Update plumbing from 5/8 iron pipe to 1/2 copper?

Question

My house was built in 1947 and has 5/8 iron plumbing.A fitting sprung a leak from years of corrosion and I fixed it and the surrounding pipe with comparable components.The old pipe was clogged up with corrosion.I want to upgrade with new pipes.Should I stick with the 5/8 iron or galvanized pipe or can I go to 1/2 copper with good results?Basically what I want to know is does it matter to convert to 1/2 copper.

Answer 1

the answers here amaze me...

your old pipe appears larger and seems like 5/8th because you are measuring the "outside" diameter.

all pipes are referred to by their inner diameter and they are equivalent in size no matter what type of material is being used.

stick with copper and it should be sized by a professional if you are redoing the whole house.

if you are just replacing that section, you are choosing correctly.

remember, "measure the inside diameter".

Answer 2

Copper pipe or PEX tubing would be the way to go.... PEX tubing is faster to install than copper. But if you go with PEX make sure to check with your city cause some cities do not allow you to install PEX, like my city. But both have great results.....

Answer 3

Don't mess with pvc.  A few cautions - never prepay for work on your home, but set up a payment-for-work-completed plan.  And if you are advancing money for materials, either watch the contractor like a hawk or have it in writing that he's responsible for replacement if materials are stolen.  I had a landlord who remodeled and lost a whole set of copper plumbing that the contractors left in place but exposed overnight.  Naturally, it was gone in the morning.

Answer 4

Copper is the best, and what I have in my own home. Nearly all homes now use 3/4 inch pipe as mains, with the take offs in 1/2 inch. This works good, with little "droop" when you are taking a shower, and someone flushes somewhere else. Good luck.

Answer 5

Convert to copper, but it will be expensive. Call a qualified professional pipefitter to do the work, it is faster and easier.  The work will be done properly.  

Answer 6

Investigate the plastic waterlines. Both glued pvc and the pex brand. Both are modern alternatives to traditional copper piping. If properly installed they have a good service record and are generally acceptable with most building departments. Copper is great but sometimes difficult to retrofit to old construction as well as being expensive. In most modern homes today there is always some sort of plastic water or drain lines being used. The reason being it is made very tough now and actually outperforms other traditional materials. Copper waterlines are not permanent. They can corrode from the inside out if exposed to acidic water for prolonged periods. As you can tell I am a fan of the plastics. Having built a number of houses using both materials I would alway choose the plastic over copper. Nuf said. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

copper would be your best bet but more expensive,is pvc an alternative?