Copper Pipe And Tubing

How to install copper piping and tubing?

• Sweating: The ends of pipes / tubes are melted together using a torch.
• Flaring: A flared end is created on the pipe / tube through a flaring tool.
• Soldering: Melting a lead-free solder onto the joint between the pipes / tubes.

How to maintain copper piping and tubing?

• Avoid using abrasive cleaners on copper pipes and tubes to prevent the surface from scratches.
• Always use a soft sponge / cloth to clean the copper pipes & tubes and do not use metal scouring pads.
• Check if there is any corrosion or leak regularly.
• Avoid exposing the copper pipes & tubes to extreme temperatures to prevent cracking.
• Keep copper pipes and tubes supported to resist sagging / damage.

Why are copper pipes and tubes recycled?

Recycling copper pipes and tubes conserve natural resources and reduce the impact on the environment due to mining and refining new copper.

How do I bend my copper pipe?

• Position the handles of the bender tool at 90 degrees and insert the copper pipe into the forming wheel groove.
• Ensure that the zero-mark on the handle must align with the zero-mark on the forming wheel before any bend pressure is applied to the handle.
• Engage the pipe holding clip to secure the pipe to the bender at the appropriate location for bending.
• Apply gentle but steady pressure on the handle and rotate the bender to the appropriate marking on the forming wheel for achieving the desired degree of bend.
• The properly bent pipe can be removed from the bender by rotating the handle of the tool back to a 90-degree position.
• Disengage the holding clip and remove the pipe from the bender.
• To check if the correct degree of bend has been fabricated, keep the pipe against a square and confirm the 90 degrees of bend.

What are the different types of copper tubing?

• Type K: Type K tubing is a thick-walled & heavy-duty tubing ideal for underground piping. It is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, making it useful for high-pressure systems.
• Type L: It is a medium-thickness type of copper tubing, widely used in general plumbing applications. It is more flexible than type K tubing and is often used in low-pressure systems, such as portable water distribution.
• Type M: It is a thin-walled & lightweight copper tubing used for short runs. It has a low-pressure rating and is used in lighter plumbing applications. Type M copper tubing is more flexible than Type K & L tubing and is ideally used in tight spaces. Despite thin walls, it is still resistant to corrosion and able to handle high temperatures.
• DMV (drain, waste and vent) tubing: This type of tubing is suitable for non-pressurised plumbing systems. It is used in commercial facilities to carry wastewater and other types of waste away from fixtures and appliances. It also helps to vent the waste gases from these systems. It is easier to bend due to its flexibility and is highly resistant to corrosion.