Which is better copper or stainless steel pipes for water?

Copper pipes and stainless steel pipes are both common water pipe materials. So what is the difference between copper pipes and stainless steel pipes? Today, from the perspective of home use, we will answer this question from the perspective of hygienic performance, material differences, compressive strength, and economic benefits.

Hygiene perspective

Copper water pipe:

The corrosion of copper pipes easily produces verdigris, the main components of which are copper carbonate and copper hydroxide compounds. It is easy to weather. Although it has an antifungal effect, it has a poor effect on bacteria and is toxic and used as an insecticide. It has astringent, irritating and corrosive effects on the mucous membranes in the human body. After corrosion, the color of the water will turn blue-green.

Long-term drinking of water with high copper content can easily cause harm to health

Stainless steel pipe

Stainless steel water pipes are the most commonly used water pipes in modern times. They eliminate blue-green water, have no odor, no scaling, no harmful substances, and are harmless to the human body. Laboratory data from different countries show that the precipitation of stainless steel metal elements is lower than the 5% standard stipulated by WHO and European drinking water laws.

So stainless steel pipes are not only used in water pipes, but also in the food industry and even in the medical field.

Material Difference 

Copper water pipe:

Generally, it is relatively stable, but its antioxidant capacity is low and its corrosion resistance is relatively poor. Moreover, the water velocity for copper pipes should not exceed 2m/s. When the water velocity is 2m/s, the corrosion rate of copper pipes is 3 times that of stainless steel pipes. When the water velocity is high, the scouring effect on the pipe is enhanced, thereby aggravating the corrosion and aging process.

Stainless steel pipe:

Chloride ions are an important element that causes pipeline damage. The corrosion resistance of copper pipes to chloride ions is less than 1/3 of that of stainless steel pipes. There is a protective film (chromium-rich oxide protective film Cr2O3) on the surface of stainless steel pipes, which effectively reduces the oxidation rate of the pipes, and its anti-oxidation ability is stronger than that of copper pipes.,

Compressive strength 

The compressive strength is less than 40% of that of stainless steel pipes, and it is easy to leak if affected by external forces. The compressive strength of stainless steel pipes is greater than 520MPa, which is more suitable for water supply on high floors.

conomic Benefits

The high price of copper raw materials leads to the price of copper pipes being 40% higher than that of stainless steel pipes. Therefore, stainless steel is more affordable. In terms of lifespan, the lifespan of copper pipes is about 50 years, while the lifespan of stainless steel can be as long as 100 years.

Finally, stainless steel water pipes are new high-quality pipes that integrate the three advantages of safety, reliability, health, and economy. They are in line with the concept of "sustainable development" proposed by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, and are gradually becoming a popular water supply pipe for families around the world.