Same o.d., same fittings, you won't notice a difference in flow from the change in i.d. Answer from Shmeepsheep on reddit.com
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/plumbing › type l vs m copper pipe?
r/Plumbing on Reddit: Type L vs M copper pipe?
September 22, 2021 -

Im swapping out original copper water lines with new copper while I already have a few walls opens. I haven’t cut into the old lines yet to determine whether it’s type M or L and there isn’t printing on the pipes indicating it, but the question is this. If I upgrade what I currently have access to, to type L for longevity purposes, am I going to have issues with flow restriction? Any issues with mixing in type L if the original is type M?

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Westlake Ace Hardware
westlakehardware.com › home › what do the letters ‘k,’ ‘l’ and ‘m’ on copper tubing mean?
What do the letters 'K,' 'L' and 'M' on copper tubing mean? - Westlake Ace Hardware
October 13, 2020 - Type K is the heaviest. Type L is medium weight and used most often for water lines in homes. Type M is thinner and is used underground or for light
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Family Handyman
familyhandyman.com › home › skills › plumbing › pipes
Differences Between Type L and Type M Copper Pipes
September 10, 2025 - “We’re seeing that many properties ... M type copper pipes are used for drinking water systems, Type L copper pipes are used more often because of their durability....
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Munotmetalloys
munotmetalloys.com › home › difference between copper tube types – l vs k vs m
Difference Between Copper Tube Types - L vs K vs M
June 23, 2025 - The L type is your best option if your project requires a high flow rate or bending and forming. Remember to consult a professional plumber or HVAC technician to ensure you choose the correct type of copper tube for your project.
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The Spruce
thespruce.com › types-of-copper-piping-844852
4 Different Types of Copper Pipe and How to Choose One
November 10, 2025 - Copper pipes serve as the backbone for home plumbing systems, providing corrosion resistance, reliable connections, and lasting up to 70 years. Among the four prevalent types—Type K, Type L, Type M, and DWV—each has specific characteristics that make them suitable for different applications.
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Copper.org
copper.org › applications › plumbing › cth › standard-tubes › cth_1stand_type.html
Copper Tube Handbook: I. Types of Copper Tube
Types K, L, M, DWV and Medical Gas tube are designated by ASTM standard sizes, with the actual outside diameter always 1/8-inch larger than the standard size designation. Each type represents a series of sizes with different wall thicknesses. Type K tube has thicker walls than Type L tube, and ...
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Apollo Plumbing
apolloplumbing.net › home › apollo services › plumbing repairs everett, wa › copper pipe repair › type l vs type m copper: key differences
Type L vs Type M Copper: Key Differences | Apollo Plumbing
June 16, 2025 - Type L has a medium wall thickness. It is strong enough for most indoor plumbing and heating systems. It also works for some outdoor use. Available in rigid and flexible copper tubing.
Price   $$
Address   1239 State Ave., 98270, Marysville
Find elsewhere
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Jtcopper
jtcopper.com › home › resource › blog
Different Types of Copper Pipe: Exploring Type M and Type L Copper Pipes by Jintian Copper - Ningbo Jintian Copper (Group) Co., Ltd.
July 16, 2023 - Type L copper pipes, also called medium-weight copper pipes, are more robust and have a higher pressure rating than Type M copper pipes. They are commonly used in both residential and commercial plumbing systems, particularly when higher pressures ...
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Plbg.com
plbg.com › forum › read.php
Type L and type M copper pipes
Ask your do it yourself plumbing questions and get free answers as well as DIY information about faucets, toilets, pumps and water filters from plumbers at Plbg.com
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Whyrepipe
whyrepipe.com › blog › copper-pipe-types
Reviewing the 4 Different Copper Pipe Types
Hard Type L pipes are commonly used indoors to supply potable water, carry hot water, and supply water to sprinkler systems. On the other hand, soft Type L copper tubing is used for underground and outdoor use since they’re easier to work with and don’t need fittings (which increase the chance of a leak).
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Jtcopper
jtcopper.com › home › resource › blog
Type K vs Type L vs Type M Copper Pipe: How to Choose
March 12, 2025 - Available in both hard and flexible forms, Type L is the most widely used type of copper piping due to its versatility, making it suitable for a broader range of applications compared to Type K.
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Bob Vila
bobvila.com › interior › plumbing › the differences between copper pipe types, explained
4 Copper Pipe Types: What is the Difference? - Bob Vila
July 28, 2020 - Type L is beefy enough to be used in underground applications but is often used to replace or repair water lines. If a home is known to have water issues like hard water, Type L copper is often the go-to choice because hard water will not wear ...
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The Garage Journal
garagejournal.com › forums › the garage › general garage discussion
Copper shop air lines. Type L or M | The Garage Journal
December 18, 2016 - Like The Cobbler I used type L and used silver solder. Silver solder has a broader operating temperature range (cold in particular), as well as higher psi rating. Much of my copper pipe is in non heated areas of my shop such as the attic, or even exposed outside.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/plumbing › type m, l or k?
r/Plumbing on Reddit: type M, L or K?
April 1, 2017 -

If I'm trying to do the best job possible, which type of copper pipe do you all use regularly? is type M too thin for most applications? is type K prohibitively expensive, hard to work with or just unnecessary for general applications? is type L the Goldilocks of copper pipe or do I have it all wrong? I'm gonna do a short 3/4" run under a house and then some 1/2" for toilet and shower supply lines. What should I use? not concerned with price as much as I am with doing a good job. Thanks all for your time and input, this sub has been a wealth of knowledge

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Heating Help
forum.heatinghelp.com › the main wall
type L or type K copper pipe for water heating? — Heating Help: The Wall
February 8, 2012 - not type M Type M is the thinest pipe. I read from other place: As a general rule, use Type K whenever possible, Type L only when necessary, and Type M rarely. ... M I think the info you found is for underground water service. "K" is a thick walled soft copper that comes in a roll.
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Woolf Plumbing
woolfplumbing.com.au › blog › the differences between copper pipes type l and type m
The Differences Between Copper Pipes — Type L And Type M ‐ Woolf Plumbing
March 8, 2025 - Type L pipes are durable and can last around 80-100 years. On the other hand, plumbers believe that Type M pipes would need to be replaced in 20-30 years. When using copper wire for residential water supply, you can opt for Type M or Type L, ...
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Airmccoy
airmccoy.com › blog › 2020 › 9 › 1 › the-differences-between-copper-pipe-types-explained
The Differences Between Copper Pipe Types, Explained — McCoy's Heating & Air
August 27, 2025 - Type L is beefy enough to be used in underground applications but is often used to replace or repair water lines. If a home is known to have water issues like hard water, Type L copper is often the go-to choice because hard water will not wear ...
Address   138 Mill Masters Drive Jackson, TN 38305 United States
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Fiponline
fiponline.com › articles › what is the difference between l & m copper pipe?
Difference Between L & M Copper Pipe | FIP
April 5, 2021 - Type L copper pipe is thicker than M, making it better suited for high-pressure piping systems. Click here to learn more from Florida Industrial Products.
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DoItYourself.com
doityourself.com › doityourself.com community forums › heating, cooling, air conditioning, ventilation and t-stat controls › boilers - home heating steam and hot water systems › type l or m copper pipe?
Type L or M copper pipe? - DoItYourself.com Community Forums
January 11, 2011 - For condensate return lines, Type L is successfully used. ... Copper.org: Copper Tube Handbook: II. Recommendations for Various Applications Mike NJ ... Of course this is only copper. That was your question. You can also use pex(plastic pipe) PEX Tubing , ThermaPEX PEX Tubing , Radiant Heat PEX Tubing , Wirsbo PEX Tubing , Radiant Heat - PexSupply.com Which tubing is best to use for hydronic heating applications such as baseboard?