The inquiry concerns the period during which copper piping ceased to be the prevalent material for residential plumbing systems. Examining the shift away from this material requires consideration of alternative materials and the economic and regulatory factors that influenced this transition.
Copper piping offered durability, corrosion resistance, and ease of installation for many years, contributing significantly to the longevity and reliability of potable water systems. Its widespread adoption was driven by its demonstrable advantages over earlier materials like galvanized steel. However, fluctuating copper prices, coupled with the development of more cost-effective and readily available alternatives, gradually diminished its dominance. Moreover, evolving building codes and concerns regarding potential health implications related to copper leaching contributed to the consideration of alternative piping materials.