The longevity of different types of copper pipes is important to know if you’re investing in new plumbing for your home. The life span of copper piping is not as straightforward as many people may think. For example, there are different kinds with varying life spans.
If you want to make the best investment in your home for your plumbing system, make sure you install the right type of copper pipe to meet your needs. Below, read about three of the most common copper pipers (L-type, M-type, and K-type) and their life spans so you can decide which type is the best fit for your home.
Types of Copper Pipes
You may have heard that copper pipes last 50 to 70 years. That’s true, but only for the midrange pipes. So, here’s how long each type of pipe really lasts.
L-type piping lasts at least 50 years on average, but it can last more than 100 years if you’re lucky. I recommend using L-type piping because its thickness and durability give homeowners peace of mind. Quality copper piping can last for as long as you own your home, even if you have acidic water.
The thicker walls of the L-type pipe provide excellent corrosion resistance compared to thinner pipes. This offers protection against acidic water and gives the piping longevity. The added thickness also allows it to withstand higher water pressure over decades of use.
While L-type copper is more expensive than other types up-front, it ends up being the most cost-effective option long-term since you won’t need to replace these pipes very often — if ever.
M-type copper piping is the thinnest pipe that can be used for residential plumbing. While some people argue these pipes should last 50 years, in practice, they may not last more than 20.
A M-type copper pipe will corrode if exposed to water with high acid levels, and its thin walls don’t offer much protection against this wear-and-tear. Additionally, the thin walls make M-type pipes prone to pinhole leaks over time.
Some blame the early failure of copper pipes on acidic water, but choosing the thinner M-type pipe is a big factor in the shortened life span of these pipes. You can’t always choose the acidity of your water if it comes in from the city.
K-type piping lasts for at least 100 years. It’s the thickest copper piping and is used for water mains in cities and other non-residential plumbing applications. This pipe can withstand even higher pressure than L-type, but it’s not necessary to have this level of durability for your home’s plumbing. Besides, these pipes can be too expensive for the average homeowner.The extremely thick walls of K-type copper pipes make it well-suited for municipal water mains and other heavy-duty applications. But it’s overkill for residential settings, where L-type offers sufficient durability at a more reasonable price.
Why You Should Choose L-type Copper Pipes for Your Home
I suggest choosing L-type copper pipes for your home’s plumbing. Here’s why L-type pipes are better than their M-type counterparts:
Durability and Longevity
L-type copper pipes last longer than M-type pipes and can withstand higher pressure and more acidity. This means you won’t have to worry about repiping your home.
While M-type meets building code expectations in most areas, it’s not the best. In fact, it doesn’t meet building code expectations in some states like Massachusetts. A short period of water pressure problems in your home could cause serious damage to your M-type piping. High acidity could also wear it down after 20 years. The last thing you want to do is make a large investment in piping and have to replace it sooner than you expect.
Investing in L-type copper pipes is a wise decision if you plan to live in your home for the next 10 to 20 years. It’s an even better decision if you plan to pass the house down to your children. The superior durability means it won’t need replacing nearly as often as other pipes.
Increases Home Value
L-type copper pipes can also be a great selling point when it comes time to sell your home. Quality L-type copper plumbing shows potential buyers that important upgrades were made to ensure the home’s plumbing lasts.
Hire a Professional Plumber To Install Copper Pipes
When installing new copper pipes, I recommend hiring a licensed professional plumber rather than attempting a DIY job. Here’s why:
Installing copper pipes requires skill to solder joints and route pipes properly. Mistakes can lead to leaks and other issues down the road. A professional plumber has the expertise to:
- Properly measure and cut copper pipes
- Join pipes together using soldering techniques
- Identify and avoid potential leak points
- Ensure proper pipe slope for drainage
- Install copper pipes to code requirements
This helps ensure your new copper pipes are installed correctly so they last their full life span without problems.
Trying to DIY a copper repipe without prior plumbing experience can result in mistakes that eventually lead to leaks, flooding, and the need for costly repairs. Hiring a professional up-front is a smart investment that will save you headaches and money in the long run. Check out plumber rates to budget for your copper repipe project before getting quotes from plumbing professionals.
Copper Pipe Cost Comparison
Here is a breakdown of the typical price range for purchasing and installing each type of copper pipe:
| Pipe Type | Purchase Price Per Linear Foot | Average Installation Cost Per Linear Foot |
| M-Type | $1 – $3 | $10 – $15 |
| L-Type | $3 – $6 | $10 – $15 |
| K-Type | $7 – $10 | $10 – $15 |
As you can see, L-type copper pipe costs moderately more than M-type up-front. However, the drastically increased life span makes it a better investment overall. It lasts over twice as long as M-type, meaning you won’t have to pay for replacements nearly as often.
So, What Type of Copper Pipe Is the Best Choice for Your Home?
Copper has been the go-to option for residential water pipes, and for good reason. Properly installed copper offers unparalleled durability and corrosion resistance. Residential homeowners should opt for L-type copper pipes, which provide the ideal combination of strength and durability at a reasonable price.
While other pipe types like PEX and CPVC have grown in popularity, copper remains the gold standard. No other common residential plumbing material can match copper’s life span when installed correctly. Its unrivaled longevity makes it worth the moderately higher upfront investment.
If you’re replacing pipes or building a new home, choose quality L-type copper. It will likely outlast you in the home with no need for replacement.
FAQs About Copper Pipe
Do copper pipes increase home value?
Yes, high-quality copper plumbing can increase resale value. It shows buyers the home has had important plumbing upgrades.
What are the signs copper pipes are failing?
Signs of pipe failure include reduced water pressure, leaks, and discolored water. Green or blue deposits indicate corrosion. Acidic water refers to a pH below 7.
What are the disadvantages of copper pipes?
The main downsides are the high up-front cost and the need for professional installation. Also, acidic water can corrode copper over time if left untreated. Proper maintenance means having a plumber periodically inspect and flush your pipes.
Do copper pipes need maintenance?
Periodic drain cleaning can prevent buildup and corrosion. Check for leaks annually. I recommend considering a neutralizer if your water is acidic.
Can copper pipes be installed anywhere?
You can install copper pipes indoors and outdoors, but you shouldn’t bury the material in concrete slabs due to corrosion risk if cracks allow moisture seepage over time.
How long do copper pipes last compared to PEX?
Properly installed copper pipes last 50 to 70 years on average, while PEX lasts 25 to 50 years.
