Water – What advantages does bending copper pipes have over joining many parts without brazing

copper-tubingjointswater-heater

These questions are in context of a DIY solar water heater I am planning (another separate question). The copper pipes in question, are supposed to carry around hot water using thermo-siphon mechanism.

Are there some specific reasons why people recommend bending long copper pipes, instead of cutting them into sections and joining them using U-joints, elbow-joints etc. ?

Also, can such joints be made reliable (as in leak-proof, while withstanding water pressure) without brazing them ?

Best Answer

Fewer points of failure

Bending results in fewer high risk failure points.

A continuously bent pipe has 2 high risk failure points. Whereas a similar length of pipe made with a bunch of fittings, has 2 high risk failure points per fitting.

Quieter

Bending a radius will provide less resistance within the pipe, so water will flow smoother. In a pressurized system, this means water flow is quieter.
Thanks @kavisiegel