Learn about the main differences between CPVC pipes and PVC pipes
What Are PVC Pipes?
PVC pipes are made from polyvinyl chloride, a man-made plastic, commonly used to create with added stabilizers that prevent oxidation and degradation. These pipes are also known as uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes.
What Are CPVC Pipes?
CPVC plumbing pipes are made from Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride, a thermoplastic material that can withstand higher temperatures and is more flexible and durable. These pipes are used for both hot and cold water passage and other industrial liquids.
Difference Between CPVC And UPVC Pipes
Life
The life of PVC pipes purely depends on the quality of raw materials and the percentage of fillers used in the pipes. Whereas the life of a CPVC pipe is almost 50 years depending on the pipe quality with an additional safety factor 105 times.
Material Type
The material used to make PVC pipes are PVC resin + additives [lead used as processing aid]. The CPVC pipes are made from finished compounds that are lead-free making them potable water certified.
Jointing Systems
PVC pipes use a plain solvent or threaded joining system. UPVC pipes use both solvents well as threaded joining systems. Moreover, the CPVC pipe solvent cement is manufactured by pipe manufacturers.
Chances Of Breakage
With time, the PVC pipes become brittle as they are rigid and filled with a high percentage of fillers. CPVC pipes have a low breakability as though the material is rigid, the filler content is negligible.
Effect On Water
PVC pipes use lead as a processing aid that is harmful for human consumption. Also, these pipes are not NSF certified. CPVC pipes use the tin as stabilizers that make them potable water certified.
Temperature
PVC pipes are suitable for temperatures below 50-degree Celsius, meaning they can be used in only cold water applications. CPVC pipes can withstand high temperatures up to 92-degree Celsius making them compatible with both hot and cold water.
Effect Of Pressure
With a rise in each point of temperature, the chances of degradation in PVC pipes are very high. In CPVC pipes, the chance of degradation is less and the strength to handle pressure is more.
Quality
Without much care for the quality of PVC pipes, the manufacturers overload them with filler materials to stay competitive in the market. In the case of CPVC pipes, the compounds are pre compounded and cannot be mixed with fillers. Also, the compounds used for these pipes are NSF certified.
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