United Pipe & Steel
Copper Tube Type M Hard 20' Lengths
- SKU:
- CTM
- Availability:
- Usually Ships Same Day
- Weight:
- 0.00 LBS
- Note:
- Sold by the Foot (20' Increments)
- Shipping Notice:
- LTL Only
Description
Type M Hard Copper Tube – 20' Lengths
Type M Hard Copper Tube in 20-foot straight lengths provides an economical, lightweight copper piping option for approved plumbing, mechanical, and building-service applications. Type M has a thinner wall than Type K and Type L copper tube, making it a cost-effective choice where lighter-wall copper tubing is permitted by applicable codes and project specifications.
Select the required nominal tube size from the product options above. Each selected variation determines the GetPipe.com SKU, online selling price, shipping weight, cost, and other size-specific product information.
Product Highlights
- Type M hard-drawn copper tube
- Rigid 20-foot straight lengths
- Light-wall copper construction
- Economical option compared with heavier Type K and Type L copper tube
- Excellent corrosion resistance and long service life
- Commonly used in approved residential and commercial plumbing systems
- Suitable for potable-water distribution where permitted
- Useful for mechanical and other approved copper piping applications
- Compatible with approved soldered, brazed, press, and mechanical joining methods as applicable
- Available in multiple nominal copper tube sizes
Technical Specifications
| Material | Copper |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Type M Hard Copper Tube |
| Temper | Hard / Drawn |
| Length | 20 Feet |
| Tube Classification | Type M |
| Wall Construction | Light Wall |
| Applicable Standard | ASTM B88 for Type M Water Tube |
| Joining Methods | Approved Soldered, Brazed, Press, or Mechanical Joint as Applicable |
| Common Applications | Potable Water, Plumbing, Mechanical and Other Approved Building-Service Piping |
| Installation | Above-Ground Applications Where Type M Is Permitted |
| Nominal Sizes | Varies by Selected Size |
| Sold By | 20-Foot Length |
What Is Type M Copper Tube?
Type M is the lightest-wall classification among the commonly used Type K, Type L, and Type M copper water tube products. Because it uses less copper per foot, Type M can provide a more economical option for installations where its wall thickness is approved by applicable plumbing codes and project requirements.
Hard-drawn Type M tubing is supplied as rigid straight tube rather than flexible coil, making it well suited for straight building-distribution runs, mechanical rooms, fixture supply piping, service work, and other installations where rigid copper tubing is preferred.
Type M vs. Type L vs. Type K Copper Tube
Type M
- Lightest wall of the three common copper tube types
- Economical copper-tube option
- Commonly used in approved residential plumbing applications
- Best where Type M is specifically permitted by code and system requirements
Type L
- Medium-wall copper tube
- Heavier wall than Type M
- Common in residential and commercial plumbing
- Often selected when greater wall thickness is required
Type K
- Heaviest wall of the three common types
- Designed for demanding applications
- Commonly selected for water-service and underground installations
- Provides the greatest wall thickness for a given nominal size
Why Choose a 20-Foot Length?
Twenty-foot straight lengths are well suited for longer plumbing and mechanical runs where reducing the number of joints can improve installation efficiency. Fewer intermediate connections can mean less cutting, fitting preparation, and joint assembly on larger projects.
Because 20-foot material requires additional transportation and jobsite handling considerations, confirm access, storage space, and delivery requirements before ordering.
Why Choose Type M Copper?
Economical Copper Piping
- Lower copper content than Type K and Type L
- Cost-effective for approved applications
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Long service life when properly selected and installed
Efficient Long Runs
- 20-foot lengths can reduce intermediate joints
- Useful for long straight building-distribution piping
- Compatible with widely available copper fittings
- Supports multiple approved joining methods
Common Applications
Plumbing & Water Distribution
- Residential potable-water piping where permitted
- Building water-distribution systems
- Fixture supply piping
- Mechanical-room piping
- Commercial plumbing where approved
- Remodel and retrofit projects
Mechanical & Building Systems
- Approved mechanical piping
- Equipment connections
- General building-service piping
- Service and repair installations
- Institutional projects where Type M is permitted
- Other code-approved copper piping systems
Joining Type M Copper Tube
Type M hard copper tube may be joined using several approved methods depending on tube size, service media, pressure, temperature, fitting system, project specifications, and applicable codes.
- Soldered joints: commonly used for many potable-water and plumbing applications where permitted.
- Brazed joints: may be used where system conditions or project requirements call for brazing.
- Press connections: may be used with compatible copper press fittings and approved press systems.
- Mechanical connections: may be used with approved copper-compatible mechanical fittings.
Installation Guidance
- Confirm the required nominal copper tube size before ordering.
- Verify that Type M copper tube is permitted for the intended application.
- Confirm local plumbing-code and project requirements before installation.
- Plan for transportation, storage, and handling of 20-foot straight lengths.
- Inspect tubing for shipping or handling damage.
- Cut tubing square using an approved copper tubing cutter or saw.
- Remove internal and external burrs before assembling joints.
- Clean and prepare joining surfaces according to the selected joining method.
- Use compatible fittings designed for copper tube.
- Support horizontal and vertical tubing according to applicable code requirements.
- Use approved solder, brazing alloy, flux, press tools, and installation procedures as applicable.
- Pressure-test and inspect the completed piping system before placing it into service.
- Installation should be completed by qualified personnel familiar with copper piping systems.
Product Resources
Review available manufacturer and copper-tube technical information before ordering or installation.
Need Help Selecting Type M Copper Tube?
Our industrial PVF specialists can help confirm copper tube type, nominal size, wall classification, joining method, application requirements, and product availability before you order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Type M copper tube?
Type M is a light-wall copper water tube classification commonly used in approved residential and building plumbing applications.
Is Type M thinner than Type L copper?
Yes. Type M has a thinner wall than Type L copper tube of the same nominal size.
Is Type M thinner than Type K copper?
Yes. Type K has the heaviest wall, Type L has a medium wall, and Type M has the lightest wall of the three commonly used copper water tube classifications.
What does hard copper tube mean?
Hard copper tube is rigid, straight tubing supplied in fixed lengths. It differs from soft copper tube, which is annealed and generally supplied in coils.
How long is each piece?
Each piece in this product family is supplied as one 20-foot straight length.
Is this copper tube sold by the foot?
No. This product is sold as a complete 20-foot stick. The displayed price applies to the selected 20-foot length.
Can Type M copper be used for potable water?
Type M copper is commonly used for potable-water distribution where permitted by local plumbing codes, project specifications, and system requirements.
Can Type M copper be used underground?
Type M is generally associated with approved above-ground building plumbing applications. Underground installations should use the copper-tube type specifically required by applicable codes and project specifications.
What is the difference between Type M and Type L copper?
Type M has a thinner wall than Type L. Type L is typically selected where additional wall thickness or broader application suitability is required.
What is the difference between Type M and Type K copper?
Type K has a much heavier wall than Type M and is commonly selected for more demanding applications, including many water-service and underground installations.
Can Type M copper tube be soldered?
Yes, when soldering is approved for the intended application and performed using compatible fittings, materials, preparation methods, and applicable codes.
Can Type M copper tube be brazed?
Yes, when brazing is appropriate for the application and completed using approved fittings, brazing alloys, procedures, and applicable codes.
Can press fittings be used with Type M copper?
Compatible copper press fittings may be used when the press fitting manufacturer approves the tube type, size, pressure, service media, and application.
Does Type M copper meet ASTM B88?
Type M copper water tube is manufactured to applicable ASTM B88 requirements. Confirm manufacturer documentation when project-specific certification is required.
Why choose a 20-foot length?
A 20-foot straight length allows longer continuous piping runs with fewer joints, which can improve installation efficiency on larger plumbing and mechanical projects.
Important Ordering Notes
- Select the exact nominal copper tube size required for the piping system.
- This product is Type M hard-drawn copper tube.
- Each variation is supplied as one 20-foot straight length.
- The product is sold by the 20-foot stick, not by individual foot.
- The selected variation determines the SKU, price, shipping weight, and cost.
- Type M has a lighter wall than Type L and Type K copper tube.
- Confirm that Type M is permitted for the intended application before ordering.
- Plan for freight, transportation, handling, and jobsite access associated with 20-foot material.
- Confirm the required joining method and fitting compatibility before installation.
- Verify pressure, temperature, service media, local code, and project requirements.
- Installation should be completed by qualified personnel.
