On Sat, 29 Jan 2005 07:10:21 GMT, "Ron"
wrote:

I need to repipe my house. I have plumbing running through slab and it
developed a leak. Rather than repair the pipe in the slab and risking
another leak, I'm going to abandon the slab plumbing and run pipe in the
walls and ceilings. I've heard some contractors tell me that I should use
type 'L' pipe while others tell me type 'M' is fine. Can anyone tell me the
advantages and disadvantages of either pipe and their experiences with
repiping a house.
any help appreciated.
Ron

I would use type-K soft copper. You can solder it with the newer type
of solder. Be aware that some of the newer types of solder have a very
small difference between the liquidus and solidus temperatures and
this makes for much more difficult soldering than the old 50/50 lead
solder now long since banned.
There are formulations that have improved characteristics. Bridgit® is
one type that has a wide plastic range and makes strong joints due to
the use of nickel in the mix.
Some have advised sanding the inside of fittings and the outside of
the pipe. This is correct. Also, be sure to ream (deburr) the inside
of the pipe as well. There are many handy deburring tools out there.
I would not use type-M. Be aware that not everyone uses the color code
correctly. Check the printed material to verify thickness.