14 FEATURES
The role of copper pipes in plumbing
Compiled by
Megan O’ Connor, with technical input by Steve van Zyl and the Copper Development Association Africa
Copper plays a vital role in plumbing. Here, we look at its role, its advantages and disadvantages, the different types of copper pipes, and the different ways to connect pipes as defined by SANS.
The importance of copper tubing in a plumbing system stems from its proven track record as a safe, reliable and longlasting component in a plumbing installation.
Advantages of copper pipes
• Copper is a hygienic metal that kills pathogens with its antimicrobial properties
• Certain classes of SANS 460 copper pipe can be formed and bent, potentially saving you on fittings
• Long life expectancy
• Copper forms a protective oxide layer that prevents it from corroding which extends its life span 1
• Durable
• Recyclable
• Rigid, holds structure
• Can withstand high water temperature and pressure
• Copper is an excellent thermal conductor 1
• Punctured copper pipes are simpler to repair than plastic pipes as the damaged section can be sealed using a‘ slip coupling’ rather than replacing a full section of plastic pipe 3
• Copper is fire resistant and will not burn or support combustion or decompose into toxic gases 1
• The use of copper produces few harmful emissions during its lifecycle compared to other materials 1
• Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, making it highly efficient for the use in both hot and cold water and heating systems 1
• In a South African context, copper tubing is locally manufactured – contributing towards the sustainability of the local communities and economy, and national back up and support is available to the plumbing industry 1
Disadvantages of copper pipes
• If improperly installed, the product will fail
• Exceeding the maximum flow velocity of water in the pipe may result in the removal of the patina layer and this could possibly cause future pitting of the pipe inner surface
• The water supply quality may also have a negative effect on the copper, but as a rule, potable water should present no problem
• Copper pipes may not be ideal for use with certain water types
– for example, soft water may be more corrosive, sometimes present in borehole water, which can lead to pitting corrosion of the pipes
• SANS 460 Class 0 and 1 copper tubes are not allowed to be installed underground.
• The following may disrupt the copper oxide scale: excessive water velocity in pipe, elevated water temperature, turbulence due to joint profile, 2.4m / s or less for cold water, 0.9m / s for hot water 60 °
Antimicrobial Copper Copper pipe has inherent antimicrobial properties that are effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It achieves this by releasing copper ions that damage micro-organisms, disrupt their cell walls, and cause oxidative stress. This " contact killing " is continuous and can kill up to 99.9 % of bacteria within a few hours.
The different types of copper tubes( pipes) and where to use them SANS 460 defines four different types of copper tubes( pipe) for potable water:
Class 0 – Extra light Class 0 copper pipe is a hard drawn, thin-walled tube. Compression fittings should be used as the jointing method with Class 0, however, they are not recommended for use with flare-type compression fittings. These pipes are suitable for general use in domestic plumbing services( particularly where minimisation of costs is the principal factor affecting choice). Class 0 tubes should be used only for straight line connections, i. e. they are not suitable for deforming into bends.
Class 1 – Light Class 1 copper pipes are half-hard, thin-walled tubes, for above-ground use only. These pipes are suitable for general use in domestic plumbing services( particularly where minimisation of costs is the principal factor affecting choice). Class 1 tubes are such that the workmen required to perform any bending work on them should have been trained and should be equipped with tube-bending equipment specifically designed to bend this class of tube( SANS 10252-1, ref 5.2.1.2).
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline February 2026 Volume 31 I Number 12