MUELLER EUROPE LTD
136 OXFORD STREET
BILSTON
WEST MIDLANDS WV14 7DS
Tel: 01902 499700
Fax:
Suppliers of: Copper Tube, Plastic Covered Copper Tube, Plastic Coated Copper Tube, Gas Pipes, Copper Pipes, Copper Piping
Mueller Europe is UK’s leader in the manufacturing and distribution of high-performance copper tubes and coils! Our Wednesbury and Yorkshire brands are perfect for a wide range of applications including plumbing, heating, and industrial needs, complemented by our premium Mueller brand for air-conditioning and refrigeration. The reputable brands are made from start to finish in Great Britain. From our European headquarters in West Midlands, we operate the continent’s most modern, sophisticated and sustainable plant in Europe. As part of the larger Mueller Industries Inc., Mueller Europe combines decades of expertise with advanced technology to produce copper tubes and coils that meet the highest industry standards.
Copper Sustainability Partnership
By focusing on sustainability, innovation, quality, and education, Mueller Europe continues to lead in the copper tube manufacturing sector, ensuring that its products not only meet but exceed customer expectations. Through its work with CUSP, Mueller Europe participates in educational and advocacy efforts aimed at highlighting the advantages of copper. This includes engaging with various industry stakeholders, from engineers and architects to consumers, to demonstrate the material’s benefits and versatility. Such initiatives help create a greater understanding and appreciation of copper. Copper is 100% recyclable.
We are also committed to sustainability, implementing environmentally friendly practices in our manufacturing processes. By reducing waste and optimizing resource use, Mueller Europe minimizes its environmental impact while delivering superior premium copper tubes and coils.
Approvals and Certifications:
We take immense pride in our commitment to quality, safety, and environmental responsibility. Our dedication is recognized through numerous prestigious national and international approvals, setting us apart as leaders in the copper tube industry. Each tube undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee performance and longevity, providing customers with peace of mind.
Wednesbury and Yorkshire Copper Tube holds many national and international approvals for copper tube, including:
- UK Kitemark approvals for plumbing tube and medical gas tubes;
- European CE mark;
- ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System and ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management system;
- plus, the approvals for China, Ireland, Malaysia and the Netherlands.
Copper tubes are manufactured to European specification EN1057 and supplied in 3 different tempers:
- Half-hard (R250) straight lengths
- Hard (R290) straight lengths
- Soft (R220) coils
Wednesbury Copper Tube
Wednesbury’s copper tubes are renowned for their outstanding performance and value, catering to a wide range of needs, whether residential, medical, or industrial. Made in Great Britain and from high-quality copper, these tubes are resilient against corrosion and wear, ensuring a long-lasting performance that stands the test of time.
These versatile tubes are ideal for transporting hot and cold water, central heating systems, and sanitary uses. Wednesbury Copper Tubes are the preferred choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts, designed to withstand the rigorous demands of residential and commercial projects alike.
The diverse product lines include the durable plumbing tubes of Table X, the sturdy industrial tubes of Table Y, and the specialized options of Table W. Each product is engineered to meet strict quality standards, ensuring suitability for specific applications.
Table X - Black Label
Available in a variety of tube sizes, ensuring suitability for diverse applications Wednesbury Copper Tube has got you covered. The available sizes include 15mm outer diameter through to 159mm and lengths in 2, 3, 6 and 5.8 metres. These sizes cater to both residential and commercial installations, providing flexibility and adaptability for any project requirements. The finishes include plain copper, Protec yellow PVC coated, Protec white PVC coated, Medical gas and Chrome plated finish.
Table Y – White Label
Available in a range of diameters from 15mm to 108mm and each tube comes in a convenient length of 5.8 metres, providing ample coverage for various installation requirements. It offers several finishes to meet different applications including plain Copper, Protec White PVC coated and Medical gas copper tubes. The PVC coated copper tube finish offers added protection and durability, with the white PVC coating blending seamlessly with modern interiors. The medical gas copper tubes are specifically designed for medical and healthcare facilities, this variant ensures the safe and efficient transport of medical gases. It adheres to strict hygiene and safety standards, making it suitable for critical applications. Soft temper coils are also available from 15mm to 28mm
Table W – Blue Label
These Microbore copper coils are available in a variety of sizes to suit your specific requirements, ranging from 6mm to 10mm. Engineered to stand the test of time these coils offer multiple coating options to match any design preference or requirement. The coils are available in plain copper, Protec white PVC coated, Protec yellow PVC coated and Protec 2000.
Yorkshire Copper Tube
Yorkshire Copper Tube offers an extensive range of copper tube and coils, designed to meet the diverse needs of the industries it works in. They are available in various sizes to accommodate different installation requirements. The brand’s longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt to changing market demands while maintaining its core values of quality and service.
The Yorkex range of Yorkshire Copper Tubes offers versatile and high-quality copper tubing solutions suitable for a variety of applications. Made in Great Britain, Yorkshire Copper Tube is known for its durability, reliability, and ease of installation, these tubes are a popular choice for both domestic and industrial use. Available in different sizes, from 15mm to 159mm and finishes including, plain copper, Kuterlex yellow, white and green, Chrome and medical gas, the Yorkex range meets diverse needs while maintaining exceptional performance standards.Yorkex Yellow Copper Tubes are specially designed for gas applications, easily identifiable by their distinctive yellow finish. This colouring ensures safety and compliance with industry standards, making them an excellent choice for installations where gas is involved.
With a wall thickness significantly greater than that of Yorkex, Kuterlon offers the option of a higher- pressure rating. Kuterlon is supplied both in straight length and coil form and, when supplied with a Kuterlex coating, it is the ideal product for underground applications. Available from 15mm to 108mm and in plain copper and medical gas copper tube and 15mm to 28mm in coils, Yorkshire has you covered. The Kuterlon coils are available in a yellow and white PVC coated finish. The extra wall thickness also allows Kuterlon to be used on certain pressurised steam installations with a maximum working temperature of 205°C.
The Minibore Coils Range is available in multiple sizes to accommodate various installation requirements designed to meet the specific needs of modern plumbing and heating systems. Available in sizes and lengths from, 6mm to 10mm diameter and a variety of finishes including Kuterlex white and yellow PVC coated and plain copper.
Further Yorkshire product information
Medical Gas - CLEANED TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF BS EN 13348 AND HTM 02-01
Yorkshire Medical Gas Tubes are specially cleaned and packed to ensure they are suitable for medical gases and/or vacuum lines. In oxygen lines, spontaneous combustion can take place with any greases or hydrocarbon in the tube, and the cleaning process eliminates this risk. Additionally, the cleaning takes away malodours from any residual lubricants that may taint breathable gases.
Kuterlex - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex is copper tube coated with a seamless plastic cover which protects the copper tube against aggressive materials. The Kuterlex cover eliminates time-consuming wrapping operations. It is also colour coded to identify the services carried in accordance with UK local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Kuterlex Plus - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex is copper tube coated with a seamless plastics cover, comprising a ribbed inner profile, which protects the copper tube against aggressive materials. The Kuterlex cover eliminates time-consuming wrapping operations. It is also colour coded to identify the services carried in accordance with UK local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Kuterlex Gas - PLASTIC COATED COPPER TUBE TO BS EN 13349 / BS EN 1057
Kuterlex Gas products are copper coils and straight lengths coated with a protective yellow seamless plastic cover which safeguards against external corrosion and provides service identification. The Kuterlex plastic cover eliminates laborious wrapping operations and is colour coded to identify the services carried as gasses in accordance with local authority specifications and BS 1710: 2014, “Specification for identification of pipelines and services”.
Further Technical information is available to download from the BPi Download Library or from the manufacturer’s own website.
Sustainable Renovation: A Guide to Giving Your Home an Eco Friendly Update
Renovating your home provides a unique opportunity to adopt eco friendly strategies, reduce your environmental footprint and embrace sustainable living. As more homeowners in the UK seek environmentally responsible ways to refurbish their spaces, understanding the principles behind sustainable home renovation is key.
What Makes a Home Truly Eco Friendly?
An eco friendly home goes beyond energy-efficient appliances and solar panels. It means choosing materials and systems that conserve resources, minimise waste and pollution, and maintain healthy indoor air quality. Sustainable renovation incorporates these principles from the outset, focusing on long-term benefits both for residents and the planet.
One of the clearest ways to achieve this is through responsible materials selection. Sustainable materials are durable, often recyclable, and sourced with minimal negative impact. For example, copper pipes are recognised for their longevity, recyclability and resistance to bacterial growth, making them a smart alternative to plastic pipes. Unlike plastic, which degrades and can release microplastics into drinking water, copper offers both environmental and health advantages. To see how copper is shaping greener construction, visit our guide to copper uses in construction.
Steps to a Sustainable Home Renovation
Planning a renovation with sustainability in mind means considering every aspect of your project, from insulation to water-saving fixtures. Using recycled, certified or locally sourced materials can drastically lower your renovation’s carbon footprint. Waste reduction is also vital; by salvaging materials or recycling old fixtures, you keep more resources in circulation.
Another central principle is energy efficiency. Improving insulation, fitting double-glazed windows and replacing older appliances with their low-energy counterparts leads to lower energy bills and less reliance on non-renewable resources. The kitchen is particularly important; it is one of the largest consumers of energy in the home, and thoughtful, sustainable kitchen renovation can have lasting financial and environmental benefits.
Explore our sustainable construction tips page for solutions that integrate well into kitchens and throughout your property.
Copper Pipes vs Plastic: The Sustainable Choice
Switching from plastic to copper pipes further enhances the eco credentials of your renovation. Copper can be recycled countless times without degrading, allowing old piping to be reprocessed for fresh applications. Plastic pipes, by contrast, are difficult to recycle and often end up as waste or pollution. For those seeking greater durability and safety, copper’s antimicrobial qualities are a significant bonus.
For a full picture of how copper recycling supports sustainable homes and the circular economy, check out our in-depth copper recycling resource and information about circular economy principles.
Designing for Circularity in Home Renovation
When updating your home, consider materials and systems that support circular economy values. Opt for products designed to be reused or recycled, and work with suppliers dedicated to environmental responsibility. This ensures your renovation creates as little waste as possible and contributes to the ongoing health of the built environment.
Making these choices, whether for a major overhaul or a sustainable kitchen renovation, puts you at the forefront of modern, eco friendly living. By embracing copper, efficient design and circularity, your home will benefit from reduced costs, healthier living spaces and a positive environmental footprint for years to come.
How Copper Pipes Affect Water Quality
The quality of water in our homes is shaped by many factors, but the choice of plumbing material is one of the most significant. As interest in water quality and water quality testing continues to grow, homeowners are increasingly questioning whether copper water pipes or plastic alternatives are the better option. While both materials are widely used, copper pipes consistently stand out for their positive impact on water quality and long-term health benefits.
The Science Behind Water Quality and Pipe Materials
Water quality is not just about taste or clarity. It involves the presence or absence of contaminants, bacteria, and chemicals that can affect health. The material used for water pipes plays a crucial role in maintaining or compromising this quality. Copper pipes are naturally resistant to corrosion and do not leach harmful substances into the water supply. Plastic pipes, in contrast, can degrade over time, releasing microplastics and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the water, which pose potential health risks.
Recent studies have shown that plastic pipes can release more than 150 different VOCs, some of which produce unpleasant odours and fumes. As these pipes age, they may flake and release microplastics into the water, increasing the risk of contamination. For those interested in the impact of microplastics on water quality, check out our page for further insight into this growing concern with microplastics in water.
Copper Pipes, Naturally Antimicrobial and Corrosion Resistant
One of the unique benefits of copper water pipes is their natural antimicrobial property. Copper surfaces inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, including dangerous pathogens like Legionella and E. coli. This makes copper an excellent choice for households prioritising clean, safe drinking water. In comparison, plastic pipes lack this natural defence, potentially allowing bacteria to thrive inside the plumbing system. For a deeper look at copper’s antimicrobial properties, you can read more on our antimicrobial copper page.
Copper’s resistance to corrosion also sets it apart. The metal forms a protective film on its surface, preventing the kind of leaks and cracks that can allow contaminants into the water supply. This durability means copper pipes are less likely to fail or require frequent repairs, reducing the risk of water supply disruptions and contamination events.
Comparing Copper and Plastic Pipes for Water Quality
The debate between copper and plastic pipes is ongoing, but recent research increasingly favours copper for those concerned about water quality. Copper pipes do not release synthetic compounds or microplastics into drinking water, while plastic pipes are known to degrade and release such materials over time. This difference is particularly important for families with young children or anyone sensitive to waterborne contaminants.
Plastic pipes come at the expense of long-term reliability and water purity. They are also more susceptible to damage from environmental factors, which can accelerate the release of contaminants. Copper, on the other hand, is a natural material that does not emit harmful chemicals, even when exposed to heat or ultraviolet light.
The Added Benefits of Copper in Water Systems
Copper’s advantages extend beyond just pipes. The popularity of copper water bottles, for example, is rooted in the same antimicrobial properties that make copper pipes so effective. Many people believe that storing water in copper vessels can further enhance its quality, as trace amounts of copper can have positive health effects. While the health claims around copper water bottle benefits are still being researched, the antimicrobial action of copper is well-established and widely recognised.
Copper’s Environmental Edge
Copper pipes are not only beneficial for water quality but also for the environment. Unlike plastic, copper is infinitely recyclable without any loss of performance or quality. This makes copper a sustainable choice, reducing the environmental impact of plumbing systems over their lifespan. If you are interested in a more detailed comparison, take a look at our in-depth analysis of copper vs plastic pipes.
At the end of its service life, copper retains significant residual value, allowing owners to recoup a substantial portion of their initial investment when the material is recycled. In contrast, plastic pipes typically incur additional disposal costs, as they have little to no resale value and may require special handling to avoid environmental harm.
Why Copper Remains the Preferred Choice
For anyone prioritising water quality in their home, copper water pipes offer a host of advantages. They are naturally antimicrobial, corrosion-resistant, and free from the risks of microplastic or chemical leaching.
As awareness grows about the impact of plumbing materials on water quality, copper’s reputation as the safe, sustainable, and effective choice continues to strengthen. Whether you are planning a new installation or considering a replacement, investing in copper pipes is a step towards cleaner, healthier water for your household.
