what is the difference between schedule 80 pvc and cpvc

Schedule 80

refers to the thickness of the pipe, and CPVC refers to the chemical makeup of the pipe. Therefore, schedule 80 CPVC is able to tolerate the PSI levels of schedule 80 PVC, which vary depending on the size of the pipe, while handling the temperatures of CPVC (200⁰ F). Beyond the Chemical Makeup

Full Answer

What is the difference between PVC schedule 40 and PVC 80?

There are two common types of PVC pipe - schedule 40 PVC and schedule 80 PVC. Schedule 40 PVC is usually white in color and schedule 80 is usually a dark gray (they can also be found in other colors). Their most important difference, though, is in their design. Schedule 80 pipe is designed with a thicker wall.

When to use a schedule 80 PVC pipe?

What is Schedule 80 PVC pipe used for? Schedule 80 PVC pipe is used for industrial and higher pressure water flow applications. Schedule 80 PVC pipe can handle 140 degrees F in temperature. The pipe comes in standard 10' or 20' sections and is available in plain end or belled end so no coupling is needed for installation.

What is schedule 80 pipe used for?

We’ll explain below. The main and most important difference between these two pipe types is their thickness. Schedule 80 pipes are stronger and thicker, as they are designed to withstand higher pressures. It is used when you need to transport water or liquid under higher pressure.

What is schedule 80 plastic pipe?

Schedule 80 pipes have a thick wall and are used for high pressure operations in a commercial and industrial setting. Schedule 40 pipes have thinner walls and are intended mostly for residential settings. Due to the smaller inner diameter of a Schedule 80 pipe, it offers a restricted flow compared to a Schedule 40 pipe of the same size.

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What is better PVC or CPVC?

We recommend the use of PVC for recreational use/building, cold water systems, vent systems, and drainage systems. CPVC is recommended for applications where the maximum temperature will exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but stay under CPVC's max rating of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does Schedule 80 have CPVC?

Corzan® CPVC pipe and fittings are available in schedule 40 and schedule 80 nominal pipe sizes (NPS).

Are PVC and CPVC interchangeable?

For example, CPVC solvent cements must meet ASTM F493 specifications, and PVC solvent cements must meet ASTM D2564 specifications. Because of this, CPVC and PVC pipes and fittings, along with their solvents and bonding agents, should not be used interchangeably.

Can you glue CPVC to Sch 80 PVC?

A: Yes. CPVC solvent cement technically will work on PVC piping. However, we recommend that the correct Weld-On primer and PVC solvent cement for the particular application should be used.

Where can CPVC not be used?

Not for Applications in Freezing Conditions Although both types of pipes can keep water cold, they cannot withstand freezing temperatures. Therefore, you cannot install CPVC piping in a location that will potentially be exposed to temperatures under 32 F.

Can you use Schedule 80 PVC for hot water?

CPVC (schedule 80) pipe is rated for use up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it ideal for use on hot water lines in homes and businesses.

How can you tell PVC from CPVC?

They both are strong and rigid forms of pipe, and they can be found in the same pipe and fitting sizes. The only real visible difference may be in their color – PVC is generally white while CPVC comes in a cream color.

What advantage does CPVC have over PVC?

CPVC (chlorinated poly (vinyl chloride) is a strong and rigid thermoplastic material that is used for hot and cold potable water applications in residential construction. Because of its makeup, CPVC is immune to damage from highly chlorinated domestic water and has a higher temperature tolerance than PVC.

Will CPVC pipe crack in the cold?

A freeze event in a plastic water piping system is a complex phenomenon. PVC and CPVC pipe filled with water, sealed and placed in a freezing environment typically will not crack. The pipes will expand to absorb the net volumetric expansion of ice.

How long before CPVC becomes brittle?

According to the experts at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), CPVC pipes are expected to last for 50 to 75 years under optimal conditions. Unfortunately, many area homeowners are seeing cracks in their CPVC installations after as little as 14 years.

Why can't you use PVC glue CPVC?

It breaks down the surface of the pipe it is applied to and chemically bonds pipes and fittings together. For this reason, you cannot use just any PVC cement to join these two materials together.

Do you sand CPVC pipe before gluing?

Step 1. Lay out the CPVC pipes to be fitted together. Push the pipes together in the couplings to make sure they fit, and check the pipes for burrs which must be removed with light sandpaper before gluing together.

What schedule pipe is CPVC?

CPVC Schedule 40 pressure pipe has an upper working temperature limit of 200°F (93°C) and has longer support spacing than PVC Schedule 40 pipes. Schedule 40 CPVC systems can be found in water and wastewater treatment, hot chemical drainage and plating applications, amongst others.

What type of pipe is schedule 80?

Schedule 80 pipes have a thick wall and are used for high pressure operations in a commercial and industrial setting. Schedule 40 pipes have thinner walls and are intended mostly for residential settings.

What is Schedule 80 pipe made of?

PVCOther Schedules & Materials PVC is most commonly found in schedule 40 and 80, but schedule 120 PVC pipe exists also. This is an even thinner wall pipe than schedule 40.

What type of plastic is schedule 80?

PVC Schedule 80 PipePVC Schedule 80 Pipe is for pressure applications and has a thicker wall than Schedule 40 pipe. It is highly durable, easy to install and has better sound deadening qualities than PVC and ABS Foam Core pipes. Installation requires the use of primer and solvent cement.

What is PVC pipe?

It's the white plastic pipe commonly used for plumbing and drainage. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride, and it’s become a common replacement for metal piping. PVC’s strength, durability, easy installation, and low cost have made it one of the most widely used plastics in the world.

How is CPVC altered?

CPVC is altered by a free radical chlorination reaction that effectively increases the chlorine content of the material . CPVC is also a thermoplastic that is molded into many of the same products as PVC. This difference in makeup allows CPVC to withstand a wider range of temperatures.

Why do you need different primers for PVC?

Because of the differences in chemical makeup, sometimes PVC or CPVC also require different primers and solvents for connecting pipe and fitting joints.

What temperature should PVC be used for?

CPVC is recommended for applications where the maximum temperature will exceed 140 degrees Fahrenheit, but stay under CPVC's max rating of 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature does CPVC need to be to be able to withstand?

Temperatures over this can cause softening of the material and weakening of joints. CPVC on the other hand can handle temperatures up to 200 degrees F.

Is PVC hot water?

PVC is still often used for unheated water as well as for vent and drainage systems; however, CPVC has become widely used for both hot and cold potable water. The more resistant properties of CPVC make it useful for commercial and industrial applications as well.

Can NPS pipe be mixed?

All NPS size pipe and fittings will fit together, but it is not recommended that you mix and match materials. Mixing materials can compromise the pipe line's temperature and pressure ratings. For that reason we always recommend any pressurized pipe system be constructed using matching piping material and schedules.

What does C mean in PVC?

C is for Chlorinated: CPVC is basically just PVC with more chlorine (via an additional chemical reaction in the manufacturing process). How much more depends on the manufacturer, but it can be as much as a 20% increase. The additional chlorine in the pipe itself has no effect on the water moving through it. Temperature Resistance: PVC is safe ...

What temperature is PVC pipe safe for?

Temperature Resistance: PVC is safe for residential water applications below 140°F, while CPVC is safe at temperatures up to 200°F.

Why use CPVC in fire sprinklers?

CPVC is widely used in fire sprinkler systems thanks to its heat resistance, low price, durability, and ease of installation. Because it's a plastic, it's relatively unreactive and will not rust like metal options - a very good thing for a safety system.

What is PVC used for?

PVC is also a popular choice for yard irrigation and sprinkler systems. Flexible PVC is often used for pool, spa, or hot tub installations where rigid piping may not fit as well or require more joints.

Why is PVC not used in plumbing?

Note: Plumbing code prohibits PVC from being used for indoor distribution because of its lower heat resistance (140°F). Even if your water heater is set well below 140°F, the actual output temperature from the heater can fluctuate wildly, opening the door to pipe damage.

Is PVC glue interchangeable with CPVC?

Pro Tip: Both PVC and CPVC require primer and solvent cement ("glue") in order to be joined to fittings. These products are not interchangeable between the two plastics - always check the label to be sure you're using the proper product for the material.

Can CPVC be used in a house?

While CPVC can technically do anything PVC can, its use in the home is usually limited to indoor water distribution (the system of pipes that carry water to fixtures around the house). CPVC is ideal for homes with corrosive water or soil conditions.

What is the difference between PVC and CPVC?

The sizing standards can also differ between PVC and CPVC. PVC has its own sizing standard in North America called Nominal Pipe Size (NPS). While schedule 80 CPVC is also labeled in NPS standards, CTS CPVC is measured using the Copper Tube Size (CTS) system.

How to tell the difference between schedule 80 and CTS?

So how do you know the difference between schedule 80 CPVC and CTS CPVC? The coloring of the pipe can be a clue—schedule 80 CPVC is often a light gray color, while CTS CPVS is an off-white/yellowish color. However, these are not necessarily industry standards, and the only sure way to tell is to check the labeling on the pipe .

What is PVC pipe?

What is PVC? PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipe and fittings are commonly used for plumbing, as well as venting and drainage applications. PVC is available in schedule 40 and schedule 80, with the difference being that schedule 80 is thicker and can handle higher pressures.

What is Schedule 80 PVC?

Schedule 80 refers to the thickness of the pipe , and CPVC refers to the chemical makeup of the pipe. Therefore, schedule 80 CPVC is able to tolerate the PSI levels of schedule 80 PVC, which vary depending on the size of the pipe, while handling the temperatures of CPVC (200⁰ F). Beyond the Chemical Makeup.

How is hydrogen replaced in PVC?

This is done by taking chlorine gas and decomposing it into free radical chlorine, which is then joined with the PVC.

Which is better, PVC or CPVC?

If you are working with plumbing in your home, building a cold water plumbing system, or building a vent and draining system, PVC is generally the best option. It’s generally capable of handling these applications and is more budget friendly than CPVC.

What Is PVC?

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic that’s been used for plumbing and piping since the 1950s. PVC is made from oil and natural gas, so it’s a non-renewable resource.

What Is CPVC?

CPVC, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, is a type of plastic that was first introduced in the 1960s. It’s made from PVC resin and chlorine gas, so it’s not a renewable resource.

PVC vs CPVC: Important Differences

PVC and CPVC are both available in a range of standard sizes. However, the actual dimensions can vary depending on whether you’re working with PVC or CPVC pipes.

Final Words

PVC vs CPVC has a lot of differences, but the most important one is their temperature tolerance. PVC can be used in applications with high heat that would break down other types of piping materials.

What is the temperature range of my system?

Before the pipe ever gets to a melting point, though, it loses some of the properties that make PVC a desirable choice in the first place. As PVC is heated, the pipe and fitting's max pressure rating is derated. Since the properties of PVC change depending on the temperature, 73°F is used as the standard temperature for which PVC pipe and fittings are rated; the further the temperature gets from the 73°F rating point, the more the properties of the PVC change from their listing. PVC has a max operating temperature of 140°F. PVC is derated according to the chart below:

What PSI is the system running at?

The final factor for determining the fit for PVC is actually a factor we've heavily discussed: pressure. As we discussed, the max pressure a PVC system is capable of withstanding is derated with increasing temperatures. As a result, we must apply the derating factor from the previous section to determine which types of PVC may fit our needs. Below you can find a max pressure chart for each of the different types of PVC by width; be sure to multiply by the derating factor for your project if necessary.

What is the temperature of PVC pipe?

As PVC is heated, the pipe and fitting's max pressure rating is derated. Since the properties of PVC change depending on the temperature, 73°F is used as the standard temperature for which PVC pipe and fittings are rated; the further the temperature gets from the 73°F rating point, the more the properties of the PVC change from their listing.

What is the first factor to look at when determining eligibility for a job to use Schedule 40, Schedule 80,?

The first factor that we look at for determining the eligibility of a job to use Schedule 40, Schedule 80, or CPVC is the material being transported. While PVC is mostly inert, it is a polymer and does react with some materials. If your system will be transporting chemicals of any kind, you should check the charts below to ensure that PVC is capable of performing the task at hand.

Why is it important to select the correct type of PVC?

Since each type of PVC has different costs, it's important to ensure that the PVC you choose for your project is not only durable enough for the use-case but also affordable; overengineering can cost real money.

Can you use PVC on a job?

Some jobs may not be able to be completed with PVC, but those jobs are outside of the scope of this article; if your job can't be serviced with PVC, contact us and we'll go over your project and make a recommendation on the best material for your job.

How much pressure can a schedule 40 pipe take?

With schedule piping, obviously, the smaller the diameter of the pipe, the more pressure the pipe can take as the wall thickness of the pipe is the same. Conversely, the larger the pipe, the less pressure can be taken and the lower the pressure rating. For instance, a 10″ schedule 40 pipe can only take 145 psi. However, a 3/4″ Schedule 40 can take significantly more at 480 psi.

What is schedule 40 pipe?

the thickness of the pipe walls. Schedule 40 pipe conforms to the old “standard” label for piping and is considered the same up to 10″ in diameter. All Schedule 40 piping, no matter the diameter of the pipe, has 3/8″ walls. Schedule 80 pipe has 1/2″ walls and conforms to the old “extra strong” label up to 8″ in diameter.

How to contact South Austin Irrigation?

Call South Austin Irrigation at (512) 534-7449 to find out how we can help you with your irrigation system.

Why is PVC gray?

Pipe manufacturers usually make it gray just to differentiate it from standard schedule 40 PVC (though you should always check the manufacturer markings on the pipe to be sure).

How much pressure is needed for a 4" PVC pipe?

The amount of pressure a pipe is rated for varies based on size, but a 4” schedule 80 PVC pipe for instance is rated at 320 PSI while a schedule 40 PVC pipe of the same size is only rated at 220 PSI. You can find schedule 80 pipe used most often in heavy duty commercial and industrial applications.

What is the difference between schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC?

There are two common types of PVC pipe – schedule 40 PVC and schedule 80 PVC. Schedule 40 PVC is usually white in color and schedule 80 is usually a dark gray (they can also be found in other colors). Their most important difference, though, is in their design. Schedule 80 pipe is designed with a thicker wall. This means the pipe is thicker and stronger, and as a result it can handle higher pressures.

What is Schedule 40 PVC?

This pipe is best suited for drainage, irrigation, and other cold water systems. Schedule 40 PVC pipe is strong, rigid, and can handle pressure applications.

Which is better, schedule 40 or schedule 80?

Schedule 40 PVC pipe is strong, rigid, and can handle pressure applications. For jobs that require a higher pressurization though, schedule 80 pipe is better suited. Most PVC pipe and fittings have a maximum pressure rating listed so you know what it can handle.

Is schedule 40 PVC good for pool chairs?

Schedule 40 PVC is also relatively inexpensive which makes it great for non-plumbing applications like a PVC pool chair or science project. Don't forget your fittings come in both schedules also! That means all the tees, elbows and couplings come in both schedule 40 and schedule 80 options.

Is schedule 80 PVC heavier than schedule 40?

Since schedule 80 PVC has a thicker wall, it is heavier than comparable schedule 40 pipe and fittings. That generally makes it more pricey to ship and more difficult to handle when installing large size pipe and fittings.