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Copper is easy to use and work with. The minerals in water generally do not build up on copper as easily as on galvanized steel. After WWII copper was relatively cheap and available in great quantities so the Plumbing products industry changed to it as its standard pipe. Now copper is much more expensive and new materials such as plastics are being used.
Copper does not rust or perish easily, making it ideal for use in any climate. Copper is also heat and cold resistant and swells and contracts much less than other materials when its temperature changes. Copper resists damage from minor home fires much better than plastic.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoBecause it doesn't rust, it doesn't break down, and it doesn't cause any impurities in the water.
- More specifically, copper oxidizes into a stable compound, keeping it from corroding through. It also is naturally anti-bacterial.
The most important reason,though, is that copper is easy to work and shape with hand tools, a necessity to fit pipe into places inside houses and buildings. Copper can be brazed into joints with hand equipment, and cut with a small tool, rather than a large pair of iron shears.
Wiki User
∙ 14y agocopper has a natural antimicrobial property to it preventing bacterial growth. Also Copper pipe will not build up corrosion & choke off water flow as Steel pipe will. Copper Piping is also stronger than PVC Pipe and will not crack or break when struck.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoCopper is better than galvanized steel pipe. -That's about the only good thing I can say about it. Copper is hard to work with, copper is prone to pinhole leaks, you have to make many soldered connections (and I work mostly in wooden houses where a propane torch can be dangerous)
Since PEX pipes became available, copper has little real use in domestic piping. PEX is cheaper, easier to work with, Has better quality fittings and is less labour intensive. - -Which is of course why the traditional plumbing industry hates it. Their purpose in life is to make plumbing sound like black magic and to rack up high labour charges.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoIt's a good heat conductor and doesn't rust.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoBecause it lasts and is very versatile and can be used for a variety of plumbing applications with amazing results
Wiki User
∙ 14y agobecause if they used lead, u can get poisoned from it
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoBecause at one time copper was plentiful and cheap. This is no longer the case and new plastics are taking the place of many copper pipes.
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Why is copper a good metal to make water pipes with?
Copper was good, mainly because it doesn't rust. Now there many pipes in plastics such as PEX, which are infinitely better than copper. Nobody smart uses copper any more.
Why is copper a good metal to make water pipes?
Copper is easily worked and joined, it is inert to most potential contaminants and trace impurities in mains water, it is non-toxic, it is moderately cheap
What are some good uses for the element copper?
Copper Wire, Copper Water Pipes, Pennies,
Why is copper used to make water pipes?
Copper has several redeeming qualities. It last long, does not rust, and won't grow bacteria. It also does not interact with water, making it good for pipes.
Why is copper good for making better pipes and overhead cables?
It conducts heat and electricity very well. It is good in pipes for keeping the heat in the water.
How effective is copper for hot water pipes?
Very good BUT you cannot have the velocity exceed 8 FPS
What are the disadvantage of copper pipes?
Good for anal
How dangerous is copper as a pipe for drinking?
Copper pipes are perfectly safe. If you were to consume too much copper you could then suffer from copper toxicity, however metallic copper is not very soluble in water, and you will not get any excessive amount being dissolved by using copper pipes. Also note that in very small amounts, copper is actually beneficial, since it is a necessary trace element. So copper pipes are good. Or what I was told is that the Romans drank out of copper pipes and they all went mad but that's what i heard.
What is the point of copper pipes?
They don't rot out like galvanized does, easier to work with, good with pressure.ANS 2 - ALL copper pipes eventually develop pinholes. MUCH better to go PEX for interior water piping !
Are compression pipe fittings good enough to use on copper pipes when hooking up a water filter?
properly installed - yes
Are galvinized pipes bad to have for drinking water The house was built in 1935 and the pipes are in good condition?
Galvinized piping fell out of favor because they a-didnt last as long as the new copper pipes and b-there was concern about the zinc coating contaminating water. If there in good condition for 70 years your probably fine. If your concerned have your water tested for lead and zinc.
Why metal gasket made from copper metal?
Copper is a good choice for a gasket because it has the capacity to form a good water-tight seal. It is softer than steel, and under pressure will deform slightly, which enables it to make a better fit.
