Copper piping is one of the most widely used materials in residential and commercial plumbing systems, commonly found in potable water supply, heating, and cooling applications. Known for its durability and long service life, copper can still fail when material conditions, installation practices, or environmental factors are not properly accounted for.
In this episode of Evidence to Answers, forensic engineer Ben covers how copper piping systems are typically installed, including proper surface preparation, soldering techniques, and system support requirements. He explains the installation details that directly impact joint integrity and long-term performance, as well as the most common failure patterns seen in practice, including material discontinuities, erosion over time, improper soldering, insufficient support leading to stress, and external factors such as freezing, impact, over-pressurization, and corrosion.
This video is for those involved in losses and claims where copper piping is a factor. Documenting installation conditions, system orientation, prior repairs, environmental factors, and the overall condition of the piping before removal provides the context needed for a complete and defensible evaluation.