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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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 - It’s made of Type M copper, thinner than Types K and L but still strong enough to handle most residential water supply applications. This type offers superior heat transfer properties and can easily be bent into tight spaces.
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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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Copper.org
copper.org › applications › plumbing › cth › standard-tubes › cth_1stand_type.html
Copper Tube Handbook: I. Types of Copper Tube
Each type represents a series of sizes with different wall thicknesses. Type K tube has thicker walls than Type L tube, and Type L walls are thicker than Type M, for any given diameter.
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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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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 (type k hard copper pipe) and flexible (type k flexible copper pipe) forms, Type K is particularly recommended for main water lines and underground installations due to its thick wall thickness, which enables it to endure the pressure from backfilled soil in trenches.
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Whyrepipe
whyrepipe.com › blog › copper-pipe-types
Reviewing the 4 Different Copper Pipe Types
Type K copper pipes come in both ... of 0.065 inches, while a ½ inch pipe has 0.049-inch thick walls. Type L and Type M copper pipes are more popular among homeowners and small commercial buildings....
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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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Manibhadra Fittings
manibhadrafittings.com › home › copper nickel fittings › type astm b 88 3, l vs. type m copper pipes: what’s the absolute top difference?
Type ASTM B 88 3, L vs. Type M Copper Pipes: What's the absolute top Difference? - Manibhadra Fittings
December 11, 2025 - Type K Copper Tube is quite thick walled and much stronger. It can be used in high-pressure applications. It measures from ¼ inch to 12 inches in diameter with a variable wall thickness depending on the size.
Find elsewhere
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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 - It has very thin walls and is mostly phased out. It is now often replaced by plastic pipe. Color code: Yellow. Used for waste lines only. Rigid copper comes in straight lengths and needs fittings. Flexible copper comes in coils and bends around corners. Types K and L come in both forms.
Price   $$
Address   1239 State Ave., 98270, Marysville
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LinkedIn
linkedin.com › pulse › most-common-types-copper-tube-klm-eric-wang
The Most Common Types of Copper Tube: K/L/M
February 4, 2020 - The actual outside diameter (OD) of rigid copper type is always 1/8 inch larger than the nominal size, or what the pipe is called. For example, a "1/2-inch" copper pipe has an outside diameter of 5/8 inch. It is true with all three common types of new pipe, K, L, and M.
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Family Handyman
familyhandyman.com › home › skills › plumbing › pipes
Differences Between Type L and Type M Copper Pipes
September 10, 2025 - But for normal in-wall household plumbing, Type M works fine. When it comes to copper piping for water lines, acidic water with a pH of seven or less can be hard on copper pipes. If you have a well and find out from testing that the water is acidic, you may want to use the thicker-wall Type L pipe or plastic CPVC pipe and fittings.
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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 - While not quite as thick as Type K, with a wall thickness of .045 inches for a ¾-inch diameter pipe, it is still quite durable and can be used in many more ways. Type L is beefy enough to be used in underground applications but is often used ...
Address   138 Mill Masters Drive Jackson, TN 38305 United States
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P&L Plumbing
pandlplumbing.com › home › types of copper pipes used in home plumbing (l, m, k, and dwv explained)
Types of Copper Pipes Used in Home Plumbing (L, M, K, & DWV)
October 15, 2025 - This is the standard choice for interior water lines. Type M (Red): The thinnest of the three. It’s more affordable but has a shorter lifespan, especially in areas with hard water.
Price   $$
Address   2702 S. Yucca Circle, 85202, Mesa
(5.0)
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Engineering Toolbox
engineeringtoolbox.com › copper-tubes-dimensions-pressure-d_84.html
Copper Tubes Type K, L and M - Working Pressures vs. Size
March 19, 2025 - ASTM B88 - Seamless Copper Water Tubes - Dimensions · Ratings based on service temperature max. 150 oF (66 oC). ... 1 N/mm2 = 106 Pa (N/m2) = 1 MPa = 10 bar = 1.020×105 kp/m2 = 102.0 m H2O = 9.869 atm = 145.0 psi (lbf/in2)
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MeritBrass
meritbrass.com › blog › what-is-copper-tubing-used-for-
The Advantages of Copper Tubing in Your Next Project
Source: Page 67, Copper.org’s Copper Tube Handbook · Type M has a thinner wall compared to both Type K and Type L. Because of its low costs, ease of use, and malleability, Type M is often used for repairs, replacements, and extensions to interior water supply lines as well as residential ...
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Asteriacopper
asteriacopper.com › blog › l-k-m-copper-pipes-types
Differences Between Type L, K and Type M Copper Pipes
Type K copper pipe is defined as the thickest and most pressure-resistant copper pipe grade in the ASTM B88 standard, and its international market price generally ranges from USD 6 to 12 per foot depending on diameter. This pipe type is designed for demanding underground, industrial, and high-pressure applications.
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Metrocksteel
metrocksteel.com › others › difference-between-copper-tube-types-l-vs-k-vs-m
Difference Between Copper Tube Types – L vs K vs M - Metrock Steel Industries
November 7, 2025 - The types serve diverse functions: Type K is employed in heavy-duty applications, Type L in ordinary residential settings, and Type M in light-duty systems. Choosing the right copper pipe ensures better performance, longevity, and a lower cost ...
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Repipe Specialists
repipe.com › articles › type-L-vs-type-M-copper-what-should-i-use.html
Type L vs Type M Copper: What Should I Use?
October 30, 2024 - Type K Copper Pipe (Green): Known for its robustness, Type K (identified by its green markings) is typically used for high-pressure applications, such as underground service lines and fire sprinkler systems. Its thickness makes it the most durable but also the most expensive.
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Fenwickhomeservices
fenwickhomeservices.com › 4 types of copper pipes & their applications
4 Types of Copper Pipes & Their Applications | Fenwick Home Services
November 11, 2022 - Unlike Types K and L, Type M only comes in a rigid option. Type M is used for household water distribution and vacuum systems. It’s ideal for repairing, extending, and replacing interior branch water lines.
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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