Copper Type M

ctbuilder

Hope all are enjoying the summer. Looking for some thoughts on Copper piping Type M.

I tried a new plumber on a home I am building in CT and he wanted to use copper, as I sensed he did not use PEX. The plumber had 30 years in the trade and I would say did a good, neat job.

I was interviewing a new electrician who asked me what type of copper I used and he made a face when I said M. The electrician went on to say M will last maybe 10 years as the water will eat thru the pipe over time. The home is on city water. Do I need to be concerned?

Thank-you all.

JamesNLA

Typically it's type L. Old timers don't like Pex, if it's different they don't wanna know. Pex is usually less expensive for a new build.

I see alot of M underground for slab homes. However the city water isn't that hard on pipes around here. As far as being concerned....if it will pass code you shouldn't be concerned. If M would only last 10 years in your area, why bother using copper? You can get 10 years out of galvi.

__________________
"....And then we all switch places when I ring the bell"
-Adrock

ctbuilder

I may contact the town inspector and ask him if the town has an issue with M copper.

I quess the main question I am asking the board is did the comment made about M copper lasting 10 years sound right ? I'm thinking copper in the Pyramids lasting thousands of years and only 10 years on M copper. I have seen posts here where pin hole leaks are reported after 25-30 years and even that sounds bad. Who would want to open walls and get mold issues even in 80 years.

KillerToiletSpider

I have done remodels that had M copper installed in the early 1960's and the integrity of the pipe was still fine. If your area does not have overly harsh water, M copper should be fine.

__________________
A flush is better than a full house.

skymaster

Here in NJ "M" is not allowed for potable water lines. "M" is used for heating only.
JackM

ChrWright

Most of the time, early failures in copper are due to improper tie-ins to other materials or not reaming cut pipes before sweating them to fittings...

__________________

Christopher Wright, CR: President @ WrightWorks, LLC/President @ Central Indiana NARI, Named to the 2010 REMODELING Big50
www.WrightWorks.net - Facebook - Twitter - Carmel Remodeling
Indianapolis Kitchen Remodeling Contractor - You Can Get There From Here

Grumpyplumber

Where I am, type "M" is expressely prohibited on potable.
Type "L" or better.