Copper Tubing: Annealed vs Drawn

[lsceeng]

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

 

[bimr]

The standard specifications call for soft temper copper for underground service and the copper should conform to ASTM B88 and ASTM 521.

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.

 

[lsceeng]

"The standard specifications call for soft temper copper for underground service and the copper should conform to ASTM B88 and ASTM 521."

-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."

 

[dicksewerrat]

Back in the old days we used flared fittings made of brass for the Type K copper pipe up to 2 inch. Or you could go to silver solder and brass.

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com

 

[bimr]

In many of the states, there are what is called "standard specifications for water and sewer main construction".

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:

http://www.copper.org/Applications/plumbing/techref/cth/cth_3design_burst.html

http://www.copper.org/Applications/plumbing/techref/cth/tables/cth_table4.html

 

[dicksewerrat]

Why don't you bring one 2 inch line into the buildng and then go to hard copper and distrubute the water overhead, like a normal building with a single line into the building?

Richard A. Cornelius, P.E.

http://WWW.amlinereast.com