How Much is Copper Pipe & Plumbing Worth?
Copper pipe is one of the most common things UK homeowners take to the scrap yard, particularly after a replumbing job.
Estimated Payout
£40–£50
per item (guide only)
Primary Metal
copperCheck current rates
Use Price Calculator →What to Expect
Expect £4.00–£4.70/kg for clean pipe with minimal fittings, dropping to £3.80–£4.20/kg if there are many fittings and solder joints. Clean and bundle your pipe before going.
Preparation Tips
Cut off any brass fittings where easy. Remove steel compression fittings. Keep dry — wet pipe is weighed including the water.
Copper pipe is one of the most valuable items you can take to a UK scrap yard. Standard 15mm and 22mm plumbing pipe is usually graded as Copper #1 (also known as Millberry), which currently pays £4.40–£4.70/kg. Pipe with solder joints, corrosion, or paint will be graded down to Copper #2 at £4.00–£4.30/kg.
How to Prepare Copper Pipe for Scrap
Remove fittings: Brass compression fittings, push-fit connectors, and soldered joints reduce your grade. Remove what you can with pipe cutters or a hacksaw.
Cut to length: Pipes longer than 1.5m can be awkward at the yard. Cut them into manageable lengths — most yards prefer 1m sections.
Keep grades separate: Clean unsoldered pipe, soldered pipe, and tank pipe each attract different rates. Presenting them separately gives you better control over the price.
What It's Worth
| Grade | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Copper #1 (clean, unsoldered) | £4.40–£4.70/kg |
| Copper #2 (soldered joints, minor corrosion) | £4.00–£4.30/kg |
| Copper tanks/cylinders | £3.80–£4.20/kg |
What to Bring to the Yard
Bring photo ID (driving licence or passport). Payment will be by bank transfer — cash payments are illegal under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013.
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