Comparison of steel and copper pipes

The question of choosing pipes arises when arranging a water supply system from scratch or performing major repairs of already outdated communications. The modern market is replete with a wide variety of pipe fittings. This can be regarded both as an advantage and even as a disadvantage, since there are even more problems with the choice of pipes.

Going to any plumbing store, you will find pipes of four main types – steel, plastic, metal-plastic and copper. In this article we will consider steel and copper products.

Features of steel pipes

It is impossible to say for sure that steel pipes are better than plastic ones, or vice versa. The choice of the product depends on the specific situation and conditions of future operation of the water supply system, including temperature, pressure, etc.

Until recently, there was no alternative to steel pipes. This is the cheapest material from which a wide variety of pipelines are made. Of the main advantages, we note the high strength, thanks to which the products withstand high pressures and temperatures.

The main disadvantage of water supply systems made of steel pipes is expensive installation, high time costs and the likelihood of coating products with condensate. The installation process is complicated, the welding method or threaded couplings with shut-off valves must be used, so only professional and experienced specialists can perform the work. However, if the installation is done efficiently, the water supply can last up to 50 years. Other disadvantages include susceptibility to corrosion, calcareous plaque on the inner cavity, the formation of growths over time, increased electrical conductivity.

Features of copper pipes

With the help of copper pipes, you can build a beautiful, high-quality and efficient water supply system. The cost of such work will be too high, but the durability of the constructed water supply system can reach 70 years. In general, it looks much more aesthetically pleasing than when using steel pipes.

Copper devices are not subject to deformation, are characterized by increased resistance to sudden temperature changes. Add to this a few useful properties that copper has. For example, interacting with chlorine, of which there is a lot in central water supply systems, it eliminates the formation of harmful compounds.

To the disadvantages, in addition to the high cost, we add the following:

• much less common;
• it is difficult to find copper fittings for mounting;
• average mechanical strength;
• possibility of installation only when using water purification systems;
• large financial costs and time expenditure during installation (soldering method is usually chosen).

Thus, when choosing between steel and copper pipes, take into account the operating conditions of the future system. However, it is almost always not advisable to buy copper products.