Copper Tubes - Maximum Water Velocities
Water velocity in a copper tube should not exceed certain limits to avoid erosion.
The water velocity in a copper tube should be kept within certain limits to avoid erosion, corrosion and excessive noise generation.
- in cold water systems - the velocities should not exceed 8 feet per second (2.4 m/s)
- in hot water systems with temperatures below 140 oF (60 oC) - the velocities should not exceed 5 feet per second (1.5 m/s)
- in hot water systems with temperatures above 140 oF (60 oC) - the velocities should not exceed 2 feet per second (0.6 m/s)
Note - be aware - and take care of - that local velocities in small tubes, bends and similar obstructions may exceed the values above.
