What is the difference between PVC and CPVC?

Author: Maiya Wintheiser  |  Last update: Friday, May 16, 2025

The base material for both is PVC (polyvinyl chloride), but CPVC is taken through a chlorination process that makes it more rigid and also more tolerant of higher temperatures. The added chlorine in CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) results in a more flexible material with better insulating properties.

Should I use CPVC or PVC?

PVC is used in cold water applications. It's also used in vent and drainage systems. CPVC is used if the applications' temperature is between 140⁰ F and 200⁰ F. That being said, CPVC has become widely used for both hot and cold potable water.

Can PVC and CPVC be used interchangeably?

For example, CPVC solvent cements must meet ASTM F493 specifications, and PVC solvent cements must meet ASTM D2564 specifications. Because of this, CPVC and PVC pipes and fittings, along with their solvents and bonding agents, should not be used interchangeably.

Why is CPVC not used anymore?

CPVC is chemically incompatible with many forms of insulation used on wiring. The plasticizers in the insulation react with the CPVC and make it brittle and crack.

What happens if I use PVC glue on CPVC?

PVC glue isn't aggressive enough to adhere to CPVC, so you can never use PVC glue with CPVC pipe. You can, however, use CPVC glue or cement with PVC fittings because it's aggressive enough for CPVC but not too much that it breaks down PVC.

BASIC understanding about PVC CPVC and ABS plumbing pipe

How to tell if a pipe is PVC or CPVC?

Color can be a clue, too. Often CTS CPVC is a light yellowish color, while schedule 80 CPVC (NPS) is a light gray color. PVC pipe and fittings usually comes in white or dark gray. Always check the manufacturer printing on the pipe to be sure.

What is the advantage of CPVC over PVC?

Thanks to its good dielectric strength. Durability: PVC is resistant to weathering, chemical rotting, corrosion, shock, and abrasion. It is the preferred choice for many long-life and outdoor products. Flame Retardancy: Because of its high chlorine content, PVC products are self-extinguishing.

Why is CPVC bad for plumbing?

A larger issue with CPVC is that it is not chemically resistant to all chemicals; this leads to drain and drainage system failures.

Can you use CPVC for a hot water heater?

CPVC as a material has a glass transition temperature of 113-115 °C. Glass transition temperature is defined as the temperature when a solid starts softening and weakening. CPVC manufacturers assure a service life of 50 years for their CPVC pipe fittings when used in hot water up to 93°C.

What is the grey PVC pipe called?

Grey piping in the trade is called CPVC or chlorinated poly vinyl chloride. Grey is schedule 80 as opposed to 40 (although it DOES come in schedule 40, but the uses are rare and it's white) and is formulated to resist fire and warping more than normal PVC.

Is PEX better than CPVC?

Some plumbers prefer PEX in new home construction over CPVC because of its flexibility, resistance to failure by freezing, and resistance to chemical attack when in contact with other products containing chemicals.

What is the price of 1 inch PVC pipe 20 ft?

Modi 1 inch PVC Pipe, 20 ft at ₹ 120/piece in Pune | ID: 22136169597.

Is CPVC ok for drinking water?

NSF/ANSI 61 certification indicates a CPVC pipe or material meets the regulatory and health requirements in the US and Canada, as well as many other countries, for use in drinking water applications.

What is the best pipe for a residential main water line?

Ability to handle pressure: PVC can withstand high water pressure, which makes it an excellent choice for the main supply line in your home. Ease of use: Compared to metal pipes, PVC is extremely lightweight. As a result, it is easy to transport and work with.

Why is CPVC so expensive?

The primary difference in cost between PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) stems from their manufacturing processes. CPVC undergoes an additional chlorination process, which enhances its properties but also increases production costs. As a result, CPVC typically costs more than PVC.

When did CPVC stop being used?

Work stopped in the late '80s when California authorities decided an EIR was not necessary, but resumed again nearly 10 years later as a result of litigation. Opponents of CPVC use now have 30 days to challenge the state's findings.

What is the most likely cause of CPVC failure?

Among the many causes of CPVC failures, and the ensuing water damage claims, are raw material flaws, manufacturing defects, inadequate warnings, improper shipping and handling practices, system design issues, poor installation practices, incorrect maintenance, and chemical attack.

Does CPVC get brittle with age?

We find the CPVC becomes brittle at the eight to ten year old mark and is more prone to failure on the hot side. It recently came to our attention that most Home Builders have switched from CPVC to Pex due to the high failure rate. Considering the CPVC is cheaper and easier to use in new construction than Pex.

What happens if you use PVC instead of CPVC?

PVC is only intended for cold water and has a maximum service temperature of 140° F for pressure applications. Not only can CPVC handle higher temperatures than PVC, but its increased temperature resistance enables it to perform better within PVC's working range.

Why did California ban PEX?

The PEX EIR found that methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) and tert-Butyl alcohol can leach from PEX in amounts that exceed taste, odor and health guidelines set by the State of California for drinking water.

Is PEX safe for drinking water?

Is PEX safe for drinking water? Yes, our PEX-a and PEX-b are both safe for drinking water. Our piping system solutions are all third-party tested through IAPMO or NSF to the following standards: NSF/ANSI 61 drinking water systems components - health effects.

What is a disadvantage to CPVC?

Although being a plastic it doesn't support combustion as it requires 60 % of oxygen to burn. Additionally, CPVC also has low thermal conductivity, ensuring reduced heat loss. Cons: Some of CPVC's drawbacks include being more expensive than PVC and potential to become brittle over time.

Can I use SharkBite on CPVC?

SharkBite brass push-to-connect fittings are compatible with PEX, copper, CPVC and HDPE pipe. They come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX and HDPE, and the stiffener doesn't need to be removed for copper or CPVC applications.

Is it OK to glue PVC to CPVC?

Yes. CPVC solvent cement technically will work on PVC piping. However, we recommend that the correct Weld-On primer and PVC solvent cement for the particular application should be used. Please note that PVC solvent cement, because of temperature limitations, is not recommended for CPVC piping.

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