From the outside, CPVC pipe resembles the PVC pipe that preceded it. Sounds funny, doesn't it? Approved PVC pipe uses depend on the application and local building codes. cooking, drinking, and bathing water, but only plumbing that has received ANSI / NSF 61 certification should be used. In the end, we have to say that the PVC is the winner of the PVC vs CPVC superiority debate. Pros. Both types are deemed as a safe and convenient way of transporting potable water for drinking, bathing and cooking in residential and commercial establishments CPVC and PVC are both resistant to the damages that can be caused by inorganic chemicals, alkali, and acidic substances. They are available in the same lengths, with the same end shape options. Superior resistance and performance, temperatures under 200° Fahrenheit, most suitable for commercial applications, chemical handling and hot water distribution. As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page. CPVC pipe is non‐toxic. Both PVC and CPVC are still widely used and found in countless homes - but how much does that extra 'C' change things? Commercial CPVC usually has 63 to 69 percent chlorine content, but is capable of containing as much as 74 percent. While both PVC and CPVC are suitable for water, gas, and drainage systems, many plumbers strongly recommend CPVC for hot water lines and PVC for cold water lines. CPVC vs PVC: The practical differences Like PVC, CPVC is a thermoplastic material that can be easily molded into different shapes to create pipes, fittings, valves, and other liquid-handling supplies. It is safe to use CPVC in applications where PVC may be used. As a flexible plastic, PVC is used to produce a wide variety of piping. CPVC pipes can also be utilized in the various applications where PVC pipes are usually used. The production process includes the chlorination of PVC via free radical chlorination. PVC, CPVC, and PEX are different kinds of plastic pipes used as materials for the waste and drinking systems of buildings. As seen in the image below, PVC’s chemical composition is made of two carbon atoms linked together with a perimeter of three hydrogen atoms and one chlorine atom, all attached by single bonds. So, if you’re stuck between PVC and CPVC on your next project, remember to take into account at least two important factors: temperature and cost. PVC is available in 10 ft and 20 ft lengths. The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding. The Piping Debate: Copper vs. CPVC. However, both materials require UV stabilizers or underground installation to prevent deterioration from the sun. PVC vs CPVC Pressure Ratings. Unlike PVC and other thermoplastics, CPVC won’t melt, drip, or spread a fire. Advantages of CPVC. Both PVC and Polycarbonate are good examples of thermoplastics. "I see you offer every kind of PVC or CPVC fitting I need. When it comes to purchasing CPVC vs. PVC, you can distinguish the two by their colors. Copper has been used in North American plumbing applications for more than 70 years. You'll be able to greatly reduce the number of fittings used for most applications. Think of it as regular PVC with extra chlorine added to the resin. However, we do offer rigid copper less than four feet, as well as great deals on flexible PVC, copper tubing, PEX, and other vinyl tubing since these can be rolled and are much easier to ship, keeping your cost lower. It is also known as PVC’s cousin as they possess many similar properties.It is produced through a chlorination process of PVC resin. It is lightweight and resistant to corrosion and tuberculation. For more on what is PVC, the characteristics and properties of the plastic, read our resource article What is PVC | What is uPVC. However, many hardware stores and home centers carry a different style of pipe called CPVC, also known as Copper Tube Size (CTS) plastic pipe, which is not compatible with FORMUFIT and other brands of PVC fittings. PVC can be cut with saws and glued to other PVC pipes and fittings without the need for heat or flame, such as is necessary to weld copper or iron pipes. If you are going to have any pressure on the pipe then it is best to have nearly straight pipe close to the fitting. for? CPVC is a PVC homopolymer that has been subjected to a chlorination reaction. CVPC pipe was developed in the 1980s and has proven to be more durable, safer and easier to install, and longer lasting than the PVC pipe of before. Per the National Spa and Pool Institute, hot tubs are now designed to heat up to a maximum of 104° Fahrenheit. Looking for PVC pipe for sale or to compare prices? This individual molecule unit (a monomer) is then further linked together with other molecules of the exact same structure to form chains (a polymer) that are extruded as PVC to form PVC products like pipe. Find out more. Budget-friendly, temperatures under 140° Fahrenheit, most suitable for recreational applications, residential construction, DIY projects and cold water distribution. CPVC has greater flexibility than PVC, and requires support at three foot intervals to maintain its position. CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200° Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140° Fahrenheit. In fact, the first pipeline systems used by the CPVC occurred in 1959, and they continue to work without any problems. It is resistant to degradation and provides a long life span of use. Initially introduced to the US sewage, drainage, and water market in the 1950’s, there are now more than two million miles of PVC pipe in service today. The primers, solvent cements, and bonding agents are different for PVC and CPVC due to the differences in the material's chemical composition. PVC has a peak temperature threshold of 140° Fahrenheit. PVC pipes are white or dark gray in color. Superior resistance and performance, temperatures under 200° Fahrenheit, most suitable for commercial applications, chemical handling and hot water distribution. The chlorine actually promotes durability and rigidity in higher temperature conditions. CPVC is off-white, light gray, or yellow in color. uPVC is used as a replacement for wood in construction, such as in double glazed window frames and window sills and in what is known as vinyl siding in the U.S. For applications requiring temperatures above that, CPVC (. PVC is available in both rigid form (also known as uPVC: commonly used in construction and piping applications) and flexible form (plasticized PVC, known simply as PVC: found in electrical cable insulation). Since PVC has a maximum temperature threshold of 140° Fahrenheit, its use isn’t recommended in applications where the temperature of the fluids it will carry or its ambient environment will regularly approach, remain constant at or go above that peak temperature. It is a versatile material that can be manufacturered in many colors or made t… Q. Because they are thermoplastics, they have an inherent insulation that reduces condensation formation on the pipes and maintains both cold and hot water temperature better than copper pipes do. Washing machine temperatures peak at 140° Fahrenheit. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. This stability also inhibits oxidation reactions, resulting in giving both PVC and CPVC a long, useful performance life. CPVC offers some benefits over PVC, but at a slightly higher price point. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. CPVC delivers superior resistance to degradation and provides a long service lifespan. Is there something else you are looking for? You may be surprised to learn that household water temperatures are not supposed to go above 140° Fahrenheit: CPVC is a thermoplastic made by further chlorination of the polyvinyl chloride resin. CPVC vs PVC Pipe Comparison and Differences, The primers, solvent cements, and bonding agents are different for PVC and CPVC due to the differences in the material's chemical composition. For solvent welding, each material requires a. PVC is less expensive than CPVC, and both materials are cheaper than copper, iron or stainless steel pipes. Before PEX came around, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) were the primary plastics used in plumbing. CPVC is Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride. Often, pipes using the NPS system are light gray, and pipes using CTS system are yellow. For more on what is CPVC, its characteristics, properties and common uses, read our resource article What is CPVC. November 2, 2006. CPVC goes through an extra chlorination process, which lets it withstand high temperatures much more effectively than regular PVC. Dishwashers work best at temperatures at or below 140° degrees Fahrenheit. Larger PVC pipes are often used in plumbing to distribute non-potable water. The extra chlorine, along with specialized additives, enables the material to reliably stand up to intense heat and pressure. CPVC and PEX are … PVC can be used for a wide number of applications, while CPVC is mostly used for hot and cold water pipes, as well as industrial liquid handling. There are 15 material properties with values for both materials. Can't find what you're looking While the name sounds redundant, it describes the process of increasing the chlorine content in PVC. CPVC Can Tolerate Higher Temperatures than PVC Unlike PVC, whose maximum temperature tops out at 140° F, CPVC piping can withstand temperatures up to 210° F. It is equally effective at lower temperature ranges, as well. One of the most difficult decisions is, without a doubt, Making the right choice between cpvc vs pex pipes. Both pipe types have technical specifications printed on the side for easy verification. PVC pipes are sized by the nominal pipe size (, CVPC pipes are sized by the nominal pipe size (. It is safe to use CPVC in applications where PVC may be used. In plumbing circles, there is a longstanding debate between copper and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) piping. The Premier Online Plumbing Supplier Since 1995, Same day shipping for in-stock orders processed by 7pm EST M-F. OR - find plumbing supplies starting with: While CPVC can technically do anything PVC can, its use in the home is usually limited to. It is produced by the chlorination of PVC polymer. You can bend the pipe itself in a much tighter radius but it is not recommended to do so near a fitting/joint. Copyright CPVC. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride; CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride; and PEX stands for cross-link polyethylene. CPVC is good, but PVC is slightly more versatile, slightly … Why don't you sell PVC or CPVC?" They are available for engineering and industrial piping projects because CPVC can withstand a greater array of high temperatures. Material Testing. Budget-friendly, temperatures under 140° Fahrenheit, most suitable for recreational applications, residential construction, DIY projects and cold water distribution. Because their chemical composition contains a halogen -- the element chlorine -- their structure is stable and innately fire retardant. CPVC should only be used when conditions call for it and when higher temperatures are going to be an issue. Other Plastics vs. CPVC; PEX, like polybutylene, is a European technology that is less resistant to water conditions and chlorination commonly found in the United States. CPVC: CPVC and PVC are time-tested products that have been in use for over fifty years in the plumbing industry. CPVC or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride is a thermoplastic polymer. PVC is engineered to resist oxidation and degradation, making PVC products and pipework highly durable. This chlorination is done to get the properties such as more flexibility and ability to withstand high temperatures. Both PVC and CPVC have been deemed safe for potable water transport, i.e. CPVC Industrial True Union Ball Valves - VITON, CPVC True Union Ball Check Valves - VITON, CPVC and PVC both offer significant chemical resistance, Sign CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. In PVC, a chlorine atom occupies 25 percent of the bonding sites on the carbon backbone, and the remaining sites are filled by hydrogen. CPVC pipes are sized in two ways -- nominal pipe size (NPS references the diameter of the interior hole of the pipe) and copper tube size (CTS references the outside diameter of the tube). Both are safe for use with potable water when ANSI / NSF 61 certified. Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." Difference between CPVC and PVC • While PVC is the most widely used thermoplastic polymer, CPVC is a recent phenomenon created by chlorination of PVC • PVC is still more popular than CPVC which is more expensive • CPVC is better suited under certain conditions such … "How flexible is spa flex?" © 2021 PVC Pipe Supplies. PVC and CPVC have different applications, so they are not typically used in the same types of applications. CPVC pipe and fittings are cream colored, while PVC pipe and fittings are white. For more on what PVC and PVC pipe is used for, read our resource article What is PVC Used For. 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