Copper stays in the pipe game: red metal holds on to its pipe market share.

* Although demand for both copper and plastic piping was down in 2004 compared to 1999, a forecast from The Freedonia Group Inc., Cleveland, sees both markets rebounding as the decade continues.

The research company's study shows that copper pipe demand in the United States stayed relatively flat in 2004 compared to 1999 (dropping less than 1 percent), while the demand for plastic piping fell by some 500 million feet in length, or about 9 percent. The study cites "a precipitous drop in communications conduit" as the primary culprit in the drop in plastic pipe demand.

But leading up to 2009, the Freedonia Group report forecasts that demand for plastic pipe will rise an average of 2.7 percent per year, reaching a level of 6.6 billion pipe feet in 2009.

Copper pipe demand is also forecast to rise, averaging 2.5 percent annual growth and reaching a total of nearly 6.4 billion pipe feet in 2009. The forecast predicts copper will enjoy a higher percentage of the overall U.S. market in 2009 compared to 1999, meaning demolition contractors should continue to find copper piping for some time to come.

Steel pipe demand is forecast to grow a more modest 1.8 percent per year, reaching a demand level of 2.6 billion pipe feet in 2009, according to the Freedonia Group.

The study also foresees PVC remaining the dominant pipe resin, although HDPE use is expected to grow.

Copper pipe demand will be fueled by the refrigeration and indoor plumbing markets, while storm sewer uses will help the concrete pipe market gain some steam heading toward 2009.

Information on purchasing the Freedonia Group study can be obtained through its Web site at www.freedoniagroup.com.