what is cpvc pipe
Liam Parker
Updated on June 22, 2026
CPVC is also a thermoplastic that is molded into many of the same products as PVC. This difference in makeup allows CPVC to withstand a wider range of temperatures. This is why many building codes require the use of CPVC as opposed to PVC for use in hot water applications.
Which pipe is better CPVC or PVC?
This new modified version of PVC called CPVC is a more stable polymer & can withstand higher temperatures than standard PVC. Generally, PVC has 56-57% Chlorine whereas post chlorination of PVC the chlorine content increases and CPVC has 63-67% of Chlorine on its hydrocarbon chain.
Where is CPVC pipe used?
CPVC (chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) is a strong and rigid thermoplastic material that is used for hot and cold potable water applications in residential construction. Because of its makeup, CPVC is immune to damage from highly chlorinated domestic water and has a higher temperature tolerance than PVC.
Is CPVC good for plumbing?
CPVC was first introduced in the U.S. in 1959 and some of the earliest installations are still in service today so CPVC has proven exceptionally reliable in residential plumbing. FlowGuard Gold pipe and fittings are designed for a 50-year service life with a safety factor of 2.
How do I know if my pipe is CPVC?
Characteristics and Properties
PVC pipes are white or dark gray in color.CPVC is off-white, light gray, or yellow in color.Both pipe types have technical specifications printed on the side for easy verification.Both pipe types are available in plain end and bell end.
Can I connect PVC to CPVC pipe?
There is no special “CPVC to PVC glue,” so chemically joining CPVC and PVC requires solvent cement and primer that are strong enough to fully bond CPVC pipe. To connect PVC to a CPVC fitting (or vice versa) follow these steps: Brush CPVC primer on the outside of the pipe and inside of the fitting about 2 inches deep.
What is the safest pipe for drinking water?
Copper pipes with lead-free joint materials are the best choice for water pipes. They are long-lasting and won’t leach chemicals into your drinking water. However, copper pipes are generally more expensive, and copper’s intensive extraction and manufacturing process presents some environmental trade-offs.
What is a disadvantage to CPVC?
The disadvantages of CPVC include that it is brittle and can’t withstand very high temperatures like copper can. Another disadvantage to CPVC is its high thermal expansion coefficient. Because of this, CPVC may not be the best choice for climates that experience wide variations in temperature.
What is the difference between white and GREY PVC?
PVC pipe that is used for plumbing is usually white while electrical conduit PVC is usually gray. These are the standard colors, but you can find PVC that has had chemical additives added during the manufacturing process to create different colored pipes.
Which is better copper or CPVC?
Copper’s high melting point is 5-times higher than CPVC’s, so it can withstand much hotter temperatures. Copper won’t burn or support combustion, and won’t carry fire through floors, walls, or ceilings. Copper is also a very versatile material.
Which is better CPVC or PPR?
1. Physical Properties. With 60% greater tensile strength and nearly twice the flexural strength, CPVC is a stronger, more durable piping material than PP R. Due to its strength, CPVC can withstand more pressure, which means same flow rate with smaller pipes.
Which is better PEX or CPVC?
CPVC Pipes Offer Better Water Pressure Than PEX
At a rate of 8 feet per second, PEX fittings create a 23% to 54% reduction in flow. For every ½” fitting, a PEX fitting can introduce 2 to 3 psi of pressure drop/fitting.
Why do plumbers hate CPVC?
“Over a period of time, it gets brittle and cracks and breaks and the glue joints continue to deteriorate through the pipe and go bad,” Rainaldi said. Plumbers said Florida’s heat and chlorine in the water is also bad for CPVC pipes.
Do you use purple primer on CPVC?
Purple Primer can be used with all types, schedules and classes of PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings. A low VOC formulation. In most cases a successful solvent cement joint can be made without using a primer. But, if you want to increase the probability of making a successful joint, using a primer is the thing to do.
Should CPVC be replaced?
“CPVC, if properly installed, is good and does not need to be replaced,” he says. “I repiped my own house with CPVC over 10 years ago — no problems.” More often than not though, PEX is becoming the material of choice.
What happens if I use PVC glue on CPVC?
When working with CPVC piping, use multipurpose PVC/CPVC glue or a CPVC glue; glue made specifically for PVC will not hold properly on CPVC and could lead to leaks or breakage. CPVC pipes can withstand hot water temperatures up to 180 degrees F. Cut the CPVC pipe to size with a fine tooth saw.
Is CPVC and PEX the same?
PEX is basically a flexible tubing that’s used for water piping. CPVC is more of a vanilla/cream color, and it comes in stick pipes where the fittings need to be glued together. (We have definitely done a lot of repairs on these types of systems.)