Copper Pipes

Copper pipes are one of the most use materials in homes and buildings to transport water and other liquids. They are durable and corrosion-resistant, making them the number 1 choice. However, occasionally, due to age or poor installation, water leaks do occur. Next, Metorex will explain what causes them and how you can solve them.

What Causes Water Leaks?

One of the main reasons pipes leak remains because of turbulence, which enters your system in two ways:

Speed

The plumbing code limits the speed within your copper pipe system to 2.5 m/s (meters per second) for cold water and 1.5 m/s for hot water. Determining the rate reduces the turbulence that creates leaks in the pipes.

Connections Very Close to Each Other

Connections that are too close together increase turbulence, causing leaks. The plumbing code specifies how close ties can be placed next to each other. The distance between the fittings is generally 5 pipe diameters.

How Can i tell if my Copper Pipes are Leaking?

If you notice any of the following signs, your pipes may be leaking.

  • Small holes are visible.
  • The pipe has a worn appearance.
  • Water consumption increases for no apparent reason.
  • You hear drips.
  • You can see how your walls get damp.
  • Your home begins to develop a musty or fungus odor.
  • Connections-very-close-to-one-another

What Can i do if my Copper Pipes are Leaking?

IF the plumber informs you that your pipes are leaking, you only have two options: repair each leak individually or replace all the lines in your house. Next, we will indicate in what circumstances you should consider each one:

Individually Repair Each Leak

Typically, each leak is repaired when

  • Is it the first time, or does it only happen a couple of times a year.
  • Your copper pipes are less than 20 years old. However, it would help to remember that these usually last between 20 and 50 years, so the corrosion is probably not severe enough to replace the entire pipe.
  • The leak is located at a welded joint, elbow, or compression tee. These areas tend to rust faster, so you can most likely repair them without damaging the rest of the pipe, which should still be in good condition.
  • The leak is in a single piece of pipe. So you would only have to replace that piece to prevent the corrosion from spreading further.

Replace all the Pipes in your House

While this is a drastic option, you only need to consider it when…

  • Your home’s pipes have three or more leaks in 6 months or less. When they happen so frequently, it means multiple areas have been affected by corrosion, so it’s crucial to enlist the services of a professional to replace all of your pipes.
  • The copper pipes are more than 20 years old. As time goes on, there is a good chance that the pipe structures will weaken, so you will have to consider a total replacement.
  • Leaks constantly occur in straight copper pipes. In general, these are the ones with the minor corrosion. Consequently, if you notice several leaks along this pipe, it warns you that it is no longer in good condition and needs to be replaced.

What Copper Pipes does Metorex offer you?

If you want to replace part or all of your pipes, we present an incredible collection of copper pipes that can be of great use for your next project.

Flexible Pipe Type Acr

The ACR Type Flexible Pipe is used for the conduction of fluids because it is an intense, light and corrosion-resistant material. The length of its rolls and its corrosion resistance eliminate coupling joints in most installations, creating a continuous, one-piece installation.

ATTRIBUTES

DHP copper type

Presentation in rolls of 15.24 meters

ASTM B-280 manufacturing standard

Applications

It is mainly used in refrigeration systems, air conditioning and home outlets.

Due to its malleability and lightness, it can also be used in installations that require mobility and special curves.

Type L Rigid Tubing

The Type L Rigid Pipe is used to conduct fluids as it is an intense, light and corrosion-resistant material. Its smooth wall and seamless construction allow constant flow and constant resistance to internal working pressures.

ATTRIBUTES

DHP copper type

Presentation in sections of 6 meters (20 feet)

Manufacturing standard ASTM B-88

Manufacturing standard NCH 951

Applications

It is used in refrigeration systems, air conditioning, interior plumbing, and steam or hot water conduction.

Rigid Pipe Type M

The Type M Rigid Pipe is used for the conduction of fluids because it is a strong, light and corrosion-resistant material. In addition, its smooth wall and seamless construction allow for constant flow and constant resistance to internal working pressures.

ATTRIBUTES

It is the lightest

DHP copper type

Presentation in sections of 6 meters (20 feet)

Manufacturing standard ASTM B-88

Manufacturing standard NCH 951

Applications

It is used in low-pressure applications such as water distribution systems and groundwater services.

Conclusion

Copper piping is a tube-like material from copper, a red-brown metal with Cu’s chemical symbol and atomic number 29. It remains used to convey water, gas, oil or other fluid from one location to another.