Life expectancy of copper and black iron pipe

[luc]

Hello everyone,

We are doing some renovation on our hydonic heating system which is over 50 years old. The black iron pipe is in good condition. Just want to know if it is better to use copper pipe or black iron for our renovation. Which will have a longer life expectancy?

Thanks,
Luc

[ballvalve]

Your black iron pipe is DUCTILE IRON pipe. Very good material. Gas line is junk. Do not make that mix up.

http://www.dipra.org/

http://www.vikinggroupinc.com/en/products/489/600

[luc]

Thanks ballvalve for replying.

So it would be better to continue with the ductile iron pipe for our renovations rather then copper!!

Luc

[jadnashua]

If you maintain the heating system so there are no leaks and you don't have to add water regularly, the iron pipe can last a very long time. It has problems when you introduce air into the system (by adding water - there is some gas disolved in the water). Copper works, too, but is more expensive, but easier to cut and work with. The iron pipe reacts with the O2 in side along with the moisture to rust out from inside. No O2, no rust.

[luc]

Thanks jadnashua and ballvalve for the replies. It answers my questions.