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Most of this maybe general knowledge but I will post it for those that are not yet availed.

Pipe: For general use comes in 3 types L (thickest) M (medium) and DWV (thinnest)
Copper is also denoted by color of the letters on the pipe.
DWV, yellow letters, is basicly vent pipe and as it is thinnest hence cheapest
This pipe also will transfer heat faster as the thin wall allows for closer contact and allows less resistance
Therfore it is best used cold sinks, also DWV starts at 1" in size on up
L , red letters, being the thickest would be best used in area where you want to trap heat. Towers an such.
M, blue letters, is generaly used in heating applications as it will give off its heat better
There is also K, green letters, (super thick) has a 1/8" wall for 2" pipe $$$$$ cha-ching

Fittings: DWV fittings are made for larger 1 1/4" +
There are different types of ends on fittings
C or Socket: A regular hub or socket. The pipe fits (sweats/solders) inside this
Mips: Male pipe threads on the outside of fitting
Fips: Female pipe threads on the inside of fitting
FTG: The same size as the pipe. Will fit inside a socket (hub) fitting
Nominal: Used to describe copper pipe and fittings in plumbing.
Refers to the inside diameter of the pipe which varies by thickness of the pipe.
The outside is a constant size and is always 1/8" larger than the nominal size.
Example: 1/2" nominal is always 5/8" O.D.

Tubing: Comes in 3 sizes.
O.D. - Outside Diameter
I.D. - Inside Diameter
Nominal - Inside diameter of pipe which varies by thickness
And 3 types K, L, M & ARC
ACR (air conditioning & refigeration) which is sided by O.D. 1/4"- 7/8" Some ARC tubing is "dehyrated" this is sealed ends (no moisture)
L & M are also available once again L thicker wall
L is generally used where direct burial is an issue.

Some remebering tools:
Lower letters = thicker pipe
K = Kant afford it but... Keeps great heat (green print)
L = Little lighter wallet, red Letter day
M = Medium, blew eM hardly knew em
DWV = Do What I Vant, whimy lil Yellow pipe

Sources: Grainger great website, place to check and see if what you think you need is available. Plus they got lots o cool shit. http://www.grainger.com
Plumbing supply web site sells copper by the foot , great for when you need a 1'-0" piece of 4" http://www.plumbingsupply.com

TIGMAN google this guy if he can't join it it can't be done. Those pesky keg welds. http://www.tanksbytigman.com

Hope this is helpful to somebody. Gee I guess I miss teaching.

Thanks for posting that. When you learn something about copper first thing in the morning, you know it's going to be a good day.

Thanks for the info. you mention in the pipe section that L is the thickest but further down that the lower the letter, the thinner the wall. Did you mean that L is thicker than DWV?

Can't say for sure....but with some very lite editing,,,this post is worthy of a sticky

great post, thanks. the plumbing aisle is always so overwhelming for me!

Yes DWV is thinnest I will edit for clarification

copper is also rated by color (of the letters on the pipe). Yellow is DWV (thinnest), red is type M (non-commercial use), blue is type L (commercial use) and green is type K (direct bury use).

cooper but I was talkin copper

Very true O great zone
Will edit to add that detail


The dude abides < shirt my youngest wore on his first day of college

With all the recent copper post questions I thought I would "bump" this.

I appreciate a man who will take the time to share what he knows. I see too many people who hoard knowledge that would do other people good. Thanks.

I can get you 4" type M for 42.50 a foot plus S&H....