Type L Copper Pipe: A Guide for Ordering

Type L copper pipe is a familiar name on plumbing and mechanical material lists, but the name alone is not enough to place an accurate project order. Buyers still need to confirm the size, temper, quantity, joining method, project specification, and required fittings.

What Does Type L Mean?

Type L identifies a specific copper water-tube category. According to the Copper Development Association’s Copper Tube Handbook, Types K, L, and M are ASTM standard sizes with different wall thicknesses. For the same diameter, Type K has a thicker wall than Type L, while Type L has a thicker wall than Type M.

That comparison is useful, but it does not make one type universally better. Type L copper pipe should be selected when the project documents, applicable codes, and operating requirements call for it.

Is Type L Copper Pipe Actually Tubing?

People commonly search for Type L copper pipe, while manufacturers and suppliers often call the product Type L copper tubing. Great Western Pipe uses “copper tubing” on our line card and lists Types K, L, M, ACR, oxygen-cleaned tubing, and soft refrigeration coils.

When requesting Type L copper pipe, use the language shown on the project’s material list and include the governing specification. Clear terminology helps distinguish copper water tube from ACR tubing, refrigeration coils, and other copper products that may look similar.

Hard and Soft Type L Copper Pipe

The Copper Tube Handbook explains that “temper” describes a tube’s strength and hardness. Drawn temper is commonly called hard tube, while annealed temper is called soft tube. Hard tubing is generally supplied in straight lengths, while soft tubing can be supplied in coils and bent more readily.

Type L copper pipe may therefore require more detail than simply naming the type. If plans call for straight lengths, coils, or a particular temper, include that information in the request. Do not assume the available form will match the installation simply because it is Type L.

Confirm Type L Copper Pipe Size and Wall Thickness

Copper tube sizing can be confusing because the standard size is not the same as the actual outside diameter. The Copper Tube Handbook states that Types K, L, M, DWV, and Medical Gas tube have actual outside diameters that are one-eighth inch larger than their standard size designations.

Wall thickness also changes by tube type and size. When ordering Type L copper pipe, avoid relying on outside diameter alone. Confirm:

• Standard tube size
• Required temper or form
• Straight length or coil
• Quantity and requested length
• Joining method and fitting requirements
• Applicable specification or approved material list
• Pickup or delivery timeline

These details make it easier to compare Type L copper pipe quotes accurately and reduce the chance of receiving a product that does not match the plans.

Type L Copper Pipe Fittings and Joining Requirements

Type L copper pipe is usually one part of a larger assembly. The Copper Tube Handbook discusses soldered, brazed, press-connect, flare, compression, and other mechanical joining methods. The appropriate method depends on the tube, fittings, application, code, and project requirements.

Great Western Pipe’s line card includes brass and copper fittings, solder and flux, valves, gauges, flange products, and other piping accessories. Our vendor page identifies Elkhart Products for copper fittings and the Copper Development Association for copper tube information.

Before purchasing Type L copper pipe, review the whole connection rather than the tubing alone. Confirm that fittings and joining materials correspond with the approved design.

Ordering Type L Copper Pipe From Great Western Pipe

At Great Western Pipe, we have supplied pipes, valves, fittings, and piping accessories since 1946. We serve contractors, manufacturers, hospitals, food plants, industrial laundries, government agencies, and facility maintenance departments from our Denver location.

We list Type L copper pipe as Type L copper tubing within our broader copper selection. Because our website does not display live quantities, sizes, or forms, contact us to confirm current availability.

When requesting Type L copper pipe, bring us the specified size, temper, form, quantity, fitting needs, and schedule. Complete information gives our knowledgeable sales staff a clear starting point for carefully checking Type L copper pipe and related products for your project.