How to Sell Copper Pipe and Fittings for Maximum Scrap Value
"I have a bunch of copper pipe with brass fittings still on it. Should I separate the fittings or sell it all together?"
Separate the brass fittings from the copper pipe. Brass pays $1.80–$2.50/lb vs copper at $3.50–$4.00/lb. If you sell them mixed, the yard prices everything as the lower-value material. 20 minutes of separation can add $50–$100 to your payout.
Copper pipe and brass fittings are one of the most common scrap combinations — and one of the most frequently undersold. The key is separation. Here's how to do it right.
Separate Copper from Brass
Use a pipe cutter or hacksaw to cut the copper pipe close to each brass fitting. The brass fitting goes in one bucket, the copper pipe in another. Brass pays $1.80–$2.50/lb. Copper pipe (Copper #1) pays $3.50–$3.90/lb. On a 50-lb load that's 40 lbs copper and 10 lbs brass, separation adds $15–$25.
Copper Pipe Grades
Clean copper pipe with no fittings, no solder, and no paint is Copper #1 at $3.50–$3.90/lb. Copper pipe with solder joints is Copper #2 at $2.80–$3.40/lb. If you can remove the solder joints, you upgrade to #1. Copper pipe with fittings still attached gets priced as Dirty Brass at $1.00–$1.60/lb — the worst outcome.
Solder Removal
Solder joints on copper pipe drop the grade to Copper #2. For small amounts of solder, you can sometimes sand or grind it off to restore Bare Bright or #1 grade. For heavily soldered joints, it's usually not worth the effort — sell as #2.
Commercial Copper Pipe Buyback
For large quantities (plumbing contractor teardowns, building renovations), ScrapMetalBuyers.com offers commercial pickup and above-yard pricing. We handle all sorting on-site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I remove brass fittings from copper pipe?
Yes. Brass pays $1.50–$2.00/lb less than copper. Separation takes 20 minutes and adds $50–$100 to a typical load.
What grade is copper pipe?
Clean copper pipe with no fittings is Copper #1 at $3.50–$3.90/lb. Pipe with solder is Copper #2 at $2.80–$3.40/lb.
What is copper pipe worth per pound?
Copper #1 pipe is $3.50–$3.90/lb. Copper #2 (with solder) is $2.80–$3.40/lb.
Do you buy copper pipe?
Yes. We buy all grades of copper pipe. Call (754) 310-2984 for commercial quantities.