Soft Copper in a Wall Cavity

[DTAZ]

As I understand it, code allows soft copper to be run inside a wall cavity for water lines. I am installing a long a 24' run of 3/4" hot and cold lines to a bathroom remodel. The lines need to travel from a crawl space, then inside a preexisting exterior wall and finally through a brick wall into the bathroom space. The lines need to make one 90º bend inside the preexisting wall. I would rather not notch an entire wall of studs and instead prefer to auger holes for the pipe. Rigid pipe will be difficult to maneuver (but maybe not impossible in a couple of 10' joints). While the soft copper won't be as pretty, I feel like there is less of a structural compromise since the exterior wall is 2x4 sheathed with OSB behind brick. Are there arguments against soft copper? Thanks in advance.

 

[Reach4]

How will you make that 90º bend inside the preexisting wall?

1/2 copper (which is 5/8 od) should be big enough for most.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[DTAZ]

I'll sweat the 90º. Will 1/2" supply a sink, toilet and shower along with an outside spigot? That's seems under sized to me.

 

[Reach4]

Given that you have the access, you could also use 3/4 PEX for less money. It is smaller inside than 3/4 copper and bigger than 1/2 inch copper.

You should supply the bathroom with softened water, and you should use unsoftened water for the outside spigot.

 

[DTAZ]

I already committed to copper for the rest of the system and I've heard enough horror stories about PEX that I am hesitant. Moreover, I have the tools for copper and not for PEX. The wall cavity will be closed in behind drywall.

So, I take it from your answer that there is no prohibition or rational argument against soft copper? The water will absolutely be softened and filtered. I've got a 190K BTU on demand WH going in so I need to make sure that thing is protected.

 

[Reach4]

I already committed to copper for the rest of the system and I've heard enough horror stories about PEX that I am hesitant. Moreover, I have the tools for copper and not for PEX. The wall cavity will be closed in behind drywall.

I consider cost considerations to be rational.

Don't water the lawn with softened water.

 

[DTAZ]

Haha! Yes, cost considerations are rational. However, I still want copper. Yes, no soft water on the plants.

 

[Reach4]

Copper is good. You can solder, and you can use compression fittings. You can also bend, and maybe avoid an elbow if you have the space at the corner. There are probably suggested bend radius minimums.

 

[Cacher_Chick]

I would look hard at any possibility that the piping can come up from the crawlspace closer to where the fixtures are going to be. You can pipe the bath with 1/2", but an outdoor spigot should be piped in seperately.