About Copper. ( A quick guide ).Copper is the metal of choice for nearly all plumbing pipework jobs and below is why: Copper resists corrosion and has smooth surfaces that allow good water flow. Copper pipes are available in several diameters, but most home water supply systems use 1⁄2‐inch or 3⁄4‐inch pipe. Copper pipe is manufactured in rigid and flexible forms. Rigid copper, sometimes called hard copper, is approved for home water supply systems by all local codes. It comes in three wall‐thickness grades: Types M, L, and K. Type M is the thinnest, the least expensive, and a good choice for DIY home plumbing. Battersea Plumbers use copper and provide a professional job.Type L is preferred by some professional tradesmen and also the DIY plumber in the home. Type K is used most often for underground water supply lines.Flexible copper is also known as soft copper. It is supplied in two thickness gradings which are L and K types.Both are approved for most domestic water supply systems, with flexible Type L copper being used primarily for gas supply lines. Because it is bendable and will resist a mild frost, Type L may be installed as part of a water supply system in unheated indoor areas, like crawl spaces. Type K is used for underground water service lines.There is a 3rd form of copper pipe which goes by the name of DWV and is used for drainage systems. DWV copper is seldom used.Copper pipes are fixed with soldered, compression, or flare fittings. Always follow your local authority for the correct types of pipes and fittings for your area. Soldered fittings, also called sweat fittings, often are used to join copper pipes. Correctly soldered fittings are strong and trouble free. Copper pipe can also be joined with compression fittings or flare fittings. SW11 Plumbers are skilled in all plumbing pipework.
