Copper Tubing: Annealed vs Drawn
Copper Tubing: Annealed vs Drawn
(OP)
Are there any code requirements by the Uniform Building Code or otherwise as to whether hard (drawn) or soft (annealed) copper is required for underground water service lines? The application is as follows. The project is located in California and is a groundwater well pumping station. There are 6 copper lines roughly 1/2" to 2" diameter serving different parts of the building footprint approximately 30' by 40' in size. The copper tubing has been specified as Type K, ASTM B88.
Thanks for those who respond
Thanks for those who respond





RE: Copper Tubing: Annealed vs Drawn
Hard drawn copper is more likely to leak because of the effect of ground settlement on the ridgid joints.
Check with your local building department.
RE: Copper Tubing: Annealed vs Drawn
-Which "standard specifications" are you referring to?
Which ASTM 521 spec are you referring to? How does either standard apply? (ASTM D521 - Standard Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Zinc Dust) and (ASTM A521/A 521M Standard Specification for Steel, Closed-Impression Die Forgings for General Industrial Use)
"Hard drawn copper is more likely to leak because of the effect of ground settlement on rigid joints."
-Makes sense
"Check with your local building department."
The building department has inspected the copper tubing (drawn copper is currently in place with soldered sleeve fittings) and has required that all fittings be removed and replaced with wrought copper fittings. Per Section 609.3.2 of the Uniform Plumbing Code "Copper tubing shall be installed without joints where possible. Where joints are permitted, they shall be brazed and fittings shall be wrought copper."
RE: Copper Tubing: Annealed vs Drawn
Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com
RE: Copper Tubing: Annealed vs Drawn
The "water service" line is actually the piping between the water meter and the municipal water main. What you are referring to is the "domestic" water service piping.
Sorry, it was a typo, try ASTM B251.
It seems that you already have the appropriate code information and someone did not install the plumbing per the plumbing code requirements.
The pressure ratings for soldered joints are a fraction of the pressure ratings for brazed joints:
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RE: Copper Tubing: Annealed vs Drawn
Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.
WWW.amlinereast.com