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Copper Pipe
City Plumbing stocks a wide range of copper pipes, fittings, and associated products. These are supported by convenient services, including free delivery on orders over £75 (ex VAT) and rapid Click & Collect available nationwide. Copper pipes offer exceptional durability and strong resistance to corrosion. This makes them vital for reliable, long-lasting domestic plumbing and heating systems. Copper's inherent qualities ensure safe, robust, and dependable conveyance of water and heating fluid throughout a property.
How to Choose the Right Copper Pipe for Your Plumbing Project
Choosing the correct copper pipe requires careful consideration of three main factors to ensure the system is reliable and compliant: pipe diameter, the specific type of copper, and the pipe's application.
Selection Depends on the Project's Requirements: The best choice hinges entirely on the specific needs of the plumbing or heating system being installed.
- Key Considerations: Focus your decision on three main factors:
- Pipe Diameter: Determines the volume and flow rate of water. (e.g., 15mm for branch lines, 22mm for main feeds).
- Type of Copper Pipe (Wall Thickness): Dictates pressure rating and durability.
- Type M (Thinner): Suitable for non-critical, low-pressure interior lines.
- Type L (Medium): The versatile, common standard for most domestic water and heating lines.
- Type K (Thickest): Used for high-pressure or underground applications.
3. Application: The pipe's intended use (hot water, cold water, central heating, or underground main) guides the appropriate type and size selection.
Copper Pipes vs Plastic Pipes, Which Is Better?
Copper and plastic pipes both have significant advantages, and the "better" option depends entirely on the specific demands of your project.
Copper Pipes vs. Plastic Pipes
- Lifespan & Durability:
- Copper: Extremely long-lasting (50+ years), highly rigid and robust.
- Plastic (e.g., PEX): Moderate lifespan (typically 25–40 years), highly flexible, and easier to snake through walls.
- Corrosion & Degradation:
- Copper: Excellent corrosion resistance; low risk of degradation; high heat tolerance.
- Plastic: Good corrosion resistance; can degrade with UV exposure and is more sensitive to high temperatures.
- Installation:
- Copper: Requires specialized joining techniques, primarily soldering (permanent) or compression fittings.
- Plastic: Easier installation using push-fit or solvent weld fittings.
- Cost:
- Copper: Has a higher up-front cost for materials.
- Plastic: Is more budget friendly (lower material cost).
Choose Copper when: You need the ultimate durability, reliability, and heat resistance (especially near boilers/cylinders), and you have clear, straight runs where rigidity is not a problem. It's the long-term, premium choice.
Choose Plastic when: You need a budget-friendly option, highly flexible pipework to navigate complex or tight spaces, or a quick-to-install system using simple push-fit connections.
Essential Tips for Installing Copper Pipes
- Cutting:
Cut Cleanly: Always use a pipe cutter (like a wheel cutter or pipe slice) to achieve a square, smooth, and burr-free edge. Avoid using a hacksaw, which leaves rough edges and burrs.
- Preparation:
Deburr and Clean: This is crucial. Before joining any fitting, you must deburr the inside and outside of the pipe end and thoroughly clean the pipe surface (usually with wire wool or abrasive cloth) to ensure a perfect metal-to-metal connection for soldering or a clean seat for compression/push-fit.
- Joining Methods:
Use the Correct Fittings: Choose the fitting type that suits the application, your skill, and local regulations:
- Soldered (End Feed or Solder Ring): Highly durable and permanent, but requires heat (torch) and skill.
- Compression: Used where heat cannot be applied; reliant on the olive being tightened correctly.
- Push-fit: Fast and simple, ideal for situations where joints may need to be disassembled.
- Support & Securing:
Secure Pipes with Clips: Prevent sagging, vibration, and damage by properly supporting the pipe with clips. Use clips or brackets every 1–1.5 metres on horizontal runs.
- Quality Check:
Test for Leaks: After completing the section of work, always pressure test the system before concealing pipework or commissioning. This ensures all your joints (soldered, compression, or push-fit) are properly sealed and secure.
Copper Pipe FAQs
- How to bend a copper pipe?
Use a manual pipe bender to ensure a smooth, set radius without kinking.
For soft copper, you can use a bending spring inserted inside the pipe to support the walls while bending it slowly by hand or over your knee.
For complex or tight bends, heating the pipe with a torch until it is red hot (annealing) allows it to be bent without breaking, though this is an advanced technique.
- Can you paint copper pipes?
Yes, generally. You can paint copper pipes, especially central heating pipes that are exposed and visually distracting.
Preparation is key: Ensure the pipes are off, clean them with a degreaser (like sugar soap), and lightly scrub with wire wool to help the paint adhere.
Use a heat-resistant paint or specialty radiator paint to prevent cracking and flaking once the system reaches its operating temperature.
- How to clean copper pipes?
For exterior cleaning (to remove tarnish/verdigris), use a commercial metal polish or a homemade paste of white vinegar and salt (or lemon juice and baking soda). Apply, then gently scrub with a soft cloth or fine wool. Rinse thoroughly and dry/buff.
For interior cleaning (descaling): This is generally not required for copper, but if necessary, specialised chemical cleaners or a water softener may be used, though professional advice is recommended to avoid contamination.
- How to cut copper pipes?
The best method for a clean, square, and burr-free edge is to use a pipe cutter or a pipe slice (AutoCut tool).
Secure the cutter to the pipe, lightly score, and tighten the wheel as you turn the tool around the pipe until the cut piece falls off.
A hacksaw can be used as a last resort, but requires a fine-toothed blade (32 TPI) and careful deburring afterwards.
- How to polish copper pipes?
First, clean the pipe to remove dirt and oxidation.
Use a suitable commercial metal polish or a homemade abrasive paste (see "How to clean").
For a high shine, use a soft cloth or buffing pad, and polish vigorously, often progressing from a coarser abrasive (like fine wire wool) to a final soft buffing cloth to achieve a mirror-like finish.
- How to join copper pipes?
The three main methods are:
- Soldering/Brazing: The traditional, most permanent method, requiring flux, solder, and a heat source (torch).
- Compression Fittings: Use two spanners to tighten a nut, which compresses an olive onto the pipe to create a watertight seal.
- Push-fit Fittings (e.g., SharkBite): The fastest and easiest method; the pipe is simply pushed into the fitting, and internal teeth and O-rings create the seal.
- How long do copper pipes last?
Well-installed copper pipes generally last between 50 and 70 years.
The lifespan can be reduced by factors like aggressive water chemistry (high acidity/chloramines), high water pressure, or poor installation, which can lead to premature pinhole leaks.
- How to fix a leaking copper pipe without soldering?
The most common and effective permanent fix without soldering is to cut out the damaged section and install a push-fit coupling (like a SharkBite or Speedfit).
Ensure the pipe ends are clean and deburred before installing the coupling.
For temporary emergency fixes, self-amalgamating tape or a specialised pipe repair clamp can be used until a plumber can perform a proper repair.
What Type of Copper Pipe Does City Plumbing Sell?
City Plumbing supplies a wide range of copper pipe from major UK brands, such as Wednesbury, all of which conform to British Standards. From 2 metres to 50 metres in length, and 11 mm to 126 mm in diameter, our copper pipe can be used for general plumbing and heating, as well as smaller microbore sizes. We also offer specialised options such as plastic-coated copper (for protection when running pipes underground or in walls) and chrome-plated copper (for exposed, aesthetic finishes).
Buy Copper Pipe at City Plumbing
City Plumbing is the top choice for copper pipe. As a local merchant for homeowners and tradespeople, we help you get the job done.
We boast a top-rated Trustpilot score and a wide range of popular products. Combined with expert advice, we help complete your projects efficiently.
With a network of 350 branches nationwide and competitive prices, you can access quality products on a budget.
With Delivery Options and Click & Collect, find your nearest City Plumbing by entering your postcode in our branch locator.
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