Copper is a valuable metal, and it is widely used in many industrial applications. Copper is most often recognized as the substance that gives the green, blue, or purple color to bronze. It can also be found in utensils, wires, nails, and screws. Copper wiring is used primarily in the electrical industry and is found in electrical distribution panels. Copper plumbing pipes are commonly used to transport water through buildings. They are also used in swimming pools and hot tubs because of the material’s high resistance to corrosion. Copper plumbing is used in kitchens because of its high strength and the corrosion-resistant qualities of copper itself.
Copper plumbing pipes must be manufactured from 96% pure, or better, indicated melt-cast copper to avoid the risk of galvanic corrosion when connections are made. The green coloration comes from a small amount of sulfide present in the natural ore. They typically contain about 1% sulfur in the core, which can be removed during manufacturing to produce a purer appearance and higher conductivity.
1. The Low Cost of Copper Plumbing
A metal pipe made of copper can be purchased for about US$0.25 to US$0.50 per foot, and a plastic pipe can cost between US$1.50 and US$2 per foot. The cost of purchasing plumbing fixtures is considerably more expensive, but they are less expensive than the cost of replacing them after they break down.
2. The Resistance of Copper Plumbing to Corrosion
The corrosion resistance of copper is superior to other common plumbing materials. Plastic pipes are the most common material used for residential and commercial applications. They are inexpensive, but they do not last as long as a pipe made out of copper. If a plastic pipe has been exposed to an acidic solution for a long time or has reached a specific temperature, it becomes brittle and can break easily. This is because plastic pipes do not have the same resistance to corrosion as copper pipes.
3. The Flexibility and Ease of Installation of Copper Pipes
A copper pipe can be bent without losing its structural integrity because it is easily malleable. If the pipes are bent and formed by a professional plumber in a factory, they can stay that way permanently. In contrast, plastic pipes need to be straightened often because they will bend back into their original position if they are not constantly held in place. It is also difficult to install plastic pipes around sharp corners because plastic will wrap around the corners and make it impossible to insert the pipe.
4. Resistance of Copper Plumbing to Chemical Disinfectants
Copper plumbing resists harsh chemicals, like chlorine, which can be added to the water in a swimming pool for safety reasons. Copper plumbing also resists other chemical cleaners and treatments, such as radon gas, which removes unhealthy chemicals from water. The piping and fittings in copper plumbing would not corrode due to being exposed to these chemicals.
5. The Ability of Copper Plumbing to Transmit Heat and Cold
Copper is an excellent conductor of heat, which can be used for hot water lines. It is also resistant to freezing and does not lose its structural integrity when water gets too cold. In certain situations, such as a hot tub or swimming pool, this feature is critical for preventing leaks or other problems caused by freezing conditions.
6. The Cost-Efficient Use of Copper Plumbing
This material is relatively inexpensive. Because it meets the purposes of many different plumbing systems, it can be used in place of many different materials, such as iron pipes and plastic pipes. The more economical use of copper saves money, does not require as much maintenance, and does not have any worries about the material’s durability.
7. The Aesthetics of Copper Plumbing
Copper is a beautiful metal that develops a patina over time. This patina can be polished and maintained, or it can be allowed to build up for extra protection. Moreover, the color of the patina is dictated by how the pipe was manufactured and by where in the world it was manufactured. For example, pipes from a factory in Asia tend to develop an orange-colored patina. In contrast, pipes from factories in Europe and North America tend to develop a green-colored patina.
8. The High Resistance of Copper Plumbing When it Comes to Clogs
Copper plumbing, which is relatively easy to clean and maintain, can be easily cleaned by simply removing the clogs. This makes it possible to make repairs very quickly in the case of an emergency or if there are problems with the water flow. In contrast, plastic pipes are difficult to clean and often require outside assistance.
9. The Good Heat Conductivity of Copper
The pipes in the plumbing system transmit a lot of heat. This feature is essential because it prevents the pipes from overheating and causes them to crack. In addition, well-insulated pipes will not lose their structural integrity because they are insulated by the water they are distributing. The insulation also helps in preventing leaks, especially in hot water lines. For these reasons, copper plumbing is a good choice for homes or buildings with many residents and appliances that use hot water.
10. The Recyclability of Copper Plumbing
Copper plumbing can be recycled. It can be melted down and reformed into a new, useful product. This reduces the need for metal mining, which is necessary to find new metals. In addition, it will help in preserving the environment because glass manufacturing is one of the most environmentally damaging industries in the world.
11. Plumbing Made of Copper Has a Low Risk of Causing Allergies
Copper plumbing has very little chance of causing allergies for four reasons:
- Contains metals
- Does not need scrubbing or washing as often
- Easier to clean than many other materials
- Does not contain any additives or chemicals
12. Copper Plumbing Is Better for the Environment
Copper is a material that has a low density. This means that it requires less energy to dig up, refine, and manufacture than an equivalent amount of steel or plastic. It is also a recyclable material that can be refashioned into new products. There are no harmful chemicals used in manufacturing, and the pipes can resist corrosion.
In addition, the metal is highly resistant to rust, which causes it to last for years without needing any maintenance or repair. Copper plumbing also has a high thermal conductivity that enables it to transmit heat efficiently throughout the system. These properties make it an ideal material for plumbing systems in homes and buildings because they will not add unnecessary amounts of heat or waste energy unnecessarily.
Contact the Plumbing Professionals
When you want to purchase and install copper piping, you need to contact a professional plumber from Proactive Comfort who is experienced in using this material. Families in Southern New Hampshire and surrounding areas can contact our team of plumbers at Proactive Comfort, who will help with everything from installing brand new copper piping to repairing and renovating existing copper plumbing. We provide AC repair and installation, heater repair and installation, and sump pump installation, repair, and replacement services. We are also happy to provide consultation services to homeowners so they can learn more about how copper pipes can be used in their homes.
Call us today to learn more.