What Is Type L Copper Used For?
Type L copper is a rigid, durable pipe commonly used for residential plumbing. It has thicker walls than Type M copper, making it suitable for high-pressure applications, including both hot and cold water lines, and for long-term use in your home.
Type L copper is often utilized for:
- Fresh water distribution: Type L is ideal for the main supply lines delivering potable water throughout a home.
- Hot water systems: Its thicker walls allow it to safely handle the high temperatures found in hot water plumbing.
- Versatile applications: Available in both rigid and flexible forms, Type L copper can be installed in a variety of configurations, including tight spaces and complex layouts.
Unlike Type K copper, which is typically reserved for underground service lines, Type L strikes the perfect balance for residential plumbing, being robust enough to last for decades yet cost-effective for homeowners.
For more information, you can read our article on the different types of copper pipe.
Does Type L Copper Corrode Over Time?
Copper is naturally resistant to corrosion, making it a reliable choice for long-term plumbing. However, certain environmental conditions can impact its lifespan. Acidic water, high mineral content, or corrosive soil can cause slow deterioration over time.
That said, Type L copper's thicker walls provide an extra layer of protection against these risks. When properly installed and maintained, Type L copper pipes can last 50 years or more without significant issues, depending on certain factors.
Homeowners often find that investing in Type L copper reduces the likelihood of pinhole leaks compared to thinner alternatives like Type M.
Additionally, building codes often favor Type L for residential plumbing due to its proven resistance to corrosion and wear, ensuring not only durability but also safety and compliance.
What Are the Benefits of Type L Copper Plumbing?
There are several reasons why Type L copper is widely recommended for repiping:
- Longevity: The thicker walls reduce the risk of pinhole leaks and wear, giving you a plumbing system that can last for decades.
- Versatility: Type L handles both hot and cold water, high pressures, and a wide range of plumbing configurations, making it suitable for nearly any residential application.
- Reliability: Unlike thinner types of copper or some alternative materials, Type L is less prone to failure, providing peace of mind and lower maintenance costs over time.
- Compliance: Some building codes may require Type L for certain applications, ensuring your plumbing meets safety standards.
- Value: While slightly more expensive upfront than alternatives like Type M, Type L copper saves homeowners money in the long run by reducing repairs and replacements. We have an article dedicated to comparing Type L and Type M copper pipe.
Investing in American-made Type L copper ensures quality, consistency, and longevity, making it one of the smartest choices for a full home repipe.
Should I Repipe With Type L Copper or PEX-A?
When choosing between Type L copper and PEX-A for a full home repipe, it helps to compare their strengths and limitations.
Durability and lifespan
Type L copper is rigid and highly resistant to wear, corrosion, and high water pressure. With proper installation, it can last 50 years or more. PEX-A is flexible and easier to work with and can last a similar amount of time depending on water quality and environmental factors.
Temperature and pressure handling
Type L copper can withstand higher temperatures, making it ideal for hot water lines. It is also highly resistant to expansion and contraction, which reduces leak risks. PEX-A handles pressure and temperature well; however, it cannot be exposed to UV light.
Installation and cost
Installing Type L copper requires soldering or mechanical fittings, which can increase labor costs, but it provides long-term reliability. PEX-A is easier and quicker to install, often reducing upfront labor costs, and its flexibility allows it to snake through walls and around corners with minimal fittings.
Safety and code compliance
Type L copper has a long track record for potable water safety and is frequently preferred or required by building codes. PEX-A is also safe for drinking water and widely accepted by modern codes, though some regions may have certain restrictions; this is becoming far less common.
At Repipe Specialists, we repipe with both American-made Type L copper and Uponor PEX-A, depending on your home and personal preference. The choice is always up to you, and our experts are here to guide you through the pros and cons of each material so you can make an informed decision that fits your budget and long-term goals.
If you're still unsure, we have a detailed article that breaks down everything you need to know about repiping with copper or PEX. Contact one of our local repipe consultants today for a free, fixed-price quote.
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With over 75,000 repipes completed, we've perfected our One-Stop Repipe™ for your home.
Get a Free Quote for Repiping Your Home With Type L Copper
Here at Repipe Specialists, we've fully replaced the plumbing in over 60,000 homes since 1991. A Type L copper repipe provides long-term financial savings and peace of mind, and we back every repipe with a lifetime warranty. Our customers consistently share positive feedback about their repipe experiences, and we often exceed expectations when it comes to:
- Speed: Our repipe crews typically complete a repipe in a day, returning on another day for wall patching.
- Convenience: Through our One-Stop Repipe™ process, we handle everything from permits, to wall patching, to inspections.
- Cleanliness: Our crews are trained to protect your home while working (we cover all surfaces with protective sheeting), and to clean up fully at the end of each day.
- Peace of Mind: Repipe Specialists is a fully licensed plumber in every state we operate in, and we back all of our repipes with a lifetime warranty.
- Financing programs: To help take the sting out of unplanned repipe expenses, we offer several financing programs.
- Price: As a specialist that performs hundreds of repipes a week, we can deliver high-quality repipes at a lower cost vs generalist plumbers. Our quotes typically range from $4,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and complexity of your project. We have an article that covers repipe cost factors in detail.
Schedule a free in-home consultation, and one of our local repipe specialists will review all your Type L copper repipe options and provide you with a written, fixed-price quote.