Pipes

Pipe for water distribution, drainage and heating — copper Type K, L and M; PEX-B in coil and straight lengths, including oxygen barrier and traceable-wire tubing; PVC in HR, LR, SDR and DWV; and cell-core ABS. MEKCO Supply stocks pipe from Westlake, BOW Plumbing Group, Uponor, JMF and CB Supply.

Copper types K, L and M

The three copper types differ only in wall thickness. Type M is thinnest and is common in residential water distribution; Type L is heavier and is used for underground and commercial work; Type K is heaviest and is typical for buried water service. Nominal size is not outside diameter — 1/2" copper measures 5/8" OD — so measure the OD when matching existing pipe.

PEX and oxygen barrier

PEX-B for potable water is certified to CSA B137.5, which includes chlorine resistance. For closed-loop hydronic heating, use oxygen barrier PEX: it limits oxygen diffusion through the tubing wall that would otherwise corrode cast iron and steel components in the loop. Non-barrier PEX in a boiler loop is a slow, expensive mistake.

Plastic drainage pipe

ABS DWV is manufactured to CAN/CSA-B181.1, with cell-core to ASTM F628. PVC is stocked in the HR, LR and SDR series. Cut square, deburr, and use the primer and cement matched to the material.