Copper corrosion in residential plumbing installations can lead to an increase in copper concentration in drinking water as well as to leakages. Central water treatment steps such as pH‐adjustment or dosages of phosphate‐based inhibitors are measures in reducing copper corrosion. Especially phosphate in drinking water is believed to work as a corrosion inhibitor, but it is currently uncertain as to how this inhibitor works. In some cases the phosphate dosage aggravated the copper corrosion. The mechanisms are not yet clear and the influence of phosphate and pH remain a question to be answered. The results of a German Gas and Water Works Association (DVGW) research project on copper corrosion are presented as follows. The influence and the mechanisms of decarbonisation, deacidification and phosphate dosing on copper release in residential plumbing installations were studied in pipe rig experiments according to the German standard DIN 50931‐1. It shows that an increased pH‐value can lead to a decrease in copper content and that a phosphate dosage can lead to both higher and lower copper concentrations.