Copper pipe for hartford loop?

Al Gregory

Copper is fine below the water line and it wont rot or clog up as fast

John Yurga

Copper pipe for hartford loop?

I am getting a new boiler installed. The salesman from Burnham Hydronics came over, measured the radiators and pipes, did his calculations and sold me a boiler. I tried to ask the right questions to avoid hiring a knucklehead. However, I have one that I am unsure of. I know that copper pipe should not ever be used in near-boiler piping, but the last 3 homes I have lived in had copper pipe for the hartford loop. Is copper ok there, and is that the accepted practice? I want to be sure I am getting the right piping installed.

Larry C

Here's my opinion with brief explaination, make your own decision. I prefer blk pipe all around however copper is acceptable to me on returns in residential applications providing they are wet the whole time. Heres why, copper expand and contracts at a great rate with temp, so if wet temp diff will not be too great during heating season. If not wet, above water line or carrying steam every cycle will cause much movement in copper and the joints will eventually fail. If you have a reputable contractor, trust them.