Reusing heating copper pipes for potable water supply

HomeownerDustin

I just removed one of my hydronic systems with about 50' of copper pipes that are about 40 years old but appear to be in good shape on the outside and from what I've assessed during cuttings.

Can I reuse old copper pipes that were used for heating in my potable water lines? If so, how do I clean out the sludge? Would this risk introducing lead into my drinking water from possible residual leaded solder?

I'm in the process of correctly upsizing my hot water and cold water trunks from 1/2" to 3/4". I was going to convert lots to Pex A, but thought I might able to just reuse the copper. If not, then I'm going to cut off the fittings and sell all for scrap as appropriate.

Larry Weingarten

Hi, I seem to remember prohibitions against doing what you're talking about, but am not sure where to point. I would NEVER do what you're suggesting to a client. There is just too much room for things to go wrong. On repiping, do have a look here: https://www.iapmo.org/water-demand-calculator/

Yours, Larry

Steamhead

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1811123#Comment_1811123

This! Either scrap it or use it in another non-potable application.

HomeownerDustin

Thank you! This is what I thought. I'll just scrap the old copper to fund the new Pex A expander.