FAQ

What’s the difference between PVC and CPVC pipe?

PVC vs CPVC

You’re probably familiar with PVC pipe. It's the white plastic pipe commonly used for plumbing and drainage. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and it’s become a common replacement for metal piping. PVC’s strength, durability, easy installation, and low cost have made it one of the most widely used plastics in the world. PVC is a thermoplastic material that is molded into different shapes to create pipes, fittings, valves and other liquid handling supplies.

So What is CPVC?

You can think of CPVC as PVC’s cousin. They are similar in many ways, but they shouldn't be used interchangeably. Both are made of the same basic elements with one distinguishing factor. CPVC is altered by a free radical chlorination reaction that effectively increases the chlorine content of the material. CPVC is also a thermoplastic that is melded 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. The ASTM standard allows PVC to be used in applications not exceeding 140 degrees F.

Temperatures over this can cause softening of the material and weakening of joints. CPVC on the other hand can handle temperatures up to 200 degrees F.

CPVC Materials

The material used in the manufacture of the pipe shall be a rigid chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) compound, Type IV Grade I, with a Cell Classification of 23447 (CPVC4120) as defined in ASTM D1784. This compound shall be tan in color, and shall be approved by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for potable water use.

Scope

This specification outlines minimum manufacturing requirements for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) SDR 11 Series copper tube size (CTS) plumbing pipe. This pipe is intended for use in piping systems where the fluid conveyed does not exceed 200°F. This pipe meets and or exceeds the industry standards and requirements as set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF).

History

Genova Products located in Michigan initially created the first CPVC tubing and fittings for Hot and Cold water distribution systems in the early 1960s. The original THF/MEK formulas for CPVC cements were developed by Genova in conjunction with the B.F. Goodrich Company, the original developer of the CPVC resin.

Application

Corrosion resistant hot and cold water plumbing pipe, CTS sizes 1/4" through 2", for use at temperatures up to and including 180°F. All sizes carry a maximum working pressure of 400 psi @ 73°F for cold water service, and a maximum working pressure of 100 psi @ 180°F for hot water service.

This product is manufactured to SDR 11 physical dimensions and tolerances per ASTM D 2846, and as stated in Georg Fischer Harvel LLC Copper Tube Size CPVC Pipe Product Bulletin (HPB-108) which shall be referenced for proper handling, joining, and other installation recommendations.

This product is intended for use in hot and cold water service lines for domestic plumbing applications and bears the NSF-pw stamp of approval for potable water use.

Typical applications include water distribution systems in: apartments, condominiums, hotels/motels, high rises, single and multifamily homes, and various commercial systems. State and local codes must be referenced for proper application and restrictions prior to use.

Dimensions

CPVC CTS Series pipe shall be manufactured in strict accordance to the requirements of ASTM D2846 to SDR 11 dimensions and tolerances. Each production run of pipe manufactured in compliance to this standard, shall also meet or exceed the test requirements for materials, workmanship, burst pressure, flattening resistance, and extrusion quality and dimensions as defined in ASTM D2846. This pipe shall be produced in CTS diameters (1/2" through 4" sizes) to SDR 11 specifications.