Tube, Pipe & Fittings

Why Your Builder Chose Copper Plumbing

Your builder knows...
when it comes to quality, copper is the answer.

I plan to be in my home a long time. What's copper's track record?

Because of its long-term reliability, copper has been the standard of quality in plumbing systems for more than 60 years. It is used in over 95% of all U.S. homes. It can deliver years of virtually leak-free performance. In fact, with its dependable lead-free solder connections, copper is so durable, it can even outlast your home.

I hear building codes are getting stricter all the time. How does copper fit in?

Copper is the only plumbing material that meets or exceeds building code requirements in all 50 states.

Is copper plumbing good for both my hot- and cold-water systems?

Copper is the preeminent plumbing material approved for both hot- and cold-water systems. Copper can withstand temperature extremes—from below freezing to well above boiling—without rupturing.

Will copper affect the quality of our water?

Copper has been used to deliver drinking water since the time of the Pharaohs. In fact, copper tube is impermeable—dangerous contaminants cannot penetrate its walls. Moreover, copper is biostatic—it actually inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria.

I expect copper plumbing to perform well in normal use, but what about the unexpected?

Copper plumbing has a proven track record of handling extreme conditions without costly pipe bursts and water damage. Copper tube can withstand more than 1,000 pounds of pressure (normal system pressure is about 50 pounds per square inch). Although no system should be allowed to freeze, copper systems can withstand repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Open flame or electrical resistance heating can be used to melt frozen water in copper tube.

In case of fire, is copper plumbing dangerous?

Copper tube used in any kind of water distribution system won't melt or burn or give off toxic fumes. While a home fire can reach temperatures of 1,500°F, copper offers an extra margin of safety with a melting point of nearly 2,000°F. For these reasons, copper tube is preferred for automatic fire sprinkler systems.

Can I afford copper plumbing?

The cost for copper quality and reliability may surprise you. For a typical home, an all-copper plumbing system costs about the same as other, less reliable materials.

What about resale value?

An all-copper plumbing system adds value to your home. Check with your local real estate representative. He or she can give you a more accurate value estimate for your area based on market comparisons.

If your builder has given you this brochure, it's a good indication he's a quality builder. In fact, he's already made a quality choice on your behalf by selecting an all-copper plumbing system for water distribution. Why copper? Your builder knows copper is dependable. Durable. And will deliver years of worry-free service.

Take a moment to find out more about the material in one of your home's most important systems. You'll see that quality is the reason your builder chose copper plumbing.

DIY Video Podcasts

Soldering Preparation

View More Videos

Building & Architecture News

October '11: The Fall issue focuses on the benefits of copper at healthcare institutions. Read about a new copper HVAC system that makes AC systems more energy efficient; a medical campus that relies on copper for their state-of-the-art information network; copper trends in building and construction projects; how copper provides shielding for MRI systems to improve accuracy, and the importance of copper to ensure cleanliness, reliability and efficiency in medical gas systems.