What is the classification of copper pipes?

Copper pipes are primarily classified as rigid due to their ability to maintain shape and structural integrity under various conditions. This rigidity is essential in plumbing and HVAC systems, where copper pipes are commonly used for water supply lines and refrigerant lines. The material's physical properties enable it to withstand high pressures and temperatures, ensuring reliability and safety in applications.

Copper pipes can also be somewhat malleable; however, they are not typically classified as flexible in the same way that plastics or rubber hoses would be. While there are forms of plumbing that utilize soft copper, such as flexible rolls for certain installations, the standard rigid copper pipes are what most people refer to in construction and plumbing contexts. This categorization emphasizes the common use and expected characteristics of copper pipes in various utility applications.