
Can PVC pipe be used for hot water?
A. PVC is rated for temperatures up to 140°F (60°C) without pressure and 100°F (38°C) with pressure. Due to these limitations, PVC is not rated for hot water systems. It is usable for water, gas, and drainage systems, however.
What temperature is too hot for PVC pipe?
For this reason, it is recommended that PVC pipe and fittings be used only for applications where the water temperature does not exceed 140F. Even if your application involves water at temperatures nearing 130F, I would recommend another material, as temperatures have a tendency to fluctuate, and it's always better to err on the safe side.
Can you use PVC pipe for water heater TPR discharge?
Can you use PVC pipe for the water heater temperature pressure relief (TPR) discharge pipe? No. PVC pipe is not rated by the building code for use with hot water, so the installation shown above is wrong and unsafe. If the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve opens because the water heater is overheating, the water will be over 200º F.
What's a good alternative to PVC for hot water lines?
Even if your application involves water at temperatures nearing 130F, I would recommend another material, as temperatures have a tendency to fluctuate, and it's always better to err on the safe side. So what's your alternative to PVC for hot water lines? CPVC CPVC is a thermoplastic just like PVC, and it comes in pipe and fittings just like PVC.
What temperature does PVC pipe break down?
What is CPVC pipe?
What is the maximum temperature for Schedule 40 PVC?

What is PVC pipe used for?
Typically, PVC pipes are used for sink, toilet, and bathtub drain lines, as well as for main water supply lines, irrigation piping, and vent stacks. PVC was one of the first types of plastic pipes that were used to replace old copper pipes.
What is the best pipe for high temperatures?
CPVC pipes: For a plastic pipe that can withstand high temperatures, CPVC is a great option. CPVC, which stands for chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, is more flexible and can handle much higher temperatures than PVC. CPVC pipes can handle water heated up to 82 degrees Celsius, so warping isn’t an issue.
What is PEX pipe?
PEX pipes: Pipes made from PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) are more durable than copper and can handle both hot and cold water temperatures. PEX is much more resistant to acidic water than copper. These pipes, also called XLPEI pipes, are an affordable option and often last for more than 50 years.
What material is used for plumbing?
Thankfully, there are many other material choices for your home’s plumbing system pipes. Galvanized steel, copper, CPVC, and PEX are all typically used for pipes. Each material has different strengths and weaknesses, in terms of how they handle extreme temperatures, how long they last, how easy they are to install and repair, and how long the pipes will last.
How long do copper pipes last?
However, with age and use, copper pipes begin to thin and leak, though they should last for up to 50 years.
How hot can PEX be?
PEX can handle water heated up to 120 degrees Celsius without melting or warping. It’s easy to use and install, as it’s flexible and doesn’t need many joints, and it’s easy to transport.
Is PVC pipe bad for you?
It’s made of vinyl chloride and organotin compounds which can cause negative health reactions and are carcinogenic. Chemicals usually stay locked inside the pipe material but can leach into your water supply. In fact, drinking water from a PVC pipe may have a plastic taste to it. This is why we discourage PVC plastic pipes from being used for drinking water.
What temperature is PVC pipe stiff?
As with dimensions and pressure capacity, published pipe stiffness figures are applicable only for 73°F operating temperatures.
How much length variation is allowed in PVC pipe?
A good rule of thumb in design of PVC pipe and conduit systems is to allow 3/8” length variation for every 100 feet of pipe for each 10°F change in temperature. ( This rule is independent of pipe size .) Table 1 can also be used to determine the effects of temperature changes on the length of PVC pipe and conduit.
What is PVC thermoplastic?
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic, and as such, its physical properties change with temperature variations. Dimensions, pressure capacity, and stiffness are all affected by temperature changes.
What temperature is PVC pipe used for?
The ASTM standard recommends PVC to be utilized in applications not exceeding 140 degree Fahrenheit (60 degree Celsius).
What type of pipes are used for hot water?
The following are the types of pipes ideal for hot water supply. Cross-linked Polyethylene (PEX) pipes. PEX pipes are predominantly one of the best pipes used in this modern world. It shouldn’t be a big surprise if it’s said to be designed for multi-purpose use.
What is CPVC pipe?
CPVC pipes; Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a homo-polymer PVC which has been subjected to a chlorination reaction. Its application is commonly specified for use ranging from chemical Processing plants and mineral processing plants to residential houses.
How thick is a PVC pipe?
However, if you are still interested or bent on keeping or using a PVC pipe for your hot water system, there is small hack; purchase PVC pipes of 5mm to 6mm thickness in external diameter (it can be of PVC or other materials) and utilize threaded fittings , teflon tape and adhesive together.
Which is better PEX or PB?
The very first advantage is; PEX has over PB pipe is a greater tolerance to high pressures and temperatures. Taking the tolerance to high temperature has a consideration; PEX is a far better take than PB because water temperature can vary in hot water systems.
What are the three factors that determine the hot water pipe?
Pipes to be used for hot water supply should be able to satisfy three specific points or factors, which are; No electrolytic corrosion. Suitable for intended water pressure and flow rate. Suitable for water temperature it will be subjected to.
Is PEX hot water good?
With thorough researches and observations, PEX stands to be the best choice for hot water systems within your domestic environment; its ability to preserve energy and resist detrimental effects from hot water and its added benefits of being cheap and easy to install makes it a strong candidate when considering pipes to use for your hot water supply.
What is the phone number for polyvinyl chloride pipe?
Browse our inventory of polyvinyl chloride pipe (pvc pipe) below. If you can't find what you need, give us a call at (866) 777-7990. We have product experts on staff that can help select the right material based on application / need.
Is PVC hot water rated?
A. PVC is not rated for hot water use, so plumbing code prevents it from being used in water supply lines. However, it is often used in drainage systems. PVC fittings used for drainage are usually called DWV (drain, waste, & vent) fittings. Q.
What temperature does PVC pipe break down?
The short answer: No. Explanation: PVC is a thermoplastic, and therefore, at some point it will begin to degrade and break down as it's heated up. It just so happens that Schedule 40 PVC's maximum operating temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, ...
What is CPVC pipe?
CPVC is a thermoplastic just like PVC, and it comes in pipe and fittings just like PVC. The difference lies in the chemical makeup. CPVC material goes though an extra chlorination process that gives the plastic slightly different qualities - one of which is a higher maximum operating temperature. CPVC (schedule 80) pipe is rated for use up ...
What is the maximum temperature for Schedule 40 PVC?
It just so happens that Schedule 40 PVC's maximum operating temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, around the same temperature that hot water gets to in most homes. That max operating temperature of 140F means that any temperature above this will cause the schedule 40 PVC pipes to break down, compromising the integrity of the pipe ...
