Plumbing and Heating

Copper has been used for plumbing systems for many years, dating back to 2750 BC in Egypt. In more recent years copper has become the choice of the professional plumber for its many attributes. Installers have come to recognise the reliability of copper systems, their durability and ease of installation.

Copper tube and fittings are manufactured to European Standards in a range of sizes, meaning that products from different manufacturers are compatible. Jointing can be done by soldering, brazing, compression, push-fit and press fittings. For any application there is an appropriate jointing technique – for sites where naked flames are prohibited the push-fit or press fittings can be used.

A recent survey of homeowners shows that about 79% of UK homeowners feel more comfortable having copper tubing fitted in their home, when it comes to plumbing and heating systems. Another survey shows that 61% of installers favour copper over plastics, with only 8% preferring plastics.

Another great benefit for copper is its ability to be recycled. Copper is 100% recyclable, with no loss in properties – copper from a tube can be recycled into another copper tube. If you are a professional plumber or plumbing student then visit the UK Copper Board site for the latest news, installation practice and details on how to join the Copper Club.

Publications and Software

To see all publications and software for copper tube applications, click here.

For available publications and software on fire sprinkler systems, click here.

Flame-free Jointing

This presentation provides an overview of push-fit and press fittings and how to install them, their advantages and applications as well as some brief details from a case study comparing different jointing techniques.

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UK Copper Board Website
The UKCB website provides industry news and the latest technical information on heating, plumbing and fire sprinkler system design, installation and maintenance, for plumbers, plumbing lecturers and student plumbers.

Pub 14 Copper Alloys in Refrigeration
Gives information on heat exchanger forms and requirements, suitable alloys and compatible refrigerants. 1972. 12pp. (Out of print.)

Pub 33 Copper Tube in Domestic Water Services - Design and Installation
Information on the design and installation of copper domestic water services. Includes pipework jointing, tube bending, DZR brass. 2000. 40pp. (Out of print.)

Pub 39 Copper in Domestic Heating Systems
Details the range of components used in domestic space heating and hot water systems. Guidance is given on correct design and installation procedures. 1988. 32pp.

Pub 51 Unvented Hot Water Storage Systems
Unvented domestic hot water systems utilise regulated cold water supplied directly from the mains. Included with the cylinder is a package of safety devices and controls to regulate temperature and pressures within the system. This type of system can provide flow rates in excess of 25 litres/min thus meeting BS6700 specification for design flow rates of 18 litres/min whilst retaining the facility for simultaneous draw-off from other hot water outlets. 1990.

Pub 88 Copper Tube in Buildings
Information on the installation of copper pipework systems in buildings and information on compatibility of copper with various construction materials and chemicals. 2000. 16pp.

Pub 124 Copper for Domestic Natural Gas Installations
This design and installation guide gives information on materials, components, pipe sizing, jointing, safety, electrical bonding, testing and purging. 1997. 14pp.

Pub 149 Large Diameter Copper Tubes for Industrial and Commercial Heating Applications
The aim of this publication is to create awareness amongst architects, designers and specifiers of the uses of copper and copper alloys in commercial and industrial heating systems using tube sizes of 28mm to 159mm outside diameter. System components, pipework jointing, tube bending and corrosion resistance are all covered. 2001. 13pp.

Pub 150 Copper Tubes in Domestic Heating Systems
This publication examines the most effective way to select the right sized tube diameters, advising on the key stages of building a heating system, such as assessing flow rates, flow resistance and pump performance. Includes tables to assess the length of copper tube needed for a variety of fitting types and to calculate the resistance flow per unit length of tube. 2001. 7pp. (Out of print.)

Pub 801 Flame-Free Leaflet
This leaflet promotes the benefits of copper flame-free jointing to installers. The innovative press fittings and push-fit fittings offer industry professionals the high level of quality and reliability typical of copper products but with the added benefit of quick and easy usability, which will ultimately enhance business performance. 2001. (Out of print).

Pub 802 Self-Build Leaflet
This leaflet informs installers of the business opportunity provided by the self-build market and lists the benefits that copper plumbing and heating installations offer to the self-builder. 2001. (Out of print).

Pub 803 Make the Right Start CD
Developed for trainees in conjunction with Oldham College, this CD is fully interactive. It includes video clips, exercises and work sheets developed to introduce the necessary skills to measure, cut, bend, joint and install copper tube and fittings to a high standard. Reference materials covering pipe work bending and installation methods and a series of technical articles covering basic plumbing skills are included. 2003.

Pub 804 Make the Next Step
A distance learning package designed for those installers with experience of domestic type work who wish to further their skills to include industrial and commercial building services work. (Out of print.)

Pub 805 Comparison of Copper and Steel Pipework Costs for Non-Domestic Installations
Independent research commissioned by the UK Copper Board into the installation costs of non-domestic plumbing and heating systems, has found that copper can give a saving of 27% compared to steel. The results support a similar study completed in 2002, which also found copper to be the more competitive material. 2007. 4pp. (Out of print.)

Pub 806 Domestic Heating Systems Video
Video produced by University of West England showing domestic heating systems including installation of copper pipework systems.

Pub 807 Installation Tips
A collection of practical articles on subjects of interest to plumbing installers and students. Topics covered include tube bending, soldering, pipe sizing, installations for gas, water, vacuum, medical gases, refrigeration and solar hot water systems. 75pp.

Pub 808 Copper, The Modern Solution
This technical brochure describes copper fitting development and covers flame-free systems using press fittings and push-fit fittings. 2000. 8pp.

Pub 813 Copper is Still the Professionals' Choice
Leaflet giving the results of research into attitudes of professional installers towards plumbing materials. 2003. 1pp. (Out of print.)

Pub 826 Copper Pipework Services in Modern Buildings - A Specifier's Guide
This publication, aimed at material specifiers, details the many reasons why copper is the number one material for pipework services. In addition to the information on copper tube and fittings, there is environmental information on copper, its sustainability and recyclability.

Pub 827 Copper Solar Thermal Systems
The UK Copper Board’s new publication outlines the methodology for the design and installation of copper solar thermal systems. The publication includes an introduction to the concept of the solar thermal system, the types of solar collectors available, the major components in a typical solar thermal system, how to install copper pipework and the sizing of the installation, the collectors and storage cylinders. With the possibility of the working fluid reaching temperatures in excess of 200^o C copper is the ideal pipework material. The usual copper tube sizes are used, so it is easy to connect the pipework in to the hot water system. The same copper tube that is used for hot and cold water and central heating can be used for solar thermal systems.

CD7 Solar Thermal Systems
This CD provides information for engineers, installers and project managers on the design and installation of copper solar thermal systems for domestic hot water and space heating. It covers components, installation, applications, design, operation and maintenance. Information is presented in PowerPoint format. 2008.

Wallcharts on Bending Copper Tube - By Machine
Following on from the great success of the first set of copper wallcharts, the UK Copper Board has now produced a second set, focussed on the art of tube bending. Keeping it simple, the wallcharts cover how to pull simple 90 degree bends, second bends and off-sets by using machine benders. Further copies can be requested by contacting us at copperboard@copperdev.co.uk. A pdf version of the wallcharts can be downloaded here for use as handouts.