Copper is the traditional way to do domestic plumbing, with piping available from 1/4" to 1-1/2" and sometimes larger for special applications. The pipe is available in both flexible coil and rigid stick lengths. The copper fittings are soldered in place with lead-free solder.  The two most common type of copper available is type L which is a thick walled pipe and type M which is called thin wall. It is recommended that if the piping is going to be subject to a lot of water velocity such as at the main water supply into the home, that the thick wall pipe be used. Home owners need to exercise caution when soldering joints because of the possibility of fire that the torch poses.

Copper is also one of the more expensive plumbing products available, and it's pricing is subject to market forces since it is a commodity. This also makes it a common victim of jobsite theft.