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Engineering ToolBox > Copper Pipe - Water Velocity Limits

The water velocities in copper pipes should not exceed certain limits to avoid erosion

The water velocity in copper pipes should be kept within certain limits to avoid erosion, corrosion and excessive noise generation.

• in cold water systems the velocities should not exceed 8 feet per second (2.4 m/s)
• in hot water systems with temperatures below 140^oF (60^oC) the velocities should not exceed 5 feet per second (1.5 m/s)
• in hot water systems with temperatures above 140^oF (60^oC) the velocities should not exceed 2 feet per second (0.6 m/s)

Be aware, and take care of, that local velocities in small pipes, bends and similar obstructions can exceed the values above.