Best place in the US to source copper pipe and fittings
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by LeftyStiller » Tue Apr 05, 8:15 pm
Hello all. I am currently on the lookout for suppliers for my first CCVM build to upgrade my existing setup. I'm interested in finding a reliable and cost-effective source for 2" copper pipe and fittings.
Does anyone have recommendations? My local Home Depot has stopped carrying 2" copper.
Thank you,
Lefty
Be well,
Lefty
Re: Best place in the US to source copper pipe and fittings
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by Bushman » Wed Apr 06, 2:59 am
I built my first still years ago and purchased my 2" pipe from Lowe's; they too have stopped carrying it. I ended up buying it from a local hardware store that has been around since the 1930s. Surprisingly, I noticed how much prices have increased since then. Now, I am working on my fourth still, a smaller unit dedicated to gin. I thought about repurposing my VM, but I couldn’t go through with it. I did find a better deal at the scrap yard but opted for new pipe that I bought by the foot since I only needed a small section.
Re: Best place in the US to source copper pipe and fittings
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by Hillbilly Popstar » Wed Apr 06, 3:36 am
Unfortunately, none of my local scrap yards sell to the public.
I've been using this website and find it quite satisfactory: https://www.supplyhouse.com/
"Making likker with a hydrometer and thermometer is like measuring the length of a 2x4 with a clock"
Re: Best place in the US to source copper pipe and fittings
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by Corn Cracker » Wed Apr 06, 3:42 am
I do believe Ferguson's plumbing and HVAC supply has locations in many bigger cities across the country. They even sell 4x8 copper sheets.
Re: Best place in the US to source copper pipe and fittings
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by elbono » Wed Apr 06, 3:42 am
Big box stores like Lowe's or Home Depot usually have limited selections for copper pipe. For pipe, I prefer to go to a local plumbing wholesaler. In my area, Southern Pipe and Ferguson are popular options. Make sure to call them for prices, as they tend to vary depending on who hasn’t updated their rates recently. Copper prices have been consistently on the rise. Most wholesalers sell pipe in 10' segments, so be prepared with a cutter unless you have a truck with a rack. I also frequently find better deals and a wider range of fittings from Supplyhouse, especially when ordering over $100, which qualifies for free shipping.
"I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it!"
Re: Best place in the US to source copper pipe and fittings
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by bunny » Wed Apr 06, 7:42 am
From my observations, most CCVM builders are transitioning to modular setups using stainless steel components. These tend to be more affordable than copper, although their dimensions do not align perfectly with copper, requiring additional adaptations if copper is included in the vapor/liquid stream.
I have two recommended sources in the Portland area:
Stout Tanks and Kettles, conical-fermenter.com
I visited them and was able to purchase a 2x48in spool for $60, a significantly cheaper option than manufacturing one from copper.
Glacier Tanks LLC, glaciertanks.com
They are located just across the river in Vancouver, WA.
Re: Best place in the US to source copper pipe and fittings
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by LeftyStiller » Wed Apr 06, 9:43 am
Thank you to all who responded. I managed to acquire 3 sticks (totaling 10') of 2" type L at my local metal salvage for just $55, a stark contrast to the $232 I found at the plumbing supply. I love finding ways to save money! Now I need to source fittings and dediate some time for cleaning and polishing these salvaged pipes.
Be well,
Lefty
Re: Best place in the US to source copper pipe and fittings
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by elbono » Wed Apr 06, 2:29 pm
That was a fantastic deal on the 2".
As Bunny mentioned, sanitary fittings work remarkably well. I sourced most of mine on Amazon but recently found some long ferrules (2" & 4") from https://sanitaryfittings.us/. They offer a better selection than Amazon; though possibly at a higher quality, most items are still made in China, yet their prices remain reasonable.
I stumbled upon this site while searching for dimensional data on ferrules, and as you match them with the dimensions of copper pipe, you may find that some adjustments are necessary for them to fit inside your type L. A torch and hammer can also be handy for this process.
I refer to both my stills as copper, although I have integrated stainless steel triclamp joints connecting sections of my CCVM: Keg, column, take-off T, stubs for RC, elbow to condenser, condenser. I’m very satisfied with this arrangement, as it simplifies assembly, packing placement, disassembly, and clean-up, which would be much more complicated if it were single-piece construction.
I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it!
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