Copper pipe buying guide

Copper is widely used for domestic water supply lines as well as in heating systems to carry water to underfloor heating systems or central heating radiators powered by boilers.

Used for hot and cold water, copper is a resistant material with low thermal expansion. In fact it will only expand 6mm for every 25 metres compared to 6cm for PEX pipe and 7mm for multilayer pipe over the same length. It offers average acoustic insulation, but is extremely malleable.

Copper comes in two forms for plumbing applications:

• Rigid copper pipe

• Flexible copper tubing

Copper pipe and tube: features and uses

Tools for fitting copper pipe

Installing copper pipe requires skill and a range of plumbing tools including pipe benders and an oxy-acetylene torch. You will also need all the correct fittings to braze or solder the pipe (tees, elbows, reducers, straight connectors, etc.) and the right threaded brass fittings (e.g. nipples, reducers, etc.) to connect your sanitary appliances (water heaters, taps, etc.) to the water supply. Brazing or soldering copper requires a certain amount of skill and the right equipment.