Copper has been used to deliver safe drinking water for thousands of years because of its corrosion resistance, formability, join-ability, dependability, recyclability, ability to withstand high temperatures and safety. It is the original lead free piping.
When designed, installed and operated properly, copper water services keep the water in the tube, and contaminants out because it doesn't allow chemicals to penetrate the tube wall, and doesn't leach organics from the tube. Copper tube is made from 99.9 percent pure copper. Therefore, making it the most dependable and most used material for plumbing in the developed world. It is highly corrosive resistant in most underground environments and can withstand stresses without failure. Copper conducts heat up to eight times better than other metal. It can also be exposed to sun and oxidising disinfectants without risk. Copper is also durable enough to embed in concrete without worry.
Sustainability is also a benefit of copper. On average copper pipe can last for 50-70 years and in most cases even longer. It has a long life cycle, so combined with the ease of recyclability (it can be recycled into another pipe or product without any loss to its original properties) makes it a truly sustainable piping material. When reclaimed and sold it also returns 80-90 percent of its original cost.
Copper pipes have a high thermal rating and excellent thermal conductivity so are resistant to fires. For homeowners concerned with using fire retardant materials copper is an excellent choice. It will not burn or support combustion. So, it will not carry fire through floors, walls and ceilings, and it will not decompose into toxic gases.
Copper, unlike lead, is a necessary nutrient for human life and development. It’s essential for the development of bone, connective tissues, brain heart and other organs. It is essential in the development of red blood cells and is necessary in the absorption of other minerals in the metabolism of cholesterol and glucose. It can also control bacteria in water by creating a biostatic atmosphere and has been proven to reduce viruses such as Polio, Legionnaires and E-Coli.
