Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: cpvc vs copper

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Plumbing
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 31 May 2001
Time: 02:28 AM

Comments

The CPVC vs. copper debate rages on. Builders Websource has received several questions about this and, as a result, we have developed a more comprehensive treatment of this subject which is available online for a nominal fee by clicking here. Manufacturers of each product claim theirs is best. Filtering through the "interest groups" makes it difficult to separate marketing hype from scientific fact. However, we have now compiled nearly 100 pages of research on this topic and have made our findings available to the public in a comprehensive tech note. We hope you find this service of value.

However, to address your question briefly, either CPVC or copper is suitable for residential hot and cold water supply assuming installation procedures are followed. California was one of the last states to permit its use under limited situations. Generally, copper has proven to be an excellent, long lasting delivery vehicle for water supply, so the track record is indisputable. Most plumbers and insurance companies will stand by the proven performance and durability of copper.

CPVC, on the other hand, is relatively newer, though has been installed in some 8 million homes. CPVC tends to be less expensive, and so is preferred by home developers to save cost and make the homes more affordable. Some complain of the plastic impacting the taste of the water. Others say that they can taste the copper in the water, so this is not scientific proof in favor of one over the other. Also, according to the EPA, even the most current legal formulation of copper pipe contains trace amounts of lead, which can leach into the water supply during the first few years of operation, until a mineral coating can build up on the interior copper tubing. It is unclear whether this is a health hazard. Equally unclear is whether there is any adverse health hazard from the glue or resins used in CPVC.

There is one situation where CPVC clearly shines, and that's when the water supply is corrosive as measured by pH tests and other minerals present. In this case, CPVC is a superior solution since it does not react with the water, whereas copper can deteriorate over time.

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