Type K (Soft Coils 60' & 100')

Product Highlights

• Type K soft annealed copper tube
• Supplied in flexible 60-foot coils
• Heavy-wall copper construction
• Thickest wall among commonly used Type K, Type L, and Type M copper tube
• Excellent corrosion resistance and long service life
• Flexible coil form can reduce the number of fittings required
• Commonly used for approved water-service and underground applications
• Suitable for residential, commercial, industrial, and mechanical piping systems when properly specified
• Compatible with approved soldered, brazed, flared, press, and mechanical joining methods as applicable
• Manufactured to applicable ASTM B88 requirements

Type K is the heaviest-wall classification among commonly used Type K, Type L, and Type M copper water tube. Its thicker wall makes it a preferred choice for demanding service applications, including many water-service and underground installations where additional durability is required.

Soft Type K copper is annealed so the tubing can be bent and formed more easily than hard-drawn straight tube. The coil format allows longer continuous runs and can reduce the number of elbows, couplings, and other fittings required in many installations.

A 60-foot soft copper coil allows longer continuous piping runs while remaining manageable for transportation, storage, and installation. Continuous tubing can reduce the number of joints required compared with shorter straight lengths.

This can be especially useful for water-service lines, underground installations, concealed piping, remodel work, and other applications where minimizing intermediate fittings is desirable.

Type K soft copper tube can be joined using several approved methods depending on tube size, system pressure, service media, temperature, project specifications, fitting manufacturer requirements, and applicable codes.

• Soldered joints: commonly used for many plumbing and water-distribution systems where permitted.
• Brazed joints: may be used where greater joint strength or specific system conditions require brazing.
• Flared joints: may be used where compatible with the fitting system and application.
• Press connections: may be used with compatible press fittings specifically approved for soft copper tube.
• Mechanical connections: may be used with approved copper-compatible mechanical fittings.

• Uncoil tubing carefully to prevent kinks, flattening, and twisting.
• Use approved bending tools when tighter bends are required.
• Do not exceed the minimum bend radius recommended for the tubing size.
• Avoid repeated bending in the same location.
• Inspect tubing for dents, cracks, flattening, or handling damage before installation.
• Protect tubing from sharp edges and abrasive surfaces during routing.
• Support and secure tubing according to applicable code and system requirements.

• Confirm the required nominal copper tube size before ordering.
• Verify that Type K copper tube is appropriate for the intended application.
• Confirm applicable plumbing-code, underground-installation, and project requirements.
• Inspect the coil before installation.
• Unroll tubing gradually rather than pulling it from the center of the coil.
• Cut tubing square using an approved copper tubing cutter.
• Remove internal and external burrs before joining.
• Clean and prepare joining surfaces according to the selected joining method.
• Use fittings specifically compatible with the selected tube size and temper.
• Protect underground tubing as required by local code, soil conditions, and project specifications.
• Use approved solder, brazing alloy, flux, press tools, or mechanical joining 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.