Short answer: Copper pipe and tube are the standard for potable water, heating, and refrigeration because copper is clean, corrosion-resistant, and easy to solder. Types K, L, and M (per ASTM B88) differ by wall thickness; ACR tube is cleaned for HVAC. All are typically DHP C12200 copper.
At a Glance
What Are Copper Pipe and Tube?
Copper tube is a seamless, drawn hollow section prized for plumbing and HVAC. It carries potable water safely, resists corrosion, and is joined by soldering, brazing, or press fittings. The material is almost always deoxidized high-phosphorus (DHP) copper, grade C12200.
Types K, L, and M
As the chart shows, the three water-tube types differ by wall thickness. Type K has the thickest wall for underground and high-pressure mains. Type L is the commercial-plumbing standard. Type M is the thin-wall, cost-effective choice for residential use. All meet ASTM B88.
ACR and Specialty Tube
ACR (air-conditioning and refrigeration) tube is cleaned, dehydrated, and sealed for refrigerant lines, usually with a slight nitrogen purge. Larger welded DHP tube is used in heat exchangers and condensers. Specify the outside diameter, wall, and whether it is ACR-cleaned.
Joining and Installation
Copper tube is most often joined with capillary soldered or brazed fittings, or modern press-fit systems that need no heat. Clean, de-burred cuts and correct flux give leak-free joints. For potable water, use lead-free solder or press fittings.
Sourcing Copper Tube from HXSCO
Tell HXSCO the type (K/L/M or ACR), outside diameter, wall, length, and quantity. We can also supply related copper-alloy bar and rod — see our brass bar suppliers page — and will quote material and export packing together. Request a quote with your specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
They differ by wall thickness: K is thickest (underground/mains), L is the commercial standard, and M is thin-wall residential. All are C12200 per ASTM B88.
ACR tube is copper tubing cleaned and sealed for air-conditioning and refrigeration lines, supplied dehydrated and often nitrogen-purged.
Yes. Copper is a long-standing, safe, and corrosion-resistant material for potable-water plumbing when joined with lead-free methods.
Nearly all water tube is deoxidized high-phosphorus (DHP) copper, grade C12200.
Yes. Copper tube is widely used for hydronic heating and radiator loops because it handles temperature and pressure well and resists corrosion.
Ready to source copper or copper alloys?
Tell us the grade (C11000, C12200, brass, etc.), form, size, quantity, and destination. HXSCO will reply with a competitive quote, lead time, and mill-test options.
Request a QuoteWhy Buyers Source Copper & Copper Alloys from HXSCO
HXSCO supplies copper and copper-alloy long products and fabricated parts to manufacturers, electrical contractors, and trading companies worldwide. We stock ETP (C11000), oxygen-free (C10200), and DHP (C12200) copper plus brass and bronze alloys in sheet, plate, pipe, tube, bar, rod, and wire. Material can be supplied with mill-test certificates, precision cutting, and export packing. Contact HXSCO for a project-specific quote or grade recommendation.