Plumbing systems and residential water supplies often depend on the use of copper piping due to its reliability, lifespan of as long as seven decades, and corrosion resistance. There are three main types of copper pipe you may come across in your home or the DIY store, so let’s take a look at them and their common uses.
Type K
You might choose this type of copper pipe from Watkins and Powis or another pipeline merchant for use in underground installations and primary water lines. Type K copper pipe typically has a green marking, the thickest walls of the most common pipe varieties, and is suitable for all sorts of construction projects. It can be the right choice for water distribution, oil, fire protection, and HVAC systems. The thick walls can withstand pressure caused by backfilled earth in trenches.
Type L
Type L copper piping is commonly used in cold and hot water plumbing indoors, along with some HVAC applications and fire protection. It is available as flexible and hard piping and is the most common of all the copper pipe choices. Type L copper pipe is very versatile and can be used for outdoor applications where it is exposed. It is usually marked in blue and is the first choice for most plumbers installing water supply lines indoors in residential properties.
Type M
This type has the thinnest walls of the three kinds mentioned and is perfect for the likes of branch plumbing lines. It is often used to extend water supply lines indoors or for replacements or repairs. If looking at type M copper pipe, it is important to check cold and hot water plumbing codes to ensure it is compliant.
Type M is the cheapest type of the most commonly used copper pipes because less copper is needed due to the thinner walls. It has a red marking and is easy to install and cut, making it a popular pick for DIYers; however, it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as type L.
