Omar Khalid
Joining copper and plastic pipes is a common challenge in industrial plants and plumbing. While copper pipes offer durability and excellent heat transfer, plastic pipes, such as PVC or CPVC, provide flexibility, corrosion resistance, and cost-effectiveness. There are various methods to connect these two materials, including compression fittings, push-to-connect fittings, and transition couplings. Before joining, it is crucial to ensure compatibility, clean the pipe ends, and verify proper sizing to avoid leaks and water damage. Additionally, when joining dissimilar metals, it is important to prevent electrolysis, an electrochemical reaction that causes corrosion, by using techniques like a dielectric union to create a safe, long-lasting connection.
Characteristics and Values Table for Joining Copper and Plastic
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Verify that the copper and plastic pipe materials are compatible for the specific application and fluid medium. |
| Cleanliness | Ensure the ends of the pipes are thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris or contaminants that could compromise the joint. |
| Proper Sizing | Confirm that the pipe sizes are compatible and appropriate for the specific system requirements. |
| Connection Methods | Compression fittings, push-to-connect fittings, transition couplings, or soldering. |
| Material Properties | Copper: durability, excellent heat transfer, long-term reliability. Plastic: corrosion resistance, flexibility, cost-effectiveness. |
| Challenges | Joining dissimilar metals can lead to corrosion and leaks over time. |
| Solutions | Use a dielectric union to prevent corrosion and leaks when joining dissimilar metals. |
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What You'll Learn
Compression fittings
When using compression fittings, it is important to ensure that the fitting is tight enough to create a watertight seal without warping the pipe or damaging the thread, as this could encourage leaks and make the fittings harder to remove. To create a watertight seal, the compression nut should be tightened with two wrenches while holding the fitting body steady. Usually, a turn past finger-tight is sufficient to compress the ferrule and create the seal.
Before making the connection, it is important to thoroughly clean the ends of the pipes to remove any debris or contaminants that could compromise the joint. It is also crucial to ensure that the pipe sizes are compatible and appropriate for the specific system requirements. When joining plastic pipe to copper, a liner should be inserted to keep the end of the pipe perfectly round and protect it from damage.
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Push-to-connect fittings
Compatibility
Before using push-to-connect fittings, it's important to ensure that your pipes are compatible with this type of fitting. Push-to-connect fittings are typically compatible with PEX, Copper, CPVC, PE-RT, and SDR-9 HDPE pipes. However, they cannot be used with PEX-AL-PEX tubing, PVC pipe, or PB (PolyButylene) pipe. Always verify that the fitting is suitable for your specific pipe materials.
Preparation
To prepare your pipes for the push-to-connect fittings, start by cutting the pipes squarely, ensuring a clean and straight cut. Remove any sharp edges or burrs, especially when working with copper pipes, as these can affect the fitting and potentially cause leaks. Use a deburring tool, such as a file or 80-grit sandpaper, to smooth out any imperfections. Check for scratches or debris on the pipe, as these can also impact the effectiveness of the fitting.
Installation
Brands and Considerations
SharkBite is the most popular brand of push-to-connect fittings, known for their ease of installation and dependability. However, other brands like OmniGrip also offer compatible fittings made from lead-free, dezincification-resistant (DZR) brass. While push-to-connect fittings are convenient, some plumbers still prefer soldering due to the more secure and permanent connection it provides. Additionally, push fittings should not be reused whenever possible, as their effectiveness may diminish over time.
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Transition couplings
When using transition couplings, it is crucial to ensure that the pipes are compatible with the specific application and fluid medium. Additionally, the ends of the pipes should be thoroughly cleaned before installation to remove any debris or contaminants that could compromise the joint.
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Understanding the materials
Copper pipes are known for their durability and long-term reliability. They have excellent heat transfer properties, making them a popular choice for heating systems. Copper pipes are also rigid, which some plumbers prefer as it provides a more stable structure. However, one of the main challenges with copper is the skill required to solder joints effectively. When done correctly, a solder joint can last for many years without leaking. But if too much solder is used, it can create high-velocity regions, leading to leaks down the line.
Plastic pipes, on the other hand, offer flexibility and corrosion resistance. They are available in various types, including PB (Polybutylene) and PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene), and can be purchased in rolls or straight lengths. The flexibility of plastic pipes is a significant advantage, allowing for long, straight runs without the need for multiple joints. This not only reduces installation time and cost but also minimises potential leak points. Plastic pipes are also more cost-effective than copper. However, some plumbers prefer not to use plastic pipes for surface-mounted pipework due to their flexibility.
When joining copper and plastic pipes, it is essential to consider the specific application and fluid medium. For example, in some cases, the use of plastic pipes may compromise the connection to earth for any earth wires connected to the pipes. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the pipe sizes are compatible and appropriate for the system's requirements.
While copper and plastic pipes have distinct advantages, both materials can be joined using similar fittings. Compression fittings, for instance, can be used on both types of pipes, although a liner is required for plastic pipes to protect the end and ensure a secure connection. Push-to-connect fittings are another option, offering a quick and convenient method for joining copper and plastic pipes without the need for special tools or soldering.
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Using a dielectric union
Dielectric unions are fittings or adapters that prevent direct contact between two metals, such as copper and steel pipes. They are useful when you need to combine these metals, especially when repairing older plumbing systems. When connecting copper and steel pipes, galvanic corrosion and leaks can occur at the point where the two dissimilar metals meet. This is due to an electrochemical reaction called electrolysis, which happens when two different metals come into contact with water or moisture.
To use a dielectric union to join copper and plastic pipes, start by turning off the water supply and power to the water heater. Drain the water from the system using a garden hose. Cut the copper pipe just above the corroded connection using a tubing cutter. Remove the old union from the steel pipe using two pipe wrenches. Clean the end of the steel pipe and wrap the threads with Teflon tape.
Now, solder the top half of the union to the copper pipe. Allow the soldered connections to cool, then replace the rubber gasket in the dielectric union. The gasket is typically made of rubber or plastic and acts as a physical barrier between the two metals, preventing corrosion and leaks. Use a wrench to tighten the two halves of the union together.
Finally, turn the water and power back on, and check for any leaks. Even if you follow the instructions carefully, you may still encounter some issues. For example, soldering may create a weak joint, or you may experience leaks after reassembling the union. To address these problems, ensure that the surfaces are clean and free from oxidation before soldering, and that the gasket is correctly positioned and tightened appropriately.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pipes offer corrosion resistance, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. They can also reduce heat loss and are available in long lengths, reducing the number of joints required.
Copper pipes offer durability, excellent heat transfer properties, and long-term reliability.
First, insert a liner into the plastic pipe to keep the end of the pipe round and protect it from damage. Then, place the nut over the pipe, followed by the copper olive, and tighten by hand. Finally, use a spanner to further tighten the fitting until it's crimped on, compressing the olive onto the pipe.
You can use push-to-connect fittings, which are quick and convenient as they require no special tools or soldering. Alternatively, transition couplings can be used to bridge the gap between the two materials, employing a rubber gasket and stainless-steel clamps to ensure a tight and secure connection.
No, it is not against any regulations to mix copper and plastic pipes. However, it is important to ensure that any transition between the two types of pipes is made correctly and that earth wires connected to the pipes are not compromised by a plastic section.
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