Water service lines are essential for providing drinking water. But your choice of tubing material will help make the supply sterile and safe. The antimicrobial and non-corrosive features of copper ensure it is excellent for water tubes. This is particularly true when you compare to plastic. If you’re interested in knowing more, feel free to continue reading. Then, you can trust us if you need tube drilling for any kind of metal tubing.

One of the largest debates in the plumbing field today is plastic vs copper tubes. When thinking of the safety credentials of every material, copper stands out. It is the perfect option for keeping water supplies sterile.

Bacteria and tubing

A leading advantage of copper water tubes is that they are naturally antimicrobial. A study performed by the National Library of Medicine established the metal’s natural ability to fight fungi, viruses, and bacteria. Controlled laboratory tests revealed that several of the most common water-borne pathogens die shortly after encountering copper.

Additionally, a dependable building material like copper can preserve its structural integrity. One of the leading ways bacteria enters water supplies is via cracks in plumbing tubes. Copper is naturally corrosion resistant and robust to stop this. If you maintain the tube effectively, it can last for seven to eight decades without cracking or peeling.

Common plastic tubing materials like CPVC, PEX, and PVC all pose their own risks. Unlike copper, the plastics lack a natural resistance to pathogens and bacteria. So, they allow harmful germs to spread.

Micro plastics

Recent research focusing on how safe plastic tubes are also tilts the balance of the argument about copper vs plastic. A report originating from CuSP member Safe Piping Matters reveals something crucial. It’s that common plastic tube materials release large levels of micro plastics into drinking water.

The report concludes that plastic water-transmission systems degrade “relatively quickly” as they get older. During this research, scans of the internal tube surface showed that flaking and peeling released compact plastic materials into water. As a result, anyone drinking the water would consume the micro plastics. It could cause damage to the human body.

Copper is no threat to water

Naturally antimicrobial and resistant to corrosion, copper has beneficial attributes. These work to keep drinking water safe. Furthermore, copper can restrict the waste issue we see in construction. This is because you can recycle it infinitely without a loss in performance or quality. You can drive longevity in the plumbing industry.

As for plastic tubes, they have several drawbacks. As we said, they can release substantial levels of micro plastics into the water. They are also generally not as good for the environment or sustainability. Copper is therefore a great option for plumbing applications as it guarantees clean water. It prioritises human safety and health.

Work with us if you need tube drilling

At Multiform Tubes Engineering Ltd, we have years of experience providing useful services for clients. The results you will get with us will be consistently high quality. Even better, they can be yours for some of the most competitive prices.

So, if we can help you with tube drilling, bending, or anything else, feel free to talk to us. We can cater for plumbing applications and much more.