While you may see them side by side in the plumbing aisle at your local hardware store, PVC and CPVC are not interchangeable. CPVC pipe goes through an extra chlorination process that makes it more resistant to degradation and improves its lifespan.

These pipes are also insulated, which saves energy and lowers water bills by keeping hot and cold water at their respective temperatures for longer periods of time.

1. Corrosion Resistant

Corrosion is one of the biggest and most costly problems a piping system can face. In addition to causing structural damage, it can result in water contamination and even dangerous bacteria like Legionella. Unlike metallic alternatives, CPVC innately resists corrosion and scaling. This saves you the cost of remediation, inefficiencies and danger that come with metal piping.

Both PVC and CPVC are resistant to many harsh chemicals, making them an excellent choice for chemical applications. This includes acids, salts, solvents and aromatics, though CPVC may not be the best option for very high temperatures.

CPVC is also more resistant to stress cracking, which is common with metal pipes and can be responsible for collapsing buildings and bridges. This occurs when a pipe is exposed to strain that causes the atoms within it to lose their alignment and degrade. CPVC is less vulnerable to this type of degradation because it is made from strong and flexible material.

Both PVC and CPVC have good resistance to UV light degradation, which means they can be used in outdoor applications without a problem. This is because they do not absorb the ultraviolet radiation that can cause discoloration in some other types of pipes.

2. Durable

CPVC pipes are made from hi-tech PVC material that is resistant to corrosion and degradation. They have an extremely long lifespan and are ideal for use in drain/waste/vent applications, natural-gas supplies, water supply, and high-pressure steam applications. They are also easy to install and maintain. They don’t require any special tools and are light in weight, making them easier to transport and set up. This reduces labour charges and time.

Unlike copper pipes, cpvc pipe do not react with mineral acids, bases, salts and aliphatic hydrocarbons, reducing the risk of contaminating drinking water. They are also resistant to chlorine disinfectants commonly used in commercial facilities, which helps keep water uncontaminated and safe for consumption. They are also free of odor and toxicity, so they will not transfer harmful chemicals to the water being transported through them.

These pipes are also easy to work with, which makes them an excellent choice for commercial and residential settings. Their smooth inner surface helps prevent clogging and improves flow, while their flexibility allows for 90-degree bends without kinking or breaking. In addition, CPVC pipes are more resistant to high temperatures than other types of pipe. This makes them an excellent choice for distributing hot water in homes and offices. They are also an excellent choice for plumbing in kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Easy to Install

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a type of pipe that works very well for residential plumbing. It can handle temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and it has fire-retardant properties. It can also be connected in a variety of ways, including using compression fittings, glues, or quick-connect fittings. The latter are the most popular option because they allow you to connect pipes in seconds without the use of crimp rings or messy glues.

Choosing the right pipe for your home depends on a lot of factors. For example, do you need to replace existing galvanized or copper lines? Or are you building a new home and need to choose the materials for your plumbing system? Depending on the answer to these questions, CPVC or PEX could be a good choice.

PEX and CPVC are two common types of pipe used in homes today. Both are relatively easy to install, and they can be connected to existing galvanized or copper pipes using conversion fittings that are specially designed for those purposes.

The main difference between the two is that CPVC has a higher resistance to heat than PVC. This makes it a better choice for hot water lines than PVC, which can degrade at high temperatures. Moreover, CPVC is also less expensive than copper. To make sure you get the best quality, look for a brand that has been tested to meet national and international standards.

4. Affordable

Whether you are a DIYer or professional, choosing the right pipes for your home can be confusing. You may see PVC and CPVC side-by-side in the plumbing aisle of your local hardware store, but they’re not interchangeable and getting them mixed up can lead to major headaches on a project.

CPVC is the older cousin of PVC, and it’s one of the best options available for both hot and cold water systems. It can handle higher operating temperatures than PVC, and it’s extremely durable. Harsh water won’t damage it, unlike copper, and it won’t corrode over time.

Another advantage of CPVC is its affordability, especially when compared to other types of pipe. It costs about half as much as copper, and it’s a great choice for areas that have aggressive water, which can eat away at copper within eight years.

While many facilities professionals still prefer to use traditional copper, it’s not ideal for many environments. It can be difficult to work with, and it’s not suitable for drain/waste/vent applications, high-pressure steam, or natural gas supply. Additionally, it’s not as strong as some other metals and can be prone to puncture and corrosion. However, it’s code compliant in most areas and is highly recyclable. Additionally, it’s not susceptible to jobsite theft like other metallic materials. It also requires specific primers and solvent cement for installation, which can add to overall costs.