The Successful Comparison in Matters of CPVC to PEX pipes


Why to choose CPVC over the PEX pipes

The parts that attach and connect CPVC pipes are called CPVC pipe fittings. First, Let’s examine what kind of material CPVC is to comprehend the advantages of utilizing CPVC pipe fittings. Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride, or CPVC, is a corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and long-lasting plastic. Because of their ability to tolerate high pressure and temperatures, CPVC Repipe fittings may be used in various settings. Chemical processing facilities, industrial piping systems, and hot and cold water delivery systems often employ these pipe fittings. They are renowned for having high flow rates, which can raise a plumbing system’s effectiveness.

Readiness of the Pipes

These fittings, including elbows, tees, couplings, reducers, and adapters, are available in various sizes and forms. CPVC Repipe may be readily attached to these fittings using solvent cement welding or mechanical joining methods. To create a solid and leak-proof union, solvent cement welding entails applying a unique adhesive to the ends of the pipe and fitting it before attaching it. On the other hand, mechanical joining entails connecting the pipe and fitting it with a compression fitting or clamp. The CPVC ball valve is one of the most often used varieties of CPVC pipe fittings. This kind of fitting is simple to use and is used to regulate the flow of fluids in a plumbing system. 

Quality of the Pipes

Like polybutylene, PEX is a European technology not naturally resistant to American water treatment chemicals. Chlorine and related compounds, including chloramine and chlorine dioxide, are the main offenders. Even though PEX makers have made several attempts to innovate the material to reduce product liability claims, CPVC to PEX pipes can still degrade chlorine in some circumstances. It is clear from PEX ratings. PEX tubing is not listed to function in chlorinated water, even if it may have a temperature and pressure rating of 100 psi at 180°F. When chlorine-based disinfectants are used, PEX’s temperature rating drops by forty degrees Fahrenheit.

Specialty of the Pipes

According to a Plastic Pipe Institute (PPI) technical report from 2018, operating above such ratings may lead to shorter service life. The technical paper emphasizes that temperature, pressure, or extremes in water quality can drastically shorten a PEX pipe’s service life. Less than ten years after installation, CPVC to PEX pipes had to undergo a full re-pipe due to pinhole leaks and pipe failures in hot chlorinated water. Because chlorine is a part of the molecular structure of gold CPVC, it is naturally resistant to chlorine, and the presence of chlorine does not affect the material’s ratings. For over 60 years, gold pipes and fittings have also shown to be dependable when used with American water. 

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