Copper water tanks - any good

[JacquiSydney]

Hi, New here but would like to ask advice on replacing bladder type water tanks with copper tanks. We (actually my husband) would make these himself but we are unsure what the pros and cons would be. We could make them out of other materials ie fibreglass, stainless steel ourselves. We thought that copper may be 'cleaner/purer' option but don't really know. Any opinions on which would best option. thanks Jacqui

[Daniel du Toit]

Hi there guys...
As a plumber in the boat industry, I have come across a few cases where owners have used copper tubing with solder fittings. It works untill the solder fittings and pipe are so curroded that the whole system must be replaced. Remember that salt water conditions are no friend of copper nor solder. Go for grp with a good epoxy paint inside ( the epoxy taste will stay in the water for quite a long time) or the best but expencive option, stainless steel. Also have a look at the VETUS range of tanks, it comes in various sizes plus fittings, www.vetus.com
Good luck.

[Wotname]

I had a copper water tank in 50 year old Giles Wanderer. We used it for about 10 years and it seemed OK.

[JacquiSydney]

Thanks for responding. Will think some more.

[offrd2001]

while we are on this subject, the boat I am looking at has steel water tanks. This just seems like it would be a chore to recoat constantly. Opting for some custom made plastic tanks...any advice?

[James S]

I think plastic is the way to go but are you going to be able to install them in a way that allows you to maintain the inner hull sides under them..I don’t think you want to bury much on a steel boat?

[LtBrett]

I would think that the anti-microbial properties of copper would make it a great candidate for a water tank. I don't understand how silver solder would corrode either. I wouldn't want it plumbed with copper, as vibrations will crack pipe joints over time. But it sounds like a copper tank would be superior to stainless or plastic, unless you put it in a wet bilge. In that case electrolysis is your enemy; go plastic.

Brett

[Cheechako]

Cuprous Oxide is pretty deadly... (bottom paint!) if the water sits long in copper it forms in the water. In house plumbing the water doesnt sit long. (although where i used to work, if we were closed for a few days for holiday, when you went to make coffee the morning of return, the water was green until you ran it a couple of mminutes!) The building was only a few years old. I have heard the rumor that Copper may be banned from new home use... not sure.