There is a lot of attention on the water infrastructure in the UK. Crucially, Ofwat (the Water Services Regulation Authority), will be investing £104bn from now to 2030. The aim is to modernise the sector, tackle leakage and flooding, and enhance public health. The right products will be crucial to achieving these goals. We want to have a closer look here, then if you need services like tube expansion, you can come to us.

A superior material

One of the major recommendations is to use copper tubing, especially in place of plastic or stainless steel. There are many benefits, including health and sustainability. It has the potential to provide better long term performance for water companies, industries, and consumers.

Plastic tube has been popular for water infrastructure for a long time because it is low cost. However, it deteriorates over time and leads to leaks. Plus, there is a risk of microplastics contaminating the water. It can lead to serious health and environmental problems. The repair cost is high too.

Stainless steel is also a popular choice for water infrastructure. Again though, there are downsides. While it can last a long time thanks to the corrosion resistance, eventually it will corrode. That results in leaks and failures. There is also a concern about the health side, including lead potentially getting into water supplies.

The advantages of copper

Using copper tubing can future-proof the water infrastructure. Services like tube expansion mean it is easier to adapt the tubes for different needs. Plus, copper can have a much longer lifespan than both plastic and stainless steel; some estimate it to be 20 years longer.

The key thing with copper is it is corrosion resistant and durable. It will resist degradation for a very long time. That is ideal for ensuring stable, reliable water infrastructure. It could help to reduce leakage, an issue that costs almost £1bn per year.

It is also important to focus on the health benefits of copper for water tube. First, it is antimicrobial and quickly kills bacteria and viruses. Second, it doesn’t contaminate the water with microplastics, lead, or other harmful elements. Ultimately, it is a better choice for public health.

Copper is also a great choice in terms of sustainability. It is recyclable without any loss of key properties like strength and corrosion resistance. Plus, it doesn’t consume as many fossil fuels as plastic and steel, reducing the carbon footprint. The former is most notable here because you need oil to make plastic. As we look to protect the environment and be more sustainable, copper is a great choice.

Talk to us if you need tube expansion and other services

Multiform Tubes Engineering Ltd gives clients the benefit of our knowledge and expertise. You can come to us for services to adapt tubing in various ways, including changing the ends, bending, and drilling. We are precise with every material, whether it is copper, steel, or even titanium.

So, if you want to arrange tube expansion or anything else, feel free to speak to us. We’re efficient and can offer support for any applications, including infrastructure.