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Copper Plumbing
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Historical perspective

Copper tubes for conveying water were first used about the year 2750 BC. There is an example in the Berlin State Museum taken from the Temple of King Sa-Hu-Re at Abusir in Egypt. It formed part of a pipeline nearly 100m in length, made up of separate sections, each about 750mm long. The tube was folded up from thin hammered copper sheet, to a diameter of approximately 75mm and embedded in gypsum stone hewn out to a U shape.

The beginning of the Industrial Revolution saw an advance in the use of thick wall copper tube, which was jointed by means of screw threads. When the joints were being made they were sealed by the application of heat and tinman solder. During the early 1930s, with the advent of thin wall or light gauge copper tube, other jointing methods developed; i.e. capillary and compression fittings; the cost of copper water services pipeworks became competitive with other materials and a new era was opened to the plumbing and heating engineer.
 
Tried and tested

Copper is a natural material - it has been used to make drinking vessels, water pipes and containers for thousands of years. Because copper is bacteriostatic, it inhibits the growth of bacterial and viral organisms in water systems.

 

Advantages of Copper plumbing

Copper tube and fittings can be used in every part of plumbing and heating systems. Copper is strong, it can easily be formed into bends and systems can be assembled both on and off-site.

Copper's popularity is based on a combination of properties that make it unique. It is capable of withstanding extremes of heat without suffering any degradation. It is resistant to corrosion and high water-pressure. It doesn't burn, it keeps its shape and strength in high temperature environments and it gives long life in service.

In addition, copper piping gives excellent protection against contaminants to the domestic water supply. Nothing can get through: no fluids, no germs, no oxygen, no ultra-violet rays - nothing. Copper plumbing tube does not absorb organic substances, and cannot be softened by them in service.

 

Durable yet recyclable

Copper is durable. It's strong and resists damage, so copper tube and fittings can be relied on for decades.
Copper is completely recyclable without loss of quality, which benefits both the environment and the plumbing profession. Customers benefit too: their homes are more valuable with genuine copper plumbing, and, with more and more people concerned about the world's natural resources, choosing copper minimises environmental impact because it is a fully recyclable material.

 

Take the Test

Before you unknowingly accept what you haven't seen in a new home or make a hasty decision based on what appears to be a lower initial cost, do yourself a great favor. Take the 12- Point Plumbing Test below. And remember, you do have a choice!

  1. Does your plumbing material have a long-term proven performance record?
  2. Is it impermeable; can it block contaminants from penetrating its walls?
  3. Can the joints withstand rapid pressure and temperature changes?
  4. Will it perform well in all weather; is it easily thawed, if necessary?
  5. Does it resist punctures and abrasions and not embrittle with age?
  6. Can it inhibit the breeding of harmful germs?
  7. Will it not burn or give off smoke or toxic fumes when exposed to fire?
  8. Will it withstand the weather and the sun's ultraviolet rays in outdoor applications?
  9. Is it virtually maintenance-free; does it have a low lifetime cost of ownership?
  10. Will it add to your home's resale value?
  11. Does it have nationwide approval of building inspectors and engineers?
  12. Does it have inherent quality and value, or is it false economy?

 

The Facts About Copper

It should come as no surprise that copper is the only plumbing material that can answer yes to all 12 questions.

And for good reason-with its dependable lead-free solder connections, copper plumbing can outlast the life of your home.

Copper systems require no maintenance. Joint fittings won't break down or pull apart. Copper meets or exceeds building codes in all 50 states. It's governed by strict, long-established standards.

 

For Your Health

Copper is impermeable and biostatic. Contaminants cannot penetrate it, and it actually inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. Copper is a natural, environmentally friendly material-not a synthetic.

Plumbers know how to install and test it, year-round in any climate. Copper is rigid. It won't sag over long runs and requires few supports. It can handle extreme conditions. It will withstand more than 1,000 pounds of pressure per square inch-10 to 20 times normal system pressure.

Copper tube and fittings won't embrittle with age-no cracking or crumbling years after installation. Copper tube can endure repeated freeze-thaw cycles-although no plumbing should be allowed to freeze. If it ever does, a brief application of open flame or electrical-resistance heating can solve the problem. Copper's superior thermal conductivity does the trick in a flash.

 

For Your Safety

Copper tube and fittings won't melt, burn or give off toxic fumes in a home fire. In houses tragically destroyed by fire, many times the only thing left intact is the copper plumbing.

Copper is preferred for fire sprinkler systems. It maintains pressure when subjected to flames. It doesn't"pipe" flame through walls or floors, a phenomenon that often causes fire to spread.

 

For Your Pocketbook

The cost for copper quality and reliability is surprisingly low. An all-copper plumbing system costs about the same as others made with less-reliable materials, especially when after-installation repairs are factored in.

A copper plumbing system adds value to your home when it comes time to sell-just ask your local real estate agent.

Make your choice for quality-copper.

 

Copper is the Answer

Don't ignore what's hidden behind the walls until it's too late. Use copper in your home-and enjoy worry-free plumbing.

Text Courtesy: European Copper Institute & Copper Development Association, USA

 

Important Links

Download the Copper Plumbing presentation here

For the latest information on Copper plumbing technology and innovations click here

Know more about The European Copper Plumbing Promotion Campaign 

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