Why is copper used for plumbing?

Have you ever walked into your bathroom and wondered, “why is copper used for plumbing?”. At  Plumbing Sales, we are experts in plumbing supplies, so we have been asked this question a number of times. There are a number of benefits when it comes to copper plumbing fittings and pipes. Take a look at the rest of our article and find out if this material is the right choice for you. 

Why is copper used for plumbing? Here are the benefits. 

Copper is durable - it is a material that is known to withstand extreme conditions. It’s melting point is over 1000 degrees. It is non-corrosive which means it is resistant to most chemicals or corrosive substances that will pass through your plumbing system over the years. Copper can withstand more than 1000 pounds per inch of pressure. 

Cost-effective - one of the advantages of copper pipes and plumbing fittings are their cost-effective nature. Whilst the initial costs can be equal to or slightly more than other materials, you will save money over time. Less maintenance and repairs will reduce your stress and your plumbing bill. Copper systems are generally easier to work with - this will save you labour costs during installation. 

Flexible fittings - Although copper is extremely strong and durable, it is soft. It is malleable and easy to work with. This means that you can bend and mould pipes and fittings to fit within your installation then fasten them in place - where they’ll stay for years to come. 

A safe material - some galvanised pipes pose a health risk because they can expose you to lead. Copper fittings and pipes are lead free. This means you will have access to a safe and hygienic water supply within your home. Thanks to the properties of copper, bacteria will not grow around the fittings. 

Environmentally friendly - why is copper used for plumbing in homes all around Australia? Because we are an environmentally conscious nation. Copper is recyclable and made out of natural materials (rather than plastic plumbing supplies that generate large emissions). Because of their long lifetime, copper fittings are a better environmental choice thanks to the need for less replacements. 

Heat conductor - copper is a conductive material that reacts well to heat. This means that your pipes and fittings can withstand high temperatures without being damaged. It also means that your hot water will be more consistent as it moves throughout the conductive copper pipes within your building. This makes it a great choice for underfloor heating systems. 

Easy to work with - thanks to the malleable nature of copper and the simplistic design of pipes and fittings, installation is fast. Customisation and modification are easy and can be done on site with simple tools. You don’t need a tool bag full of specialised equipment to install a copper system. 

Browse through our copper fittings online today! 

Why is copper used for plumbing? Now you know why this superior material has been used in homes and commercial buildings for more than 70 years. Make sure you take a look at our complete range of copper products online now. We have a wide range of fittings, pipes, and plumbing tools to suit your needs. 

If you have any questions about copper plumbing or any of our products, get in touch with us today. If you found this article helpful, make sure you share it around and spread the word about the benefits of copper in plumbing systems.