One of the most difficult decisions is, without a doubt, Making the right choice between cpvc vs pex pipes. PVC vs. CPVC Incompatibility All FORMUFIT Products are designed to fit Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) size, white, Schedule 40 PVC pipe. Why don't you sell PVC or CPVC?" CPVC pipe and fittings are cream colored, while PVC pipe and fittings are white. PVC is engineered to resist oxidation and degradation, making PVC products and pipework highly durable. PVC is a thermoplastic polymer, while CPVC is a thermoplastic produced by the chlorination of PVC resin. They are available for engineering and industrial piping projects because CPVC can withstand a greater array of high temperatures. CPVC and PVC pipes are made out of very strong and versatile materials. The color of PVC pipe is traditionally white or dark gray, with a technical description of the pipe printed on the side. 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. A. Olive Branch, MS; Call Us: (806) 722-0086 Fax: (662) 895-4338 It is a versatile material that can be manufacturered in many colors or made t… Copper has been used in North American plumbing applications for more than 70 years. 2. 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. 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. A. CPVC would be recommended in these situations since its peak temperature threshold is 200° Fahrenheit. CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200° Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140° Fahrenheit. CPVC and PVC both offer significant chemical resistance and are largely resistant to degradation from acid, alkali, and most inorganic chemicals. We recommend you purchase this type of pipe at your local hardware or home improvement store. Per the National Spa and Pool Institute, hot tubs are now designed to heat up to a maximum of 104° Fahrenheit. It is also known as PVC’s cousin as they possess many similar properties.It is produced through a chlorination process of PVC resin. but only plumbing that has received ANSI / NSF 61 certification should be used. Copyright For each property being compared, the top bar is CPVC and the bottom bar is PP homopolymer. Due to the increased shipping cost for any kind of rigid pipe longer than four feet, we are unable to sell it at a cost that is affordable for our customers. For more on what PVC and PVC pipe is used for, read our resource article What is PVC Used For. The extra chlorine in CPVC increases chemical strength and helps prevent bacteria / biofilm formation within the pipes. 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. PVC and CPVC have different applications, so they are not typically used in the same types of applications. For more on what is CPVC, its characteristics, properties and common uses, read our resource article, CPVC pipes are sized in two ways -- nominal pipe size (. PVC Pipe Supplies 8971 Yahweh Rd. When working with PVC or CPVC, work in a well-ventilated area with proper safety apparel, including gloves, goggles and a respirator if available. Superior resistance and performance, temperatures under 200° Fahrenheit, most suitable for commercial applications, chemical handling and hot water distribution. It is safe to use CPVC in applications where PVC may be used. When PVC discolors under heat, it is burning and all work should cease immediately and be modified to prevent excessive toxins from becoming airborne. 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. In PVC, a chlorine atom occupies 25 percent of the bonding sites on the carbon backbone, and the remaining sites are filled by hydrogen. Both forms of PVC are safe to touch and handle, and do not leach chemicals when used as the manufacturer intended. The extra chlorine, along with specialized additives, enables the material to reliably stand up to intense heat and pressure. 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. CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride. You can bend the pipe itself in a much tighter radius but it is not recommended to do so near a fitting/joint. 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. Often, pipes using the NPS system are light gray, and pipes using CTS system are yellow. 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. Main Difference – PVC vs Polycarbonate. It is suitable for hot water applications. 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. Both come in Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 thickness. 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. PVC has a wide range of application in our day to day life. According to their physical properties, polymers are divided into three groups as thermosets, thermoplastics and elastomers. Because of this, CPVC and PVC pipes and fittings, along with their solvents and bonding agents, should not be used interchangeably. Looking for PVC pipe for sale or to compare prices? CPVC is a more expensive product so it is usually the chosen material for hot water applications, while PVC is used for cold water applications like irrigation and drainage. From the outside, CPVC pipe resembles the PVC pipe that preceded it. Commonly used to create plumbing pipes and fittings, For more on what is PVC, the characteristics and properties of the plastic, read our resource article, The color of PVC pipe is traditionally white or dark gray, with a technical description of the pipe printed on the side. Certain diameters of PVC pipe and furniture PVC pipe are now. Both PVC and CPVC are still widely used and found in countless homes - but how much does that extra 'C' change things? 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. PVC, CPVC, and PEX are different kinds of plastic pipes used as materials for the waste and drinking systems of buildings. Properties with values for just one material (13, in this case) are not shown. This molecule links with others to form polymer chains of CPVC. Both PVC and CPVC have been deemed safe for potable water transport, i.e. CPVC, PEX and PVC pipes and components fail from time to time. November 2, 2006. For applications requiring temperatures above that, CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is recommended. CPVC and PVC are both a quieter, easier to install, and less expensive alternative to copper and iron pipes, especially in plumbing applications. Applications. Both resist corrosion and degradation from chemicals classified as an acid, alkali, or inorganic material. 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. © 2021 PVC Pipe Supplies. Both types of pipe will have their specifications printed on the side. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC) is made when Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is treated with chlorinated water. 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. For example, CPVC solvent cements must meet ASTM F493 specifications, and PVC solvent cements must meet, Plumbing, drainage, and sewage infrastructure, Drinking and process water delivery and distribution, Agriculture, livestock and farm irrigation systems, Residential plumbing, drainage, sewage infrastructure, Frames for greenhouses, carports, and raised garden beds, For more on what PVC and PVC pipe is used for, read our resource article. CPVC maximum functional temperature is 200° Fahrenheit. 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. The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding. Material Testing. Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, also known as CPVC, is a PVC with an increase in chlorine content. In addition to meeting ASTM specifications, there are different solvent cements required based on the pipe’s size and intended application, so check the product containers to be sure you’re using the correct agent for the correct application. The chlorine actually promotes durability and rigidity in higher temperature conditions. PVC pipes are white or dark gray in color. For example, ¾” Sch40 PVC pipe is rated at an extremely high pressure of 480 psi at 73 degrees, but it has no high-temperature rating whatsoever. CPVC and PEX are … It is hard to believe that they are not completely resistant to UV rays. CPVC offers some benefits over PVC, but at a slightly higher price point. Before PEX came around, PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) were the primary plastics used in plumbing. Our consultants investigate pipe failure including failure analysis in our state-of-the-art testing laboratory. 2" pipe has a bend radius of about 4 feet and 1/2" pipe has a bend radius of about 2 1/2 feet. All "I see you offer every kind of PVC or CPVC fitting I need. In fact, the first piping systems using CPVC occurred in 1959 and are still working without a problem. One of the biggest and most … CPVC delivers superior resistance to degradation and provides a long service lifespan. Superior resistance and performance, temperatures under 200° Fahrenheit, most suitable for commercial applications, chemical handling and hot water distribution. CPVC is Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. Once you have used this flexible pipe, you'll wonder why everyone doesn't use this product. PVC is the common term for Polyvinyl Chloride. Washing machine temperatures peak at 140° Fahrenheit. Looking for CPVC pipe for sale or to compare prices? PVC comes in nominal pipe sizes only, while CPVC is available in both nominal pipe sizes and copper tube sizes. PVC is available in 10 ft and 20 ft lengths. CPVC Industrial True Union Ball Valves - VITON, CPVC True Union Ball Check Valves - VITON, CPVC and PVC both offer significant chemical resistance, Sign This stability also inhibits oxidation reactions, resulting in giving both PVC and CPVC a long, useful performance life. They are available in the same lengths, with the same end shape options. Above those temperatures, both CPVC and PVC will begin to soften, increasing the risk of joints and pipes failing, and therefore, failing of the plumbing system. Both CPVC and PP homopolymer are thermoplastics. It is lightweight and resistant to corrosion and tuberculation. 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). As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page. 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). Find out more. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride; CPVC stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride; and PEX stands for cross-link polyethylene. It is resistant to degradation and provides a long life span of use. If a single component made from defective material goes into production, the entire product may be compromised. Temperature Resistance: PVC is safe for residential water applications below 140°F, while CPVC is safe at temperatures up to 200°F. It is safe to use CPVC in applications where PVC may be used. 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. UPVC stands for unplasticized PVC, whereas CPVC stands for post-chlorinated PVC. While the name sounds redundant, it describes the process of increasing the chlorine content in PVC. Budget-friendly, temperatures under 140° Fahrenheit, most suitable for recreational applications, residential construction, DIY projects and cold water distribution. Can't find what you're looking CPVC: CPVC and PVC are time-tested products that have been in use for over fifty years in the plumbing industry. 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. 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 … CPVC should only be used when conditions call for it and when higher temperatures are going to be an issue. CPVC is a PVC homopolymer that has been subjected to a chlorination reaction. However, both materials require UV stabilizers or underground installation to prevent deterioration from the sun. 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. The Piping Debate: Copper vs. CPVC. Last updated on April 2, 2018. In plumbing circles, there is a longstanding debate between copper and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) piping. Both pipe types are available in plain end and bell end. 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