Dangers of CPVC

CPVC is a popular pipe material, but there are some dangers you might not have been aware of.

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#Plumber #Plumbing #OptionOnePlumbing

[mrfu]

She touching the pvc drain under the sink! Which is not cpvc nor is it a water line…

[jonathanmcdougal]

I love how she points out the trap as a water line 😂

[Hasher]

I had to learn how to replace the old steal lines with copper ones in my entire home because I could not find a plumber that would do the job without using CPVC. I'm glad I just did it myself.

[larryc]

I plumbed my house with CPVC when I built it in 1979. Everything is CPVC, and I have had no troubles at all. None.

[rickhibdon]

I suspect the biggest problem with CPVC is improper installations. Every joint should be thoroughly primed, cemented, then twisted in place. I did a 1/2 bath and kitchen in my house in CPVC over 40 years ago and it's still fine.
However, about 12 years back, I changed over to using copper or PEX exclusively. PS. I'm a licensed plumber

[lokirip]

Im a licensed home inspector and former plumber. I've used cpvc in many many jobs including my own home. It's rated for the same lifespan as copper. Yes, you can't hit it hard after it's been installed for a decade, as it can be brittle, but left undisturbed it's great material if installed correctly.

[xinfuxia]

Here in NC, our town has the best quality water supply. My 22 years old house has white PVC for cold water and yellow striped CPVC for hot water. A few days ago, the CPVC line in the basement broke at a long stretch part without any trigger event. My neighbors CPVC lines started breaking in recent years. That we need a whole house repipe work is just a matter of when not if.

[hanky]

Crazy that cpvc is still being used. Im in Remodeling and have broken cpvc on multiple occasions barley bumping into it. Sad they can still sell it

[garyK.ACP]

CPVC was the "next best thing" just as PEX is now. Oh, and polybutylene was the "next-best-thing" at one time also.🙄
One thing to remember is that every element of a home has an expected life. Learn what to expect and replace the elements before they will naturally fail. 🤔

[pauljanssen]

This is very true I've wondered about these pipes for many years just lately working on a system that had to be re-fixed I noticed the pipes are very fragile in the old days guys are using schedule 40 they just lightly sanded the joints with some sandpaper and never had any problems personally I've use schedule 40 on air lines going up to 120 lb of pressure in my shop. And I've seen many shops with schedule 40 for air lines.

[JustJanitor]

Pretty much every house in my area has cpvc. It's been in use for years it is fine it is used for hot water applications where regular pvc won't work. No matter what your pipes are made of eventually they will need replacing.

[NkySpike]

Our house was built 2008, and just last month about 2am I noticed a small puddle of water on the floor in the section of our unfinished basement. I looked up and notice in the middle of a 10ft section of CPVC pipe water droplet was forming, about ever 30 second it would drop to the floor. Turn the water main off, and noticed a pin size hole in the CPVC pipe, lucking I was able to use some plastic epoxy I had to fix the pipe. After 4 hr later epoxy fully cured and I was able to turn the main back on.
I was lucky that night because that section of CPVC was in an open area of the house, we have 3 floor house with CPVC running all through the walls.

So be very careful when turning on or off the water valves behind your toilet or under your sink, you could just crack the CPVC not meaning to.

[Cotronixco]

Why did they show a PVC drain pipe, and call it a CPVC supply pipe? If you're going to report a story, get it right FIRST!

[moegreen]

This is the best you need a plumber commercial i have ever seen. As a plumber thank you

[wallypoly]

I'm using copper in my supply lines. I've never felt comfortable about CPVC or PVC over a period of time. I don't even entertain PEX. I stay with the technology that has been around for thousands of years.

[jefflemieux]

I have more problems with the fittings.
The inside of the elbows and tees get these pin holes that spray a light mist and it takes a long time to show up on the drywall so keep looking up ever so often and catch it right away.

[f.demascio]

I only use CPVC for pan drains and relief valve outlets.
It does okay for cold water, but gets brittle on the hot side.

[functionalvanconversion]

True for these pipes and pretty much all pipes depending on age, even Uponor pipes are leaking. The amount of waste created from having to tear up walls, floors and ceilings is insane. We need young smart people innovating this antiquated technology.

[tonyfoxxbuilds]

Never used that stuff on the west coast. I've always used copper, Just recently started using pex with crimp rings. I like it for cheap projects but will always prefer copper.

[azmendozafamily]

It really makes you think when the INSURANCE COMPANY insists that PVC and CPVC be used over other piping systems. The last thing the insurance company wants is to get another claim on your house's piping.

PVC and CPVC feature ease of use which means lower labor cost, and they are reliable. The insurance company does not want to choose a product that has a history of failing. The failure is in the way it was installed.

Reliable joints are made when following the manufacturer's procedures. Prime your joints aggressively, use the correct cement, and let the product cure long enough before testing with pressurized water. Secure the piping but not so constrained that it can't expand/contract with temperature changes. Test your work to 150% of normal operating pressure, and you will have a long and happy existence with your PVC or CPVC piping. The pipe is not bad, it's the workmanship.