C12200 Copper

Copper fittings are typically made from a type of copper alloy, which means they’re almost entirely copper with small amounts of other elements mixed in.

Why? Because pure copper is too soft to handle the pressure of your plumbing system.

 
What Are Copper Fittings Made Of?

Most plumbing copper fittings are made from deoxidized high phosphorus copper C12200. That’s about 99.9 percent copper with just a touch of phosphorus. This improves weldability and corrosion resistance.

Strong enough to withstand water pressure
Flexible enough to shape and join easily
Resistant to corrosion and scaling
You might also hear about:

Type L or M copper used in pipes Type L is thicker
Wrought copper used in elbows, tees, and couplings
So no, you’re not getting 24 karat jewelry level purity, but you are getting fittings built to last decades.

 
Why Not Use 100 Percent Pure Copper?
Pure copper is soft. Really soft. That makes it great for sculptures and wires but not so great for fittings under pressure.

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