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How to connect copper pipe to water meter?

Published in Plumbing Connections 3 mins read

Connecting copper pipe to a water meter typically involves using fittings and connection methods suitable for both copper and the material of the water meter. The provided reference focuses on using PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing with PEX crimpers, but let's outline the general process for connecting copper to a water meter. Since the reference provided details the use of PEX, we'll consider the scenario where you want to transition from copper to PEX at the water meter.

General Steps for Connecting Copper Pipe to a Water Meter (with a PEX Transition)

Here’s a breakdown of how you might connect copper pipe to a water meter, including a common transition to PEX:

  1. Preparation and Safety:

    • Turn off the main water supply to the house.
    • Drain any remaining water from the pipes.
    • Wear safety glasses.

  2. Assess the Existing Setup:

    • Determine the size of the copper pipe and the water meter connections (typically 3/4" or 1").
    • Identify the type of fittings needed to connect the copper to the meter or to transition to PEX.

  3. Cutting the Copper Pipe:

    • Use a copper pipe cutter to make a clean, square cut on the existing copper pipe.
    • Remove any burrs from the cut end using a deburring tool or reamer.

  4. Selecting Appropriate Fittings:
    You will most likely use a threaded connection to connect the copper to the water meter. If you are transitioning to PEX, you might need the following fittings:

    • Copper to Male Threaded Adapter: Solder this adapter onto the copper pipe.
    • Male Threaded to PEX Adapter: This will screw onto the copper adapter, and then the PEX can be connected.

  5. Connecting the Copper Pipe (with PEX Transition):

    • Soldering the Copper Adapter:
      • Clean the outside of the copper pipe and the inside of the copper adapter using emery cloth or sandpaper.
      • Apply flux to both surfaces.
      • Slide the fitting onto the pipe.
      • Heat the fitting with a propane torch until the solder melts when applied.
      • Allow the joint to cool.
    • Connecting the PEX:
      • Slide the PEX ring onto the PEX tubing.
      • Insert the PEX tubing into the PEX adapter.
      • Crimp the PEX ring using PEX crimpers (as mentioned in the reference).
      • Repeat the process for the other connection.

  6. Connecting to the Water Meter:

    • Apply Teflon tape to the threads of the water meter and the adapters.
    • Carefully thread the fittings together, tightening with wrenches. Be careful not to overtighten and damage the meter.

  7. Testing for Leaks:

    • Slowly turn the main water supply back on.
    • Check all connections for leaks.
    • Tighten any connections that are leaking, but avoid overtightening.

Tools and Materials

  • Copper pipe cutter
  • Deburring tool
  • Emery cloth or sandpaper
  • Flux
  • Propane torch
  • Solder
  • Wrenches
  • Teflon tape
  • Copper to Male Threaded Adapters
  • Male Threaded to PEX Adapters
  • PEX tubing
  • PEX rings
  • PEX crimpers (as stated in the reference)
  • Safety glasses

By following these steps, you can effectively connect copper pipes to a water meter, potentially using a transition to PEX for added flexibility and ease of future modifications.

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