Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are these standard copper pipes?
A: Yes, these are the same pipes sold in home improvement stores and plumbing/heating supplies nationwide - straight lengths, hard-drawn, in types L and M. All pipe is made to ASTM B88 standard and meets NSF/ANSI 61 and 372 standards for potable water applications.
Q: Where is this pipe made?
A: Mueller Streamline copper pipe is made in the USA.
Q: For 3/4" copper pipe - is 3/4" ID or OD?
A: Neither - 3/4" is a nominal size, or CTS (Copper Tubing Size). Nominal/CTS size is used to designate all common copper pipe used in plumbing (type L) and heating (type M) applications. The actual OD of a copper pipe is always 1/8" larger than CTS size. 3/4" nominal copper pipe would have 3/4" + 1/8" = 7/8" OD; 1/2" would be 5/8" OD; 1" would be 1-1/8" and so on.
Q: What is the difference between Type L & M copper pipes?
A: Wall thickness. Type L has thicker (about 42% thicker) walls than type M. The former is mostly intended for hot and cold water plumbing uses (faucets, showers, etc.) and the latter is mostly used in heating applications (boiler piping, radiator/baseboard supply & return lines, etc.)
Q: Is there any way to tell the difference between L & M copper pipes without calipers?
A: Type L has a blue imprint, white type M has red - this makes it easy to differentiate between the two.
Q: Which fittings/connection methods are suitable for copper pipe?
A: The most common methods are soldering (uses copper sweat fittings, solder & propane/butane torch) and press method (uses press copper fittings & tools).
Other compatible fittings include push-to-connect (or push-fit) - such as Sharkbite, OmniGrip or similar and compression fittings.
Q: Can this pipe be used with Flare fittings?
A: No. Hard-drawn copper pipes should not be used with flare fittings. Only soft (annealed) copper pipe/tubing, commonly sold in coils, is suitable for use with flare fittings.
Q: Can this copper pipe be used for gas (such as propane)?
A: No - most codes prohibit using hard-drawn copper pipes for gas. Only soft (annealed) copper pipe/tubing may be approved locally for gas lines (and only when used with flare fittings). In some instances, the pipe would have to be jacketed (coated with plastic) for added protection from elements.
Whenever possible, black steel pipe should always be the primary choice for above-ground gas lines. CSST is another popular choice. For underground lines, MDPE yellow gas pipe can be used.
Q: Can copper pipe be used outdoors?
A: Yes. Just be sure to drain water from the line entirely to prevent it from freezing during colder months. Water will expand when frozen, and will burst a copper pipe (and any other common metal or plastic pipe) easily.
Q: Can copper pipe be bent?
A: The short answer is yes. The long answer is: bending the copper pipe requires a special pipe bending tool and the bend radius varies by pipe size and type of copper (hard/drawn, annealed, K, L, M, ACR, etc.). In general, copper pipe should be bent only by a professional.
