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