Is it OK to bury copper pipe in concrete?

Unfortunately, just because copper is resistant to corrosion, it doesn't mean copper can't corrode, especially if it's installed underground or inside concrete slabs. If the copper pipes were joined using lead solder, the solder can break down, creating leaks around seams, joints and fittings.

Keeping this in consideration, does concrete affect copper pipe?

A: According to petrographer Bernie Erlin, copper won't corrode in concrete unless soluble chlorides are present. Erlin also says that very small amounts of ammonia and possibly nitrates can cause stress corrosion cracking of copper pipes embedded in concrete.

Also Know, can you put plastic water pipe in concrete? You can buy pipe in pipe, and plastic is as good as anything in the screed, and meets the water regs.

Likewise, is it OK to bury copper pipe?

Lay copper pipe on loose backfill when installing it in trenches. Copper piping has proven to be long lasting in the installation of both hot and cold water supply lines. It is possible to bury copper pipes underground, but you must follow certain precautions.

Can you put waste pipe in concrete?

Yes, plastic can be and often is set in screed and concrete. Any joints in that section? If you have any reason to doubt the pipe's integrity, you could replace that section with current 40mm and avoid any buried joints.

30 Related Question Answers Found

How long do copper pipes last in a home?

50 years

What is the life expectancy of copper plumbing?

50 to 70 years

How do you attach copper pipe to concrete wall?

Hold a copper strap over the pipe and against the wall along the top of the wall. Mark the screw holes onto the wall. The strap is a loop that contains a screw hole on each side so you can attach it to the concrete wall.

How do you fix a broken pipe under concrete?

Repairing Water Lines

The most common type of pipe used for water lines under a slab foundation is copper tubing. As copper pipes age, they are prone to wearing thin and springing a leak. To repair a copper pipe you must cut the damaged section of pipe with a hacksaw, reciprocating saw or tubing cutter and remove it.

Do green copper pipes need to be replaced?

Copper pipe walls often vary in thickness and density, and corrosion from acidic water with a low pH (below 7) eats at the pipes' interior walls. The part of the pipe showing the green scale may burst open at any time. As to your 21-year-old water heater, there is no need to replace it until a malfunction develops.

What is the difference between Type M and Type L copper pipe?

Type M half-inch pipe has a wall thickness of 0.028 inches while type L is 0.040 inches. Type M three-quarter-inch pipe has a wall thickness of 0.032 inches and type L is 0.045 inches. Copper pipes of the same type and size all have the same outside diameter, which allows them to use the same fittings for connections.

What type of copper pipe should I use for water?

Type K Copper Pipe: Type K copper pipe has the thickest wall of all the common types. It is used for water distribution, fire protection, oil, HVAC, and many other applications in the construction industry. Type K pipe is available in a rigid and flexible form and can be used with flared and compression fittings.

How long will copper tubing last underground?

In its original design criteria, copper piping was projected to last for 20-25 years, but failure can often occur in as little as two years due to water chemistry.

Does copper pipe corrode underground?

Copper water tubing has an outstanding history of corrosion resistance in most underground environments. Copper does not naturally corrode in most clays, chalks, loams, sands, and gravels. Certain aggressive soil conditions, however, can cause it to corrode. Copper is also subject to corrosion by stray DC electricity.

What will corrode copper?

The Causes of Copper Corrosion:

Acidic water, with a low pH level under 7.0. An elevated level of dissolved oxygen in the water. Bacteria that can cause corrosion, such as iron bacteria and sulfates. Hydraulic wear, caused by materials, such as grit, sand, and sediment, moving across the surface of the pipe.

Will copper pipes rust?

Copper pipe corrosion can catch you by surprise, since many people believe copper pipe doesn't corrode. However, copper water tubing is not in fact corrosion-proof. It is just less likely to corrode than iron-based pipes, such as galvanized pipe.

How do you stop copper pipes from corroding?

Ideally, a thin film of lime will form on the inside of the pipe to protect the copper from corrosion. But if there is too much calcium carbonate in the water, copper pipes can also become clogged with lime over time.

How do you protect copper pipes from plaster?

All copper pipes should be covered with something, especially if sand & cement is used. A bit of movement is better as you say. Some plaster doesnt do any harm to copper. Even plastic sheet cut into 2 or 3" strips & wrapped tight like a bandage & taped would do.

Can I run a gas pipe underground?

Under a garden the gas pipe service should be 375mm deep and under a footway 450mm. The trench should usually be 200-300mm wide. The trench should be safe and secure and not likely to cave in. Ideally the gas pipe connection will run down in a gentle gradient away from the building requiring gas towards the main.

Can you bury speedfit in concrete?

Can Speedfit pipe be buried in the floor screed? Building regulations state pipe laid in screed must be removable, with the exception of underfloor heating projects. We therefore supply a conduit that can be clipped to the concrete base. The Speedfit pipe can then run through the conduit and then be screeded over.

What is the difference between screed and concrete?

Concrete is used for construction and structural tasks, while screed is applied as a top layer to a concrete base. Concrete and screed are both made from a mixture of cement, water and aggregate. The main difference between the two materials is the type of aggregate that is used.

Does concrete eat PVC?

2 Answers. PVC pipe embedded in concrete should be fine under most codes I've seen. You'd need to sleeve something like black, galvanized, or no-hub iron pipe, but PVC and ABS are impervious on any reasonable timeline (~hundreds of years.)