The When, Why, and How of the Use of Copper in Baths and Sinks
A Little Bit of History
Use of copper in water systems started around 3300 B.C. during the time of the Indus River Valley civilization in India. Further, proper usage was found at the Isle of Crete by using hardened pottery. Standard sanitary fittings came into existence after many years of civilization. The manufacturing of copper fittings was first started by Koehler Company by using cast-iron for bathtubs.
Why Copper?
It is a good metal which can withstand adverse weather conditions. It has a long lasting durability and undergoes limited corrosion. Copper tubes are generally used for distributing portable water.
It has a very long shelf life even if used roughly. Thus, it becomes useful for the daily routine activities. In such cases, it is very helpful when used in kitchen sinks and bathtubs.
If the water is soft, the corrosion rate goes to 125 1/4m per year. This would even make it more durable and thus, can last more than a thousand years. Thus, it becomes a good investment as far as industrial usage is concerned. Such kitchen sinks and bathtubs become highly profitable for industries like the hotel industry since frequent replacements are not required. Since the corrosion rate is very slow, it can be even used when there is more hard-water than soft-water.
Any damage, if at all, is caused, due to the copper pitting. This happens due to turbulence created by the water in an installation where the water speed is high. The initial corrosion is worn off and the second layer is formed. If the water velocity is high and it also has a constant hot and cold water running system, then the corrosion - erosion rate is high. Turbulence pressures can be reduced by socket and tube fittings. It is recommended for different temperature uses which are as follows:
10°C 50°C 70°C 90°C
For pipes that can be replaced: 4.0 3.0 2.5 2.0
For pipes that cannot be replaced: 2.0 1.5 1.3 1.0
For short connections to taps, etc§: 16.0 12.0 10.0 8.0
Water Temperature °C Maximum Water Velocity (m/s)
10 3.0
50 3.0
70 2.5
90 2.0
Thus, we can use kitchen sink and bathtubs with varying water temperatures from 10-90 °C. This gives wide flexible ranges of temperatures of water to be used according to climatic changes experienced from time to time. Thus, even in minus temperatures, the system remains intact without any damage for a long period of time.
There are different types of copper bathtubs. The tubs are of five different styles.
1. Classic Roll Rim/Roll Top/Flat Rim tubs
2. Slipper tubs - with one side head seat high
3. Double Slipper tubs - with two side head seat high
4. Double Ended tubs
5. Pedestal tubs and Walk-in tubs - especially for elders.
Another specific type is the baby bathtubs.
Looking at the kitchen sink, these are of four types:
1. Self-rimming sink - they are placed in appropriate shaped pits and are cut with jigsaw shaped material.
2. Bottom-mount or Under-mount sink - here the sink is clamped to the bottom side using clamps. The under-mount mode gives a contemporary look to the kitchen and makes it more stylish.
3. Belfast mode - this sink is made of ceramic material engraved with traditional designs.
4. The farmer's sink - it is a deep-seated sink with a finished front set onto the counter top. This makes it more reachable and handy.
Thus, using this material one can design various types of copper kitchen sink and bathtubs for a long lasting period.
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