Copper Pipes and Tubes in Construction. What are Their Applications and Why They're Irreplaceable?

It is used to create incredibly durable and versatile tubes that reign supreme in construction. Why are copper tubes so popular? What benefits do they offer? And finally – what are they used for in the construction industry?

Why Copper Tubes Work Well in Construction?

Copper tubes have been recognized in construction for years, finding applications in water, heating, and gas installations, among others. Their popularity stems from unique advantages that set them apart from other materials. The most important is high durability. Copper is a material characterized by high mechanical strength and long service life, which makes tubes made of it unusually resistant to damage, cracking, and high temperatures. As a result, installations created using copper tubes operate flawlessly for many decades, making them an extremely cost-effective and safe investment.

It is also worth mentioning one of the most important features of copper, and thus the tubes made from it, namely resistance to corrosion. Unlike steel, which requires special coatings, the surface of this material is covered with patina, which is a natural protective barrier, protecting against moisture and water. Thanks to this, copper installations are less susceptible to both leaks and destruction.

But that's not all. Other properties of copper, and thus the tubes made from it, include:

• Versatility – copper tubes are perfect for both internal and external installations, which results from resistance to UV radiation, as well as the action of chemicals or negative weather conditions;
• Ease of use – the simplicity of copper processing, including cutting, bending and joining, makes it possible to precisely adapt the installation to the requirements of a specific building, and the installation of copper tubes is not a major problem,
• Compactness – copper tubes usually have relatively thin walls, which makes them take up little space and can be easily hidden in walls or floors;
• Ecological – copper is a fully renewable and recyclable material, therefore the use of tubes made from it fits into the currently popular philosophy of sustainable construction.
• Hygienic – copper has antibacterial properties, destroying not only bacteria, but also germs, viruses, microorganisms, pathogens, molds or fungi, which is of particular importance in the case of water and ventilation installations;

All this makes them extremely popular and are widely used in construction.

Copper Tubes – Applications in Construction

What are copper tubes used for in construction? The range of their applications is extremely wide, so it is worth mentioning the most common ones.

• Copper tubes for water. They are widely used to transport drinking water, finding application in various types of water supply installations. This is, of course, due to the antibacterial properties and corrosion resistance, thanks to which the water remains clean and safe for health.
• Copper tubes for central heating. Copper conducts heat perfectly, therefore it is perfect for central heating systems – it is used both in radiator and underfloor installations.
• Copper tubes for gas. They can effectively transport natural gas and propane-butane, which results from above-average durability, resistance to external factors and tightness.
• Copper tubes for air conditioning. Due to the fact that copper is an excellent conductor of heat, it has high resistance to chemicals and has antibacterial properties, tubes made of it are used to transport refrigerants in air conditioning systems.

There are, of course, other applications for copper tubes. They are used, for example, in solar systems, industrial heating and process installations, as well as condensate drainage systems. What's more, due to their high aesthetics, they can also be used for decorative purposes – for example, in buildings and rooms in an industrial style. All this makes copper tubes irreplaceable in the construction industry.

Copper Pipes and Tubes in the Electris Offer

Engineers value copper for its unique properties that ensure durability, reliability and safety in industrial installations. Electris, as a leading manufacturer of copper components, offers a wide range of services for the processing and customization of copper tubes to meet the specific needs of our partners and customers.

We offer comprehensive solutions, starting from cutting copper tubes to size, through precise CNC milling, grinding, to advanced galvanization processes (silvering, tinning, nickel plating), epoxy coating or application of combined coatings (selective coating allows for combining different coatings on one element). We also perform drilling and other specialized processes to deliver ready-made components, perfectly matched to the project sent to us.

Our assortment also includes copper bus bars, profiles, nuts, pins, fittings, connectors, rods and other elements that are necessary in various industries. All our products are characterized by high quality and durability, which guarantees reliable operation of devices for many years.

If you are interested in our offer, you want to ask about a quote for copper and aluminum products that are needed in your industry – please contact us at sales@electris.pl.

Copper Pipes - Other Applications

While copper pipes are widely known for their use in water, heating, gas, and air conditioning systems, their applications extend far beyond traditional construction. Thanks to their durability, corrosion resistance, and excellent conductivity, copper pipes are used in various industries that require high-performance materials.

In industrial settings, copper pipes are essential in refrigeration and cooling systems, where their ability to efficiently transfer heat ensures optimal performance. They are also used in compressed air installations, helping to maintain stable pressure and minimize leaks. In shipbuilding and offshore applications, copper pipes are favored for their resistance to saltwater corrosion. Thanks to their natural properties, copper gas pipes offer a convincing combination of safety and durability, making them the preferred choice for both domestic and commercial gas installations. 

Additionally, they play a key role in medical gas distribution in hospitals, ensuring sterile and safe transportation of oxygen and other essential gases. Even in the arts and design industry, copper pipes are used in furniture, lighting fixtures, and decorative installations, proving their versatility beyond construction and engineering.

Copper tubes – Connections

Copper piping systems allow for multiple connection methods, depending on installation needs and working conditions:

• Soldering (Capillary Fittings) – a classic method where solder is melted into the joint to create a sealed connection. It’s reliable and widely used in plumbing and HVAC installations.
• Compression Fittings – ideal for maintenance-friendly systems or when soldering is not an option. Commonly used in gas or temporary installations.
• Press-Fit Connections – modern, quick, and flame-free method for joining copper pipes using mechanical pressing tools. Provides strong, leak-tight joints with minimal installation time.
• Threaded Connections – used when pipes need to be disassembled or when connected to valves, taps, or other threaded fittings.

Proper selection and execution of the connection type ensure long-lasting, leak-proof systems and safety in operation.

Copper tubes – Sizes

Copper tubes come in various diameters and wall thicknesses to meet the needs of diverse applications. In Europe, pipes are typically classified by outer diameter (OD) in millimeters (e.g., 15 mm, 18 mm, 22 mm, 28 mm), while in North America, nominal pipe size (NPS) is more common.

Standard dimensions include:

• Small diameters: 6–18 mm – used in domestic water systems, gas installations, or cooling circuits.
• Medium diameters: 22–35 mm – ideal for central heating, air conditioning, and larger plumbing installations.
• Large diameters: 42 mm and above – often used in commercial buildings, industrial systems, and high-capacity HVAC systems.

Wall thickness is also crucial for pressure and temperature resistance, so pipes should be selected based on technical documentation and applicable regulations.

 At Electris, we manufacture copper tubes according to our customers' guidelines and technical specifications.

Copper tubes – Corrosion

One of copper's key advantages over steel and plastic is its natural resistance to corrosion. When exposed to air and moisture, copper forms a passive oxide layer (patina) that protects it from further degradation.

Key benefits of copper corrosion resistance:

• No rust formation.
• Long service life even in humid or chemically aggressive environments.
• Safe water quality – copper does not leach harmful substances, and its antimicrobial properties inhibit biofilm and pathogen growth.
• Minimal maintenance – corrosion resistance reduces the need for protective coatings or frequent replacements.

However, in rare cases, copper may be affected by localized corrosion (e.g., pitting) in aggressive water environments, which is why proper material selection, water treatment, and system design are essential.

To further protect copper, it can be subjected to a galvanisation process, e.g. nickel plating, tin plating or silver plating.