space to be filled by melted filler metal, ensuring both elements are bonded.

Necessary Tools:

• Heat torch

• Solder bar

• Household scouring pad (or metal wire brush)

• Diluted sulfuric acid

• Alcohol fuel

• Fitting

• Flux

Recommended Personal Protective Gear:

• Protective goggles

• Face mask/respirator

• Welder gloves and apron

• Safety shoes

Guidelines:

Clean pipe

It’s super important to clean both ends of the pipe and the inside of the fittings before getting started. We recommend abiding by the following three steps:

• Deburr the ends of the pipe (remove excess metal by sanding)

• Deoxidation

• Wipe down with alchol fuel

Apply flux to pipe

Unless you’re using self-solder pipes, you’ll need to apply flux (which is retailed in grease, liquid, or paste form) to ensure the assembled piping is sealed properly. Sand a 1- to 2-centimetre surface.  

Insert fitting

Insert the fitting on one end of the pipe and twist it to distribute the flux evenly. If you’re dealing with an elbow or tee fitting, insert it now as it can’t be adjusted later.

Heat the pipe

Ignite your torch and point the flame toward the fitting. Rotate the flame around the coupling to heat up both parts evenly.

TRICK OF THE TRADE: If possible, get yourself an enveloping flame burner (Cercoflam). The latter allows you to heat half the pipe at once. Simply rotate the torch 180° to heat the entire surface.

Braze copper pipe

Given that copper reaches the ideal temperature and can be brazed as soon as it turns a dark shade of red (don’t exceed said temperature). Position the end of the brazing rod where the parts meet for the melting metal to fill the space.

TRICK OF THE TRADE: Should the brazing filler not take all around the pipe, distance the metal filler rod from the pipe, and slowly keep heating the parts to be joined until they have warmed up slightly. Be careful not to melt the joint that was already done. 

Allow the parts to cool down

Proceed carefully to avoid burning yourself. Even if a part of the pipe retained its original colouring, it may still be too warm to handle without gloves. Use caution and be patient.

Clean the brazed copper 

Wipe away all traces of soot using diluted sulfuric acid and rinse thoroughly. 

Lowdown On Accessories and Prices

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Given that costs often tip the scale in favour of one material over another, here's what to expect if you plan on replacing your entire plumbing system in a home with two 140-square-metre bathrooms.  

For copper piping, budget between $12,000 and $15,000. If you opt for PEX pipes, your total cost will range from $4,500 to $7,000.

While some parts are decidedly inexpensive (inserts, elbows, and adapters cost just a few dollars), others are more expensive. Such is the case with certain compression fittings, which retail for around $20 to $80 apiece. Budget the same amount for each twelve-foot, ¾-inch wide pipe.

Proceed carefully if you want to save a little; material-related costs add up quickly. The quality of the materials selected is a big part of a hired company’s success. As such, if the copper pipes purchased were on sale and overly carbonated, it could lead to porous piping. If the torch’s flame isn’t melting the copper, yet burns carbon, it will punch microscopic holes in the material.

Want to learn more about piping? Check out these articles:

• How to Fix Noisy Pipes

• Water Supply Pipe Insulation: A Necessary Measure

• How to Clear Root-Clogged Pipes

• How to Safely Unclog Your Drain Pipe

• Pipefitter: Ins and Outs the Job