There are two main types of copper tubing available on the market: hard drawn copper and soft drawn copper. Hard drawn copper tubing is drawn through dies and is more durable than soft drawn tubing. It has a higher resistance to corrosion, higher strength and is more suitable for plumbing applications that require strong joints.
Soft drawn copper tubing is produced in the same way as hard drawn tubing but it is cooled more slowly. This makes it more malleable and easier to work with than hard drawn copper. Soft drawn copper tubing is ideal for applications that require tight bends, such as refrigeration and medical applications.
It also is more easily joined with solder and other joining methods such as compression fittings, making it a popular choice for indoor plumbing.
How are copper tubing joined?
Copper tubing is joined in several ways, depending on the application, including soldering, brazing, flaring, compression fittings, and push-to-connect fittings. Soldering is the most common connection method used for copper tubing in residential settings, and is achieved by melting a lead-free solder material onto the joint between two pipes.
Brazing is a variation of soldering and uses silver-based alloys that are melted onto the joint instead of a lead-based solder material. Flaring is a method used for larger pipes and involves cutting a cone-shaped depression into the end of the pipe prior to securing the connection with specialized fittings and flare nuts.
Compression fittings use compression rings that thread onto the pipe and are tightened with a compression nut to create a water-tight joint. Lastly, push-to-connect fittings are the simplest method of joining copper tubing without the use of solder and use the mechanical force of a connector nut to secure the joint.
Which is the joint for copper pipe?
A solder joint is the most common joint for joining copper pipe. A soldering torch and flux are used to heat the pipes and a lead-free solder is applied by capillary action. First, the pipe ends and any fittings must be cleaned using a clean cloth to remove grease and dirt.
The flux is then applied to the joint and the pipe is heated with the torch until it reaches soldering temperature. Once it is hot enough, the solder wire is introduced to the heated joint and the molten solder will be drawn into the joint.
Once the solder has cooled, the joint should be inspected to ensure it meets code. A properly completed solder joint will be strong, watertight and free of leaks.
How many types of pipe joints are there?
The most common being clamp, sleeve and flange joints. Clamp joint is a mechanical connection between two pieces of pipe, usually plastic or thin wall tubing, which is typically secured by removable clamping bolts.
A sleeve joint also known as a scarf joint is when a sleeve is inserted over the outside of two pipes which are attached to either end of the sleeve by welding. Lastly, a flange joint is a type of connection formed between two pipes by bolting together two flanges with a gasket in between to ensure a tight seal and prevent leakage.
How do you connect two pieces of copper tubing?
To connect two pieces of copper tubing, you can use a process called soldering or sweated fittings. Soldering involves using a torch or electric heating device to heat up the areas of the copper pipes that need to be connected.
You then apply a flux or paste to the pipes, which helps remove any oxidation on the surface that could prevent a good connection. You then apply a solder or tin-based alloy which heats up and melts the surrounding metal, creating a link between the two pieces of copper.
Once the solder has cooled and solidified, you can now attach a secure fitting or end cap to the copper tubing. If you are using a sweated fitting, it will require a length of copper pipe and a fitting that you will attach by heating the pipe, melting a ring of solder around the fitting and heating the joint until the solder has melted, creating a seal.
The joint should then be checked to ensure a water-tight seal.
Should I use Type L or type M copper pipe?
It ultimately depends on the application. Type L copper pipe is typically used for residential water distribution systems and a variety of other applications. Type M copper pipe is recognized for its thicker walls, which makes it ideal for residential water supply systems and commercial applications.
Type L copper pipe tends to be less expensive than type M due to its thinner walls and is often used in tight areas where additional strength is not required. It is also useful for refrigeration and air conditioning applications, water service lines, water distribution piping, and swimming pool systems.
Type M copper pipe is more expensive due to its thicker walls, which makes it ideal for applications that require more strength, such as hot and cold water distribution systems, water service lines, and industrial usage.
It is also used in residential applications and larger water supply projects, where the cost of using extra metal may be justifiable.
When selecting the type of copper pipe that is best for a particular application, a qualified plumbing contractor or engineer should be consulted to ensure the most appropriate type is used.
What’s the difference between Type L and Type M copper?
Type L and Type M copper pipes are both used in plumbing applications, but they differ in terms of their wall thickness and pressure rating. Type L copper pipes are thicker than Type M copper pipes and can withstand higher pressures of water, making it the preferred choice for current building codes.
Type L copper pipes have a wall thickness of either 0.042 inches or 0.049 inches, while Type M copper pipes are 0.035 inches thick. Type L is ideal to use in areas of the home with higher water pressure, such as bathrooms, while Type M can be found in areas of the home that only need small amounts of water, such as toilets and kitchen sinks.
Type L can expect an internal pressure rating of 400 PSI and 540 PSI for DWV applications, while Type M is only rated for 300 PSI and 370 PSI for DWV systems. Since Type L can withstand more pressure, it’s also more expensive.
How reliable are shark bite fittings?
Shark bite fittings are a very reliable connection type to use, especially if you are making repairs to existing plumbing or adding on new piping. These fittings are designed to quickly and securely attach copper, polymeric, PE-X, and CPVC pipe together without the need for any additional materials, such as solder.
The fittings form a reliable leak-tight seal, making them an ideal choice for both professional and amateur plumber’s alike. Shark-Bite fittings hold up well over time and provide superior performance with fewer chances of leakage or breakage.
Additionally, the wide variety of available sizes make it easy to find the fittings you need for any plumbing task. With proper installation and maintenance, Shark Bite fittings are highly dependable and make for a fast, reliable, and secure connection.
What type of copper pipe is used for residential water?
The type of copper pipe that is used for residential water is usually Type K copper tubing. This type of copper tubing is heavy-walled and thick, making it corrosion resistant and long-lasting. It also has excellent bendability and joint strength, which makes it suited for a variety of water pressure and supply systems.
As with all types of copper piping, Type K copper tubing must be connected with appropriate fittings, guides, and support systems to ensure it remains in proper working order. It is also important to use the correct joining techniques to ensure a secure and water-tight seal is achieved.
If a secure connection is not obtained, fittings can leak, leading to water damage and other issues.
Can you use press fittings on soft copper?
Yes, press fittings are designed to be used on soft copper tubing. However, press fittings should only be used with soft type L and type M copper. Press fittings consist of a mechanical press tool, specialized die sets, and a fitting.
The material used for press fittings must also be compatible with the pipe that is being connected. For example, press fittings used on copper must be a copper-alloy material. The press fitting is placed onto the end of the softened copper tube and the mechanical pressing tool is used to cold press or form it around the fitting.
This forms a strong, permanent joint that is resistant to leaks and corrosion. Press fittings are capable of joining copper pipe ranging in size from fractional inch to 2 inch diameter. They are ideal for areas where space is limited and regular soldering techniques would be impractical.
How do you connect copper tubing without soldering?
Connecting copper tubing without soldering can be done by using compression fittings. Compression fittings are widely available from hardware stores, includes several pieces which are fitted together to make a connection.
Typically a compression fitting includes an outer compression nut which compresses an inner ferrule onto the pipe. Compression fittings consist of the nut, a sleeve called a ferrule, and the body which slides over the tubing and compresses the ferrule onto the tubing when the nut is tightened.
It is important to make sure the correct size fitting is used for the tubing size, and to use pipe thread tape or paste to ensure a good seal. To be sure it is properly connected, check for signs of leaks and to also check the fitting by giving it a light tug or shake to test the connection.
Can you use soft copper for water?
Yes, you can use soft copper for water. Soft copper is the most commonly used type of copper pipe in the residential plumbing industry. It’s very malleable and can be easily fitted and manipulated as needed.
Soft copper is reliable, durable, and safe for both hot and cold water because it won’t corrode over time. Additionally, soft copper does a great job of insulating heat, so it’s especially useful for hot water lines.
Soft copper is also safer than other materials like PVC, because it won’t leach potential toxins into drinking water. It’s important to remember that soft copper should be installed by a professional plumber, as the installation process is complex and requires certain specialized tools.
Can you use Quick Connect on copper?
Yes, you can use Quick Connect on copper. Quick Connect is a system that allows a user to make quick and accurate connections to copper with minimal effort. The system is designed to reduce labour time and increase installation efficiency.
It can be used in both on-site and off-site installations. To use the Quick Connect system, installers first attach a special connector to the end of the copper conductor. The connector has an internal spring-loaded mechanism that grabs onto the copper conductor and provides a secure connection.
The connector is then attached to the panel or junction box. The installer only needs to make sure that the connector is secured in the correct position and that the locking tabs are engaged. Quick Connect is also easy to remove, as the installer simply needs to press the release button on the connector body and the internal spring grabs the tab, releasing the connection.