For many professionals in the plumbing industry, copper pipes have a certain element of nostalgia about them. For tradesmen with decades of experience, copper is the plumbing material they were trained on, and its clean appearance is a testament to the skill it takes to install. However, CPVC plastic pipes are becoming more and more popular in residential and commercial applications. 

Since both copper and CPVC are common pipe materials for residential and commercial plumbing applications, we wanted to compare them while showcasing the additional benefits CPVC offers. 

What are the Main Differences Between CPVC and Copper Plumbing Pipes

One of the main differences between CPVC and copper pipes that’s often brought up is price. CPVC is usually less expensive in terms of the material and the effort it takes to install. It’s also worth pointing out that CPVC has a smoother interior and lower thermal conductivity, making it more water and energy efficient than copper. Another way these materials differ is in their durability. Copper has a more rigid metallic structure, which can cause issues with system pitting, lead to erosion if not designed and installed properly, and decrease the service life of the pipes.

Looking at the Benefits of CPVC Plumbing Pipes

Outside of the cost, there are some added benefits professional plumbers can expect when using CPVC for projects, which include: 

• Corrosion resistance: Unlike copper, CPVC pipes are more resistant to corrosion and are certified to NSF 61 without fewer limitations on water conditions, pH levels, temperature, and mineral contents. If the municipal water has any of these characteristics, it will degrade copper pipes, plastic on the other hand will be unaffected under the same conditions. 

• Ease of installation: As we mentioned briefly above, CPVC plumbing pipes are easier to install when compared to copper. Even though installing CVPC pipes isn’t as involved, it will still take a skilled plumber to get a clean and refined look with the material, but it won’t require solder, flux or open flame torches.  

• Little jobsite theft: Copper is occasionally stolen from work projects when prices increase, which may cause significant structural and financial damage. 

• Joint durability: For many plumbing pipe materials, joints are one of the most common places where failures can happen. CPVC has solvent welded joints, which are a form of chemical welding that creates one of the strongest and most reliable plumbing connections in the industry. 

• Impact on drinking water: Over enough time, every plumbing pipe material has the potential to impact the drinking water that runs through it. CPVC pipes have one of the lowest impacts on water quality compared to other materials. 

The Energy Efficiency of CPVC and Copper Pipes

Copper plumbing pipes require a significant amount of energy to manufacture. To make a copper pipe, mineral ores need to be mined from the earth and heated to nearly two-thousand degrees so they can be crafted into pipes and fittings. Once the copper pipes are manufactured, they need to be transported. Since this material weighs more than CPVC, it takes more energy for a copper pipe to end up at a jobsite. 

Finally, when copper piping is installed, the material struggles being energy efficient due to its thermal conductivity being much higher than CPVC. One of the most common problems this leads to with copper is the likelihood of increased waiting time for hot water. 

In comparison, CPVC pipes take significantly less energy to manufacture according to LCI data compiled on the subject. Not only is PVC often made from recycled material, but it also goes through the chlorination process initiated by ultraviolet light. This process is much more environmentally friendly than copper, which needs to be reheated multiple times. 

Why Should Professional Plumbers Consider Using CPVC?

A large part of what makes CPVC plumbing pipes unique is their versatility. Since water conditions vary depending on the property’s location, even being very corrosive to metals, CPVC is formulated to handle the job. Some states use more chlorine and other chemicals to help purify the drinking water. While this practice makes the water safer to drink, it can have a corrosive effect which may shorten the lifespan of copper plumbing pipes, and sometimes, adding dissolved copper to the water. 

In fact, this is one of the main reasons why the material has been used in residential applications for more than 60 years, with more essential commercial buildings like hospitals and schools making the switch over as well. 

Learn More About the Value CPVC Can Bring to Your Project

If you’re interested in using CPVC for an upcoming project or even just want to learn more about the product, PPFA has you covered. Head over to the CPVC section on our website to explore important information about this type of plumbing pipe and don’t forget to explore our installation handbook on using CPVC for hot and cold-water pipes.   

The Basics of Plastic Plumbing Systems

In the world of residential and commercial plumbing, there was a time when only metallic pipes were used. The main benefit of metal pipes like steel or copper is that they’re typically long lasting and durable. Metal pipes however have a more resource intensive process to manufacture and often more labor to install. In the 1930s, plastic plumbing systems were introduced and have since evolved to the point where modern-day professionals have many pipe options designed to meet the demands of today's plumbing systems. 

The Benefits of Plastic Plumbing Systems 

One of the main advantages of plastic plumbing systems is how adaptable and durable they are. With metal pipes, you often have to create a system of straight lines and right angles making installation and retrofits difficult and slow. With plastic pipes on the other hand, you have material options that can be used to find the best solution. For example, PEX pipes can flex and curve through the building while maintaining durability. Some of the other benefits of plastic plumbing systems include: 

• Corrosion Resistance: Plastic plumbing systems are also resistant to corrosion. They can encounter water and household chemicals without rusting, corroding or losing durability. In fact, many plastic pipes are formulated to be corrosion resistant to keep up with the demands of residential and commercial applications. For example, areas with high levels of chlorine in the water have been known to rapidly degrade copper pipes.

• Low Heat Conductivity: Plastic plumbing systems don’t conduct heat, which means they’re more efficient at maintaining the temperature of the water being carried. Some plastic pipes don’t need insulation to resist condensation. Plastic pipes are very energy efficient and provide long-term value after being installed.

• Plastic is Non-Reactive: When two types of metal are connected, there’s a chance the galvanic reaction between them can cause serious corrosion. With plastic plumbing pipes, that risk is not an issue.

The Types of Plastic Plumbing Systems 

To get a full understanding of the applications of plastic plumbing pipes, it’s important to know some of the most common types: 

• Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX): PEX pipes are very popular and are often used in applications where both hot and cold water is needed, hydronic heating, and residential fire sprinklers. Many residential projects use PEX because it can flex around almost any existing foundation while helping to maintain steady water pressure. 

• Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC): CPVC is a rigid pipe with high resistance to chlorine and operating temperature capability which is used for hot and cold-water distribution.

• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is a rigid plastic pipe that’s used for drainage, waste, vent, irrigation and pressure applications. While it’s often used as the system for the main water supply line to residential homes, it isn’t utilized for higher temperature applications. 

• Polyethylene (PE, HDPE): Polyethylene is a flexible plastic that’s used for applications such as water mains and service lines.  The flexibility makes installation easier and faster in these applications. 

• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): ABS pipes and fittings are typically made from a copolymer thermoplastic resin, so it does not rot, rust, or collect waste. This plastic plumbing system is used mostly for drain, waste and vent applications and is known for its easy installation and resistance to mechanical damage. 

Plastic Plumbing Systems are Sustainable 

Plastic plumbing systems are also known for being environmentally sustainable. They are considered an environmentally friendly choice because of their low carbon footprint, being lightweight and more fuel efficient to ship, and having a long lifespan. Many are more efficient at delivery of hot water. Since more residential and commercial plumbing projects are placing a higher importance on sustainability, using plastic plumbing systems has become the preferred choice by industry professionals. 

Learn More About Plastic Plumbing Systems

As one of the best sources of information for plastic plumbing systems, Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) is here to help you learn more about the benefits of plastic pipes and fittings. Explore our publications to get useful information on the plastic plumbing industry. 

The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) is pleased to announce that it elected the following new Officers and Directors at its 2022 Fall Meeting in Colorado Springs, CO:

• Chad Griffin (Senior VP-Plastics Division at Charlotte Pipe & Foundry) as Board President

• Jim Gilchrist (Director of Engineering at Atkore Plastic Pipe Corporation) as Board Vice President & Director

• Carl Baker (Senior Technical Service Engineer at Shell Polymers, a Division of Shell Chemicals, LP) as Board Treasurer & Director

• Matt Siegel (Vice President at National Pipe & Plastics) as Director

• Bob Beesley (VP Engineering & Quality at Oatey Company) as Director

• Adam Grier (President at Inoex, LLC) as Director

The elected Officers and Directors will begin their terms January 1, 2023.

Glen Ellyn, IL – The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) is pleased to announce the winners of its Processor Safety Recognition Awards based on 2021 data:

-        E-Z Weld Group, LLC

E-Z WELD® makes a broad range of high-strength PVC/uPVC, CPVC, and ABS solvent cements, primers, cleaners, and thread sealants ideally formulated for a variety of pipe joining applications.  E-Z Weld has produced product in their Riviera Beach, FL facility since 1972 and supplies product to some of the largest retailers and plumbing wholesales in the United States, and exports to over 40 countries worldwide.

-        Westlake Pipe & Fittings

Westlake Pipe & Fittings manufacturers PVC pipe and fittings and is focused on system solutions, connectivity and sustainability.  Westlake Pipe & Fittings is headquartered in Houston, TX with manufacturing and distribution centers across North America as well as dedicated sales, technical services, specification engineering and customer support teams.

The award is based on OSHA lost work data. It was established to elevate the importance of safety in all aspects of our industry and to highlight PPFA member efforts to achieve safety excellence. The award process includes three awards based on the total man-hours for which a processor reports.

Participation underscores for member companies the importance of safety to their own human resource goals. It also provides a body of data that, when coupled with PPFA’s Annual Safety Summit, can be used as a platform to help identify best safety practices in plastic pipe and fittings manufacturing. This exchange of ideas leads to exemplary safety experiences and provides benefits to the entire industry.

PPFA is a North American trade association comprised of member companies that manufacture plastic piping, fittings and solvent cements for plumbing and related applications, or supply raw materials, ingredients or machinery for the manufacturing process.

PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) plastic pipes were first invented by Dr. Thomas Engel in Germany to offer flexible pipes that limit the number of required fittings. The technology made its way over to the United States in the mid-1980s, and since then, PEX has grown in popularity with residential and commercial plumbers because of its durability and sustainability.  

In today’s plumbing world, there’s are so many options, which is why many in the skilled trades tend to stay loyal to what they know. However, the evolution of PEX has helped it provide more value than many other traditional metal materials.  In this post, the plastic pipes and fittings experts at PPFA are going to walk through some of the top benefits of PEX plumbing pipes.

1. PEX Has Built-In Flexibility

One of the main advantages of using PEX pipe is its flexibility. Unlike many of its metal counterparts, PEX has a much easier time making its way around corners without the need for additional fittings, joints, or elbows. With fewer joints, your clients won’t have to worry as much about a connection failing.  

It’s also worth noting that many PEX pipes are easy to install and only require simple tools that help with crimping. For plumbers, that means you’ll be able to install PEX pipe in longer runs while lowering the risk of any installation errors. When you choose PEX for a job, its flexibility adds an extra layer of productivity and confidence to your work.  

2. PEX Pipes Are Durable and Freeze Resistant 

For residential and commercial plumbing jobs, implementing a solution that has longevity is often important for the client. PEX pipes give you the opportunity to meet that standard thanks to how durable the product is. Since PEX is flexible, it’s naturally resistant to some of the common wear and tear found in more rigid systems. For example, an accidental dent or misaligning the weight of a fitting can compromise an entire copper pipe system.  

The flexibility of PEX also has another key benefit in colder climates. PEX can expand if the water inside of it freezes and will return to its original shape once the ice melts. With other plumbing systems, freezing water can cause the pipe to burst or crack leading to potential damage. Given that PEX is freeze resistant, it’s a great way to offer any of your clients in colder climates peace of mind.  

3. PEX is Great for Retrofitting

As a plumber there are always jobs where you discover that there’s only a portion of an existing system that needs service, and the client is hesitant to replace everything due to the cost. By using PEX, you could easily replace the problem section(s) since PEX plumbing pipes can be easily worked into older metal systems. With this approach, the client can gradually replace their system and avoid a large upfront cost while giving you a steady stream of work.  

When you’re replacing parts of an existing system with PEX plumbing pipes, the installation is usually more efficient for pros. You can get piping in larger runs since it doesn’t need as many fittings when installed. All you need to do is put the PEX material together and use a compression fitting instead of having to go through the intensive process of soldering metal pipes.  

4. PEX is Often More Affordable Than Metal

Every plumber has clients who are budget conscious. Which is why more pros choose PEX for its affordability. Why does PEX cost less than many of the metal plumbing options? One of the key reasons links back to the flexibility of the material.  

As we mentioned above, PEX easily maneuvers around corners and doesn’t need elbow joints to be effective. Every joint and fitting that’s needed with a metal pipe adds to the total cost, not to mention the added labor for a longer installation process.  

Discover More Advantages of Using PEX Pipes with PPFA

If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits PEX plumbing pipes can offer on your jobs, head over to the PEX resource section at PPFA.  

Did you know that the plastic used in many plumbing systems today got its start all the way back in 1835 when the material was discovered? As plastic industrial pipes grew in popularity and use over the decades, there was a clear need for a professional organization to look out for anyone who uses plastic pipes and fittings. In 1978, the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA) was born.   

PPFA is comprised of member companies that manufacture plastic piping, fittings, and solvent cements for the plumbing industry. The organization not only works to move the industry forward by working on the acceptance of plastic pipes and fittings but is also advocates for sustainable manufacturing.  

Members Who Move the Industry Forward

The heart of PPFA is our members. With 70 companies currently part of the PPFA mission, every member has in-depth technical, material, industry expertise, which we use to create unbiased information that forwards our goal of being the best source of truth for plastic pipes and fittings. However, that’s not the only way PPFA members help move the industry forward in a positive direction.  

In the last 10 years, PPFA members have worked to build green initiatives to help homes and businesses across the country conserve energy like our Greenbuilding System initiatives. With thousands of proposed plumbing code changes, and products evolving at a fast rate, PPFA is always on the lookout for ways to enact positive change.   

PPFA’s Work Within the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Industry

The main way PPFA works within the plastic pipe and fittings industry revolves around codes. Our organization puts together focus groups to create codes on a variety of applications including products, uses in industrial and residential settings, energy conservation, and more. PPFA also has continued involvement in the code creation process with model code agencies like ASTM and IAPMO.   

PPFA helps introduce new codes into the industry by following a set process which includes:     

• Creating a focus group of industry experts to gain unique insights. 

• The PPFA member companies move forward with testing on any products involved in the new codes which includes how their manufacturing, performance, and installation is done.         

• After the product(s) passes the testing phase, PPFA builds out a model document that the industry can use as an application guideline.        

• The proposed code is then evaluated by governing bodies for final approval.       

Once the code is finalized and put into place, PPFA will often create resources that professionals in the industry can use to help with installation and development. For example, PPFA helps with guidance on the detailed thermoplastic design process. Throughout the entire process, it’s a priority to keep the information unbiased with an added emphasis on health and safety. 

Looking at the Work Ahead  

PPFA prides itself at being able to adapt to market changes for our mission of fostering acceptance of plastic pipes and fittings.  advancing the plastic pipe and fittings industry. This notion was put to the test since COVID shutdowns left buildings across the country empty, leaving stagnant water to cause problems. In response, PPFA collaborated with ASHRAE in writing codes about how this stagnant water can be addressed.   

COVID also brought more attention and accelerated the need for piping systems to be re-sized. Since this issue was brought to the forefront by the pandemic, PPFA is looking to create codes and standards on how commercial buildings can re-size their pipes to be more in-line with their adjusted occupancy. 

PPFA is the Trusted Source for Plastic Pipes and Fittings  

Now that you know more about the value PPFA brings to the industry, why not get more familiar with some of the mainline products used? Visit the Products section of our website for trusted information on a variety plastic piping products and applications.

When considering a piping system for your new home or for a remodel or replacement project, you’re typically facing a choice between metal and plastic (check out our blog post for an overview of the different types of plastic pipe). As the newer of the two materials, plastic piping is still unfamiliar to some users; unfortunately, this means some common myths about plastic pipes exist.

Here are some of the misconceptions you should know before determining which piping system is right for your home:

Myth: Plastic pipe is a new, untested material

Reality: Though plastic may feel advanced and innovative, some forms of plastic pipe have been around—and been in use—for more than 75 years. It’s a time-tested material proven over decades of quality performance. While it’s true that some forms of plastic pipe are newer than others, the products undergo extensive third-party or laboratory accelerated use and safety tests to simulate how they will perform over time and under varying conditions, so you can rest assured the pipe behind your walls is designed and certified to safely last.

Myth: Plastic pipe is unsafe for drinking water

Reality: News reports about BPA in water bottles and other concerns shouldn’t give you pause when it comes to the drinking water coming out of your plastic pipes. Plastic pipes don’t contain BPA, are made of different materials, and go through an entirely different process for manufacturing and testing.

Plastic piping undergoes third-party certification through independent, accredited organizations that develop public health standards and certification programs to help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment. Plastic pipes have been certified to meet performance requirements and safe drinking water requirements, such as NSF/ANSI/CAN 61. If your piping has an accredited third-party certification mark, it’s safe to use for drinking water.

Myth: Plastic pipes can't be used in my area

Reality: Plastic piping is approved in every major plumbing code and the International Residential Code (IRC), the model used for most residential buildings. But this myth is partially true: National codes like the IRC are adopted and modified at the local level, and some jurisdictions around the country still limit or remove some or all plastic pipe in their version of the codes.

This is largely due to political pressure placed on code bodies by special interests as well as simple unfamiliarity or misconceptions, not because of quality, performance or other concerns. While these technically unjustified limitations are becoming rarer, you should confirm with the local code. Even with code limitations in some areas, plastic piping can still be used—your installer can apply for an exception, an alternate means or method, to the code that will allow the system to pass inspection.

Myth: I don't need to worry about what's behind my home's walls

Reality: While it’s easy to think “out of sight, out of mind,” the products behind your walls make up the structure and the mechanical inner workings of your home—they’re what keep your family safe and keep your home functional. Though not as glamorous as, say, a quartz countertop, it’s even more imperative to consider the materials behind the walls—selecting quality products will ensure there isn’t a slowly developing problem that will go from out of sight to front and center, and extremely costly, in a hurry.

A remodel of your kitchen, bath or laundry room is the perfect time to consider if the materials behind your walls are going to stand the test of time. Take the opportunity to inspect your existing pipes and consider their expected life span. Materials like copper may wear over time and develop pinhole leaks or pitting. Many plastic piping systems, including PVC, CPVC, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PEX, offer life spans of 50 to 75 years or more and are an affordable alternative to copper.

In addition, some types of plastic pipe are quite flexible and can be installed without having to tear out the entire wall and are ideal for tight spaces and retrofits.

Myth: Plastic pipes leach chemicals

Reality: It’s easy to think that because many plastics are made with chemical compounds that chemicals are automatically transferring to your water. But those chemical compounds are polymers and are not only inert, they don’t leach. In fact, plastic piping is the best choice to avoid corrosion, scale buildup, metallic leaching and damage from highly aggressive water. What’s more, plastic piping’s durability makes it suitable for a range of water types, including well water, water with high salt content and highly chlorinated water. Some types of plastic pipes can withstand extremely high temperatures, as well.

Ready to learn more about selecting the best plastic pipe for your home? Check out our blog post “Find the Right Plumbing Pipes for Your Home.”

What is going to add safety, reliability, and value to your home remodel? It starts behind the walls with your choice of piping materials.

While homeowners don’t often give their piping material much thought, it plays an important role in your family’s well-being, ensures the space functions as you need for as long as possible with minimal maintenance and may increase your home’s value.

Know Your Plastic Piping Options

Understanding the differences between pipe materials can help you better communicate your wishes to your remodeler or contractor. Discuss piping material early on in the project to make sure the materials you want installed are specified from the start.

Always check with your local code or enforcement authorities to ensure piping materials are approved for the application. If they’re not, you can often apply for an alternative material exemption. Another tip: Ask your neighbors to see what piping they have in their home and whether they’ve encountered any issues.

How Plastic Pipes Are Used in Your Home

The three most common uses for plastic piping in the home include:

●      Water service lines: the pipes leading from the street to your house that provide water from your local water department or utility.

●      Water distribution systems: the pipes inside your home that deliver hot and cold potable water to your faucets, showers, devices, and appliances.

●      Drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems: the pipes that collect and remove water, sewer gases and waste from toilets, showers, sinks and appliances.

The Benefits of Using Plastic Piping in Your Home

Regardless of which plastic piping you use for your home remodel or new-home build, rest assured knowing that all plastic piping share these benefits:

●      Safe and certified
Plastic piping undergoes third-party certification against an extremely stringent health-effects standard written by NSF International. Plastic pipes have been certified to meet performance requirements and safe drinking water requirements, such as NSF/ANSI/CAN 61. If your piping has the NSF (or other third-party) certification mark, it’s safe to use for drinking water.

●      Affordability and cost-savings
Plastic piping is a lower weight piping option, so it costs less to ship and is often easier to install. The time and labor savings mean you typically pay less and the project can be completed more quickly.

●      Flexibility
It’s easy to snake flexible plastic piping through walls, so you often can avoid tearing open existing walls—and costly associated repairs on retrofits and remodels.

●      Compatibility with existing systems
Plastic piping is compatible with most existing systems, so it’s easy to retrofit in an older home.

●      Durability and low-maintenance
Plastic piping is impervious to rust and corrosion. Many plastic piping systems will last 50 years or more, depending on the application.

●      Sustainability
Life cycle assessments show that plastic pipes have a smaller environmental impact compared to other materials.

What Are Plastic Pipes Made Of?

The majority of plastic piping is made from thermoplastics, which are materials that can be melted, shaped and molded, and cooled. Each type of pipe material is unique and ideal for certain applications in your home.

ABS — Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

Before picking out furniture, appliances or even decor for your new home or remodel, take a step back and consider something you’ll hope to never see again—the plumbing pipes.

Many homeowners let their builder, remodeler, or contractor choose the piping material and never question or give it a second thought; however, their choice can impact the well-being of your family, how well your new space functions, project costs and other factors.

Your builder or contractor will have excellent knowledge specific to your area, but ask questions and know your options so you can be part of the decision and comfortable with your piping choice.

Plumbing pipes for your home are either metal or plastic, with options falling under each.

Metal plumbing pipe options:

•  Copper
•  Cast iron
•  Galvanized steel (increasingly rare)

Plastic plumbing pipe options:

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
• CPVC (Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride))
• PE (Polyethylene)
• PE-RT (Polyethylene of Raised Temperature)
• PEX (Cross-Linked Polyethylene)
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• PP (Polypropylene)

4 Factors to Consider When Choosing Plumbing Pipe

Plastic piping is known for benefits including affordability, faster and more flexible installation, and durability, but do you know the difference between various plastic pipes? What is the best material for water pipes?

When determining which pipe and fitting material is best for your home build or remodel, there are certain key factors to consider. Your builder, contractor and local officials are great resources, but knowing some of the basics will make those discussions more productive.

PVC, CPVC and PEX Explained

PVC — Polyvinyl Chloride

A plumbing mainstay since the 1960s, PVC is the most widely used plastic piping in the plumbing and construction industry. In the U.S., PVC is made from natural gas and salt (yes, “salt”). Learn more about PVC’s history and how it’s made. PVC is corrosion-resistant and widely accepted by building codes for most piping applications (except hot water).

CPVC — Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride)

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. Because of its makeup, CPVC is immune to damage from highly chlorinated domestic water and has a higher temperature tolerance than PVC. Chlorine-based disinfection is used by water companies to kill disease-causing bacteria before water enters your home. Depending on your location and time of year, disinfection methods and levels in water systems can vary without notification. CPVC is corrosion-resistant. 

PEX — Cross-linked Polyethylene

PEX is a flexible plastic material made from medium- or high-density polyethylene. PEX piping has been used in hot- and cold-water distribution systems and for hydronic radiant heating in Europe for decades. Introduced into the U.S. in the 1980s, PEX is the most widely used flexible piping for plumbing and radiant floor heating applications. Due to its flexibility, it’s often a popular choice for remodels because it can be easily snaked through the walls. PEX tubing is recognized as acceptable for water distribution piping in all major model plumbing codes. Learn about the PEX manufacturing process.

Comparing PVC, CPVC and PEX

How PVC, CPVC, and PEX Are Used in the Home

Plumbing pipe is primarily used in three ways in your home, to:

1. Bring water from the local water utility to your house through water service lines.

1. Deliver hot and cold drinking water to your faucets, showers, toilets and appliances through water distribution systems inside your home.

1. Collect and remove water, sewer gases and waste from toilets, showers, sinks and appliances through drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems.

Based on these three functions, PVC, CPVC and PEX may work for some applications, but not others. 

While PVC is excellent for water service lines and DWV applications, it’s not recommended for hot-water distribution systems because it can only withstand temperatures up to 140℉. CPVC and PEX, however, can withstand temperatures up to 200℉. Most water heaters are set to heat water to no more than 140℉. 

Here’s an overview of some of the common ways PVC, CPVC and PEX can be used in the home. (Always check your local building codes to see what’s approved for your application and area.)

Average Lifespan

PVC, CPVC and PEX have been in use in residential plumbing applications for decades. Historical information, as well as independent research studies, indicate that PVC, CPVC and PEX can have a 50+ year life when installed correctly under the proper conditions.

Are CPVC, PVC & PEX Safe for Drinking Water?

All plastics used in potable water systems must be tested regularly and certified by a third-party certifier as meeting the strict public health requirements of NSF/ANSI/CAN 61. NSF International is an independent, accredited organization that develops public health standards and certification programs to help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment. This testing ensures that drinking water carried by plastic pipe meets the strictest health effects standards. You can look for the NSF (or other third party) certification to rest assured that your piping choice is safe for drinking.

You’re selective about the appliances, furniture and fixtures used in your new home or remodel, so why wouldn’t you be just as selective about the piping that carries your water? After all, beyond the risk for leaks, piping choice can impact your water quality and family’s safety and well-being, as well as the functionality of your appliances and kitchen, bath, fixtures and home itself.

At the start of your project, add plumbing pipe options to your list of items to discuss with your contractor or builder. Here are a few questions to help give you peace of mind with your plumbing pipe selection.

How Is the Water Quality in My Area?

Water quality varies widely. If you’re in an area with aggressive water, you will want a pipe that can withstand its corrosiveness to avoid pinhole leaks, clogs and premature failure. Plastic piping is a great option for aggressive water because it’s durable and corrosion-resistant. Unlike metal piping, plastic piping won’t develop pinhole leaks or experience pitting, a prime spot for bacteria to grow. Ask your contractor about how your area’s water is treated, as that impacts how aggressive it may be, and whether they choose pipe material accordingly.

What Piping Material Is Approved in My Area for My Application?

Your local building department will have guidelines on what piping materials are specifically approved for specific applications in the home. This is a great place to start as it’s often easier to work with an approved piping material. If not, your contractor can always apply for an “alternate approval” with the building department to use a material that’s not already part of the building code.

To explore the different types of plastic piping and how they are used in the home, read our Plastic Pipes 101 blog post. There is likely a variety of materials approved for use, so considering other factors, such as these questions, will help you determine the material that’s right for you.

What Piping Materials Do You or Your Contractors Have the Most Experience Installing?

Many plumbers and contractors may have a preferred go-to piping product. Even among plastics, they often use a specific plastic pipe, such as PEX, which is installed differently than other plastic pipe, such as CPVC (or vice versa). Feel free to ask how long they have been installing that type of piping and how many projects they’ve worked on.

If you decide to go with a piping product that your contractor or plumber doesn’t have experience installing, request to work with someone who does.

Are There Any Risks Associated With This Piping Material?

Are you concerned about installation risks, chemical leaching, bacteria growth, leaks, pitting, corrosion, maintenance, etc.? Ask what risks might be associated with the piping material the builder or contractor has selected.

Knowing how it’s installed can also identify other risks. Metal piping, for example, requires an open flame to install. This can be risky for new home builds or remodels that have flammable materials on-site, as it increases the risk of a fire. Plastics, however, don’t require a flame and are installed using fittings, fixtures and/or solvent cement. Copper pipe is occasionally stolen from jobsites, sometimes causing damage to the project.

How Much Will It Cost?

Consider the material cost, delivery time and fees, labor and installation. Some products, like metal, have a higher upfront cost. With lower material, delivery, labor and installation costs, plastic piping has become a popular, budget-friendly choice.

For remodels, you will also want to consider where you need to run new lines and tap into existing ones. The flexibility of some types of plastic piping allows it to snake through walls, and plastic piping is compatible with most existing systems. Metal plumbing requires some tear down, so you’ll want to account for associated repair costs.

Finally, if you have a larger home, some layouts and designs might require special installation, such as manifold piping, to help accelerate delivery, particularly for hot water. Plastic piping is the most flexible and cost-effective option for manifolds, which are like switchboards for your plumbing, and traditional trunk and branch installations.