Copper Tubes

Select tubing diameter based on required flow rate and fittings: common sizes are 1/8" to 2" nominal. Choose wall thickness (Type K, L, M or express as OD/ID) according to pressure requirements and local plumbing codes—Type K has the thickest wall for high pressure, Type M is thinner for low-pressure applications

Copper tube types include soft-drawn (annealed) for bending and refrigeration/air conditioning, hard-drawn for structural and rigid plumbing, and coded types like K, L, and M for potable water and buried lines; use annealed for brazing/sweating and harder tube for flared or compression fittings

Yes—copper works with soldering (sweat), brazing, compression fittings, flare fittings, and push-to-connect fittings; ensure the tube type and wall thickness match the fitting specification and follow proper cleaning and fluxing procedures for solder/braze joints

Minimize pressure drop by using the largest practical diameter for long runs and avoiding unnecessary bends and restrictions; consult flow tables or a plumber for flow rate vs. pressure loss—larger diameter reduces noise from high velocity and cavitation

Durability depends on alloy (C12200, C11000, etc.), water chemistry (high pH, chlorides, ammonia increase corrosion risk), exposure to dissimilar metals (use dielectric unions), and environmental conditions like soil acidity for buried lines; choose appropriate alloy and protective coatings where needed

Store coils and straight lengths on a flat surface or racks to prevent kinks and dents, keep ends capped to avoid debris, and avoid dropping or dragging against abrasive surfaces; annealed tubing should be supported to maintain shape

Budget for tube length, required types/sizes, fittings and joining supplies (solder/brazing or fittings), tools (cutters, benders, torches), and potential labor; copper tubing prices vary by gauge and length, with average-category products often falling in the mid-price range