The Advantages of Using Copper Tubing in Your Piping Systems

Rachel Stevens

July 24, 2025

The Advantages of Using Copper Tubing in Your Piping Systems

Copper tubing is used worldwide for a great variety of applications, beloved by many for its versatility. But is it worth the hype?

In this article, we’ll cover the benefits of using copper tubing, as well as the downsides, so that you can make an informed decision for your next piping project. Keep reading to learn more…

The benefits of copper tubing

Unsurprisingly, the benefits of copper tubing outweigh the costs, marking it as a key material for piping and tubing in applications across the spectrum. These are the 10 key benefits of copper tubing:

Excellent thermal conductivity

Copper’s exceptional ability to conduct heat far exceeds that of most alternative piping materials.

In refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, this allows rapid heat exchange between the refrigerant and the surrounding environment, improving cooling performance and reducing energy consumption.

In hot-water and heating installations, copper tubing pumps out heat evenly and swiftly, minimising lag time for warm water at the tap or radiator.

Copper’s high thermal conductivity allows thinner walls or sheets to achieve the same heat-transfer performance as much thicker sections of aluminium or steel. This is especially beneficial in solar thermal panels, radiant-heating mats and snow-melting applications, where space and weight constraints are of vital importance.

When additional insulation is required, copper pipes can be wrapped economically to prevent heat loss without compromising flow capacity.

Key points:

Copper transfers heat more quickly and evenly than aluminium or steel.
Faster warm-up times for hot water and heating circuits.
Thinner copper sections match the heat-transfer performance of thicker metals.
Ideal for solar, geothermal and snow-melt systems.
Easy to insulate for controlled heat retention.

Buy Now - Metric Annealed Copper Tubing

Corrosion resistance

One of copper’s best features is its natural resistance to corrosion.

In both humid and chemically aggressive settings (such as air-conditioning condensers or chilled-water loops) copper tubing maintains its structural integrity without pitting or scaling.

As water distribution pipes, copper’s smooth internal surface preserves flow rates over decades, eliminating the need to oversize for scale build-up or roughness allowances.

When exposed to air and moisture, copper forms a thin, adherent oxide layer that protects the underlying metal from further oxidation. This self-healing barrier prevents leaks and slab-water damage in buried or concealed plumbing runs.

In regions with high groundwater acidity or salt exposure, copper’s corrosion resistance offers an unmatched service life compared to steel or ferrous alloys.

Key points:

Forms a protective oxide layer that resists further corrosion.
Maintains consistent internal diameter and flow capacity.
Reduces risk of leaks in buried or concealed installations.
Suitable for chemically aggressive and high-humidity environments.
Outlasts many ferrous and plastic piping materials in corrosive conditions.

Durability

The mechanical strength of copper tubing is another reason why it stands out as such a preferred choice.

Hard-drawn ACR grades can withstand high operating pressures in compact refrigeration and heat-pump systems, while annealed soft copper bends easily without compromising its integrity.

Temperature extremes - ranging from sub-zero refrigeration circuits to high-temperature boiler loops - have little effect on copper’s structural properties.

With proper installation and routine checks, copper piping systems are capable of exceeding 50 years of trouble-free operation, reducing lifetime maintenance costs and minimising system downtime.

Even in vibration-prone environments, copper’s toughness and fatigue resistance prevent joint failures and pinhole leaks that plague lesser materials.

Key points:

Withstands high pressures and temperature fluctuations.
Retains strength under dynamic loads and vibration.
Typical service life of 50–70 years with minimal upkeep.
Less prone to fatigue failures and pinhole leaks.
Durable across residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Ease of installation

Copper’s malleability and consistent wall thickness make it exceptionally simple to handle and install.

Soft-annealed tubing bends smoothly around obstacles without cracking or kinking, often eliminating the need for additional fittings. This speeds up complex layouts and reduces the number of joints, which in turn lowers potential leak points.

Joining methods such as soldering or brazing are quick and reliable, requiring only basic tools and minimal training. Compared with threaded or fusion-welded joints, soldering copper is faster and generates fewer seal-failure risks.

Additionally, copper’s relatively light weight simplifies transportation, maneuverability within buildings, and hanging from supports to ease the workload for installation.

Key points:

Annealed copper bends without kinking, reducing fitting count.
Quick, metallurgical joins via solder or brazing.
Uniform wall thickness ensures predictable forming.
Lightweight for easy handling and support.
Streamlined labour and fewer potential leak points.

Compatibility

Copper tubing is compatible with a broad range of fluids, temperatures and pressures, making it a universal choice for piping systems.

It handles traditional refrigerants and new low-global-warming-potential (GWP) gases without degradation.

In plumbing, copper is suitable for domestic water, heating circuits, medical-gas delivery and under-slab installations. The material also performs reliably when embedded in concrete or soil, allowing for underfloor heating loops.

Sizes span from compact coils for small-bore heating circuits to large-diameter risers for fire-protection systems. Copper’s smooth bore allows for accurate pump sizing and consistent hydraulic performance.

Key points:

Fully compatible with current and future refrigerants.
Suitable for potable water, medical gases and fire mains.
Safe for burial and embedding in concrete.
Wide size range from micro-bore to large-diameter pipe.
A smooth internal surface ensures efficient flow.

Antibacterial properties

Copper’s antimicrobial reaction helps block the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms within the tubing.

In chilled-water and medical-gas systems, this reduces the risk of contamination and biofilm formation, protecting air and water quality.

Unlike some plastics that can harbour slimy deposits, copper surfaces remain inhospitable to microbes. Historically, this is why copper was used in ship hulls to prevent barnacles and fouling.

By inhibiting bacterial colonisation, copper tubing maintains clearer water pathways and cleaner heat-exchange surfaces, reducing maintenance cycles in HVAC coils and piping networks. This quality is particularly vital in healthcare settings, food-processing plants and any application demanding stringent hygiene standards.

Key points:

A natural antimicrobial surface inhibits bacterial growth.
Reduces biofilm and slime formation in cooling and medical systems.
Supports cleaner water and air quality.
Lowers maintenance frequency for HVAC and plumbing.
Proven in hygienic applications like hospitals and food processing.

Buy Now - Copper Tube Cutter

Environmentally friendly

Copper is one of the most recycled engineering materials, retaining its properties indefinitely through repeated melting and re-casting.

Nearly half of the copper used in some markets comes from reclaimed sources, reducing mining demand and energy consumption. The recycling process emits far fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants than primary copper production.

As a “green” building material, copper helps contribute to sustainable construction certifications. Its long lifespan further lessens waste generation over a building’s life cycle. At the end of service, copper tubing can be fully recycled without loss of strength or conductivity, closing the loop on a truly circular-economy material.

Key points:

Infinitely recyclable without property degradation.
High recycled content reduces mining and emissions.
Contributes to green-building credentials.
Lower lifecycle environmental impact than many alternatives.
Fully reclaimable at end of service life.

Safety

Copper is a stable, inert material that neither emits harmful chemicals nor supports combustion.

Unlike plastics that may leach volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or degrade under UV exposure, copper remains inert in potable-water and heating systems. It resists fire spread through walls and ceilings, thanks to a high melting point and non-combustible nature.

Copper tubing also withstands temperature extremes, reducing the risk of burst pipes in freeze-thaw cycles. Its rigidity reduces damage from impact or mishandling during rough-in phases, making it a safer, more robust choice on busy job sites.

Key points:

Does not release harmful chemicals or VOCs.
Non-combustible and fire-resistant.
Resistant to freeze-thaw damage.
Inert in potable-water contact.
Robust handling properties reduce installation damage.

Availability

Copper tubing boasts universal availability and recognition across global plumbing and HVAC codes.

Manufactured to strict composition and dimensional standards, installers and inspectors are well acquainted with copper’s performance and joining methods, streamlining approvals and reducing installation delays.

Its long-standing use in building services means virtually every code authority accepts copper tubing for a wide array of applications.

Key points:

Globally available and code-approved.
Permanently marked for grade, temper, and origin.
Familiarity among installers and inspectors simplifies permit and inspection processes.
Accepted for potable water, refrigerant, gas, and fire mains.

Low maintenance

Although copper tubing carries a higher upfront cost than some plastics, its low maintenance requirements and long service life provide greater value over time.

Labour costs also fall thanks to faster installation and fewer joints. Copper’s self-cleaning and corrosion-resistant nature rids the need for chemical treatments or complex cleaning regimes.

Key points:

Longer lifespan reduces replacement costs.
Lower labour expenses due to simplified installation.
Minimal maintenance and chemical treatment required.
Fewer service calls and emergency repairs.

Buy Now - Imperial Annealed Copper Tubing

The downsides of using copper tubing

While copper tubing brings many advantages, it is not without drawbacks.

The most immediate concern is cost. Copper is significantly more expensive than plastic alternatives such as PEX or PVC. Raw-copper prices do fluctuate with global commodity markets, so budgeting for a copper installation requires close attention to current metal rates.

Although copper’s longevity and low maintenance can offset its upfront price, the higher initial outlay may stretch tight project budgets, particularly on large-scale plumbing or HVAC installations.

Another issue is water chemistry. Some users report a faint metallic taste or slight discolouration when water first runs through new copper pipes. This effect is typically minor and temporary, fading after several weeks of regular use. Nevertheless, it can be off-putting in sensitive installations such as drinking fountains or bottling lines.

Copper also performs poorly in highly acidic water conditions. Water with a low pH can accelerate corrosion, resulting in pinhole leaks or reduced service life.

In municipal-supply environments, pH is normally controlled within a neutral range, but off-grid or agricultural users drawing from untreated sources should test water acidity before specifying copper piping.

Where acidity is unavoidable, upgrading to lined or coated copper (or choosing a corrosion-resistant plastic) may be more reliable over the long term.

Find premium copper tubing at The Hosemaster

Despite these disadvantages, copper remains a premium piping choice for many applications. In many cases, the good outweighs the bad. So, if you’re looking to use copper piping in your next project, get everything you need from The Hosemaster.

We offer a wide range of copper pipes, plus all the fittings and tools you need for any project. Whether you’re bending soft annealed coils for a bespoke heating circuit, or running a rigid Type L pipe for a commercial water main, our expert team is on hand to help.

Browse our copper tubing range today or call us on 01282 604 002 to discuss your requirements.