Copper pipes used in a heating system

[strong_ware]

Currently all the pipes used in my steam heating system are iron cast. My contractor is moving a heating RETRUN pipe and wants to replace it with the copper pipe. Besides the cost, will there be any problems using copper pipes in a stream heating system? can vinyl pipe be used instead? what should be paid attention to when the pipe is to be moved?

Thanks for advice

Strong

[Grady]

Plastic pipe cannot be used & I don't normally suggest copper. Steel pipe is the norm for steam systems. I have seen copper used but it is far more subject to corrosion from within.

[killerk]

Be careful! If you use a high lead solder in sweating your copper, you are in big trouble. The heat in steam is way too high for that compound. Make sure that you have at least 95% tin. Also, any foam insulation on copper will melt over time. I recommend using fibreglass insulation, which is about 7 X more expensive. Lastly, listen to Grady. Steel piping is best for Steam systems. Using black pipe is the way to go.