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View Full Version : Bend 1/2" copper pipe 180 degrees


GD2BKG
Mar 18, 2009, 10:11 PM
Building a solar panel and need to run the pipe in parallel...

tboverton
Mar 18, 2009, 10:21 PM
Use two 90 degree fittings with a 1 inch section of 1/2" pipe sweated in is the best way I know how to do it. If you bend it any sharper than that it will kink the tubing and leak or restrict flow. Flexible 1/2" tubing is available but and it will not form a 180 degree turn of a smaller radius than what I described. If you need other than stright sections the flexible tubing uses standard copper fittings.

GD2BKG
Mar 18, 2009, 10:37 PM
Thanks for the advise... want to do it right!

Milo Dolezal
Mar 18, 2009, 11:17 PM
In addition to previous advice: if you look for tight turn, use 90 and street 90...

However, if you don't care how tight the turn is than I would suggest that you use Bending Tool and create that 180 degree turn using Soft Copper. That way you will eliminate sharp turns and at least 4 soldered joints. Also, water will flow better through that turn with less friction and less noise.

speedball1
Mar 19, 2009, 04:58 AM
All good solutions but why go to the hassle of building one out of fittings or bending soft copper when you can purchase a return bend already made, (see image)?