(However, balance this factor against the lower labor cost to install PEX⦠Their unique material thicknesses and smoothness ratings both affect cost and flow rates. Much less cost initially than copper. PEX is an excellent choice especially for remodel projects for a few reasons. Making the choice between PEX or CPVC pipe depends on a number of factors. CPVC pipe is non‐toxic. However, PEX fits better to metal applications than PVC and CPVC; in a copper-to-plastic connection, PEX would be more reliable to resist corrosion. We will start by looking at the materials. PEX pipe originally gained significant U.S. market share when polybutylene pipe fell out of favor with an onslaught of lawsuits dictating a need for a replacement. Though it is not harmful and doesn't contain any hazardous substances, the taste can be less than appetizing. The flame‐resistant quality of CPVC pipe is another attractive quality. PEX piping has been used in hot- and cold-water distribution systems and for hydronic radiant heating in Europe for decades. In addition, third-party research has found that CPVC installs about 15% faster than PEX in its most common configuration. Making the choice of PEX vs. CPVC an easy one, that no one should ⦠Price. Ultraviolet rays can come from the sun, fluorescent bulbs or new CFL lightbulbs. Pex is a water supply piping system that doesnât corrode or develop pinhole leaks, is chlorine-resistant, scale-resistant, and has fewer fittings, connections, and elbows than rigid plastic and metallic pipe These two materials may seem similar due to their flexible nature, but their composition, application, and installation, are totally different. Cheaper than copper and about the same price as CPVC. Pex vs. CPVC and Copper PEX CPVC COPPER All of these factors make PEX pipe a cost‐efficient yet durable option if you're on a budget. The 1960 NAHB Home used a CPVC plumbing system made with the same technology that would evolve into todayâs FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings brand. The fittings used to fix CPVC pipe can crack or warp if they are dropped or the foundation of the structure shifts during a remodel or earthquake. CPVC is corrosion-resistant. Ask Question Asked 3 years, 3 months ago. Another time when you should choose CPVC vs PVC is in replacing copper pipes. For this reason, the products are tested to ASTM F2023 for chlorine resistance. Due to its flexibility that allows it to expand and contract, PEX pipe is considerably more burst‐resistant than plastic pipe that is rigid and prone to cracking. PEX tubing is a clear second and actually ⦠FlowGuard Gold® pipes and fittings are Americaâs most proven non-metallic hot and cold water distribution piping system, having been reliably used to deliver clean, safe drinking water in American homes for 60 years. For this reason, leading a PEX manufacturer explicitly states âdo not install PEX tubing within 5 feet of direct view from fluorescent lighting without sleeving the tubing with a UV-blocking material.â. PEX has quite a bit in common with PVC pipes. According to a 2018 technical note issued by the Plastic Pipe Institute (PPI), it was found that any combination of these factors can significantly reduce the service life of a PEX pipe. Even with the advent of PEX, many professional plumbers still prefer to use copper pipe. Thereâs good reason for that â they are tremendously durable and ⦠FlowGuard Gold CPVC will not allow outside contaminants to enter your drinking water through the pipe without causing the pipe to fail. This time to failure can be reduced by several factors, including elevated temperatures or pressures, or environmental exposure to UV rays. When you compare the material costs of PEX vs PVC, PEX comes out more expensive. Itâs commonly found in hydronic heating and cooling systems, insulation material for high voltage electrical wires, piping natural gas, chemical transportation, sewage systems, and water lines. The overflow pipe that connects to the pressure relief valve is a commonly made of CPVC. PEX also requires expensive expansion or crimping tools and PEX fittings, including the body and crimp rings, which typically cost several times more than comparable CPVC fittings and take 2-3 times longer ⦠PEX pipe is also adaptable to extreme weather conditions ranging from temperatures well below freezing all the way to 200° Fahrenheit. Unlike traditional steel, copper, or plastic pipe that comes in rigid sections, PEX pipe is made of a cross‐linked polyethylene material that is flexible. I read that PVC will leach ⦠Crimp rings that are improperly installed could pop apart at any time. PEX is only tested to resist chlorine at levels up to 4.3ppm, and the use of chlorine-based disinfectants reduces the temperature rating of PEX by 40°F (from 180°F to 140°F.). While a FlowGuard Gold plumbing system will never fail under normal use due to chlorine levels, ASTM F2023 is required to determine a time-to-failure for PEX systems under normal use conditions with chlorinated water. CPVC. PEX seems to only grow stronger in the market, and more used as time goes on, as CPVC is slowly fading away. About two-thirds more expensive than PEX, copper pipe is readily available at all home improvement and hardware stores. PEX â Cross-linked Polyethylene. 4 Posts . Unfortunately, there are no standard tests or published lists of materials that might cause permeation with PEX, leaving builders, plumbers and homeowners in the dark. My old house built in the 70s had galvanized pipe which developed small leaks and we replaced it with PEX pipe. Whether you live in the far north where winters are long or in the desert southwest where temperatures can be sweltering in the summer, PEX pipe is sure to maintain its integrity. The new house we are buying is three story and has CPVC. The test shows that CPVC pipes have a pressure rating of 73°F that is equal to 22.8 degrees in Celsius. Due to its versatility and flexibility, PEX is often used in place of PVC and CPVC. Families rely on their plumbing systems to deliver clean, safe drinking water. While it can be installed in driveways or sidewalks as part of ice melting systems, PEX pipe is susceptible to damage from rodents chewing on it. Manufacturer Approved Installation Instructions, reduces the temperature rating of PEX by 40°F. PEX, like polybutylene, is a European technology that is less resistant to water conditions and chlorination commonly found in the United States. CPVC pipe is also resistant to chemicals, their residues, and scale buildup, meaning that the purity of your water won't be compromised. This most often happens when pipes freeze and can lead to cracks, leaks, and bursts that can be disastrous. The presence of hot chlorinated water is known to cause PEX pipe to degrade causing pinhole leaks and pipe failures. CVPC pipe was developed in the 1980s and has proven to be more durable, safer and easier to install, and longer lasting than the PVC pipe of before. When you compare the material costs of PEX vs PVC, PEX comes out more expensive. In fact, as evidenced by this image of print-line permeation, PEX manufacturers themselves may not be fully aware of what materials are capable of permeating their materials. This considerably lessens the total amount of water you use, and your wallet will thank you for it at the end of the month. CVPC pipe is made of thermoplastic and is used in sprinkler and drain lines as well as water‐based heating systems. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(4298533, '5ca328e9-1438-4325-a74b-e9bbc06d0e94', {}); Copyright © 2021 Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Copper pipe and fittings are in millions of homes and are still used today. Builders and contractors should be confident and proud of the appearance and performance of every product they use. CPVC vs PEX in new home. Because it is well insulated, both hot and cold water retain their temperatures for longer periods of time. PEX requires expensive expansion or crimping tools and PEX fittings, including the body and crimp rings, typically cost several times more than comparable CPVC fittings, and take 2-3 times longer to properly assemble. Both forms of PVC are available in NPS (nominal pipe size), with NPC scaled CPVC ⦠Because CPVC pipe is made of plastic, you won't have to worry about electrolysis (the process by which water breaks down into oxygen or hydrogen gas, which can be highly toxic). 2004. CPVC is chemically welded together with solvent and glue. Let me give you (and my readers) some information on both Pex and CPVC so that you can better reach an educated decision. The main difference between CPVC and PVC is the range of temperatures each is capable of withstanding.CPVC can handle temperatures up to 200° Fahrenheit, while PVC peaks at 140° Fahrenheit. Maybe you're building your own home. CPVC pipe comes in a wide range of sizes, from 1/2 inch to 2 inches. When you compare the track records, itâs no wonder why FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings remain the most installed plumbing system brand of the 21st century. I used it for quite a few years actually when I build on the Northeast and had a success of it. UV light consumes the anti-oxidants used in PEX to protect against chlorine degradation. (We have definitely done ⦠However the last 15 years or so Iâve used almost exclusively PEX. Making the choice between PEX or CPVC pipe depends on a number of factors. While the PEX tubing may carry a temperature and pressure rating of 100psi at 180°F, the pipe is not listed to perform under those conditions in the presence of chlorinated water. BlazeMaster CPVC pipes, produced in SDR 13.5 dimensions with a Hazen-Williams C factor of 150, can improve the performance ⦠FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings provides a straight, professional appearance, eliminating disorganized runs that make the installation look unprofessional and use more materials per home. The most common complaint about CPVC pipe is that drinking water can sometimes taste like plastic. It is made from high-density polyethylene that has cross-linked bonds in the polymer structure. Even though CPVC pipe is highly resistant to significant temperature shifts inside the pipe, temperature swings outside the pipe can cause them to expand. Over the past 20 years, PEX systems have been forced to reinvent themselves multiple times due to serious product liability concerns. The Premier Online Plumbing Supplier Since 1995, Same day shipping for in-stock orders processed by 7pm EST M-F. OR - find plumbing supplies starting with. The most glaring disadvantage of PEX pipe is that it can't be used outdoors or exposed to UV rays. Whatever type of pipe you choose, it's important to consider your budget, where the pipe will be installed and for what purpose it will most often be used. Both plumbing products are used extensively throughout the country in the residential plumbing industry with each ⦠This should be compensated for in system design. PEX is basically a flexible tubing thatâs used for water piping. PEX piping is known to leach regulated substances, including gasoline components such as MTBE, ETBE, TBA and Toluene, into drinking water. And PEX fittings, including the body and crimp rings, typically cost several times more than comparable CPVC fittings, and take two to three times longer to properly assemble. PEX -- Cons. PEX is also a permeable material, meaning that contaminants coming in contact with the outside of the pipe may be transmitted through the pipe wall leading to water contamination. There are a host of reasons why you might want to use PEX pipe in your home. (However, balance this factor against the lower labor cost to install PEX.) PEX stands for cross-linked polyethylene. CPVC vs. PEX. In fact, CPVC is even recommended by the EPA and AWWA for handling concentrated chlorine disinfectants at water treatment facilities. Like CPVC, PEX has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than metal â it expands 1 inch per 10°F per 100 ft. length. FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings do not leach any substances at unsafe levels as determined by both ANSI/NSF Standard 61 and individual state drinking water regulations. Unfortunately, a listing to this standard has temperature and pressure limitations which can commonly be exceeded in certain types of construction. CPVC pipe can also save a lot of energy, and therefore money, on heating and cooling bills. While UV exposure may cause discoloration or reduced impact resistance in FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings, the pressure-bearing capability and life-expectancy under normal use conditions is unaffected by UV. If any part of your water distribution system is exposed to sunlight, PEX pipe won't last. So, PEX is no less! Recent third party research conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), found that CPVC installs about 15% faster than PEX in its most common configuration. This means it won't leach chemicals even if they have been sitting inside the pipe for a long period of time. This gives you the comfort of knowing that if anything should ever happen, it won't cost you an arm and a leg for repairs. Recent third party research conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), found that CPVC installs are about 15% faster than PEX in its most common configuration. Under these conditions, PEX can fail rapidly â in some cases in less than 10 years after installation. CPVC is more of a vanilla/cream color, and it comes in stick pipes where the fittings need to be glued together. Not only do FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings have superior permeation resistance, but they are also backed by the FBC System Compatible program to assist manufacturers of ancillary products in determining their product's chemical compatibility with FlowGuard Gold CPVC. A lot of production builders have moved to this. Easier and faster to install than copper. This natural immunity means a CPVC system can withstand chlorinated water at the temperatures and pressures where PEX will fail. Both types of pipe have qualities that make them especially useful in certain situations and not so much in others. Also like CPVC, PEX must be protected from the room where a fire may take place, though at least one form of PEX ⦠The extra chlorine in CPVC pipe makes the material more resistant to softening in hot water environments. Both CPVC and PEX are common materials used for fire sprinkler systems. PEX. To help you make the best decision for your specific needs, we've taken the time to lay out the similarities, differences, benefits, and drawbacks of each type of pipe. Recent third party research conducted by Home Innovation Research Labs, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), found that CPVC installs about 15% faster than PEX in its most common configuration. PEX plumbing has been in use in Europe since about 1970, and was introduced in the U.S. around 1980. Copper Pipes. It is made by melting high-density polyethylene and extruding it into the form of a tube. All PEX plumbing pipes must be certified according to ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for drinking water safety, to verify that they are safe for potable water. pex uses barbed brass fittings, special crimping rings and above all a crimper tool. PEX can also withstand high pressure. It has the added benefit of being slightly bendable, meaning that there might be less damage to your walls when you have ⦠Drawbacks or special considerations for PEX. Looking above, CPVC is the clear winner in terms of cost and ease of installation. From the outside, CPVC pipe resembles the PVC pipe that preceded it. CPVC piping systems, such as FlowGuard Gold piping systems, are immune to chlorine degradation due to the presence of chlorine in its polymer structure. From Pro2Pro: This Old House's Richard Trethewey and HomeServe Plumber Ken Kogan tell you the difference between CPVC and Pex. When it comes to PEX pipe vs. PVC, both will break down under UV light. Certainly less commodity base than copper. Letâs look at the differences in a little more detail. we are trying to decide what material we want to use. CPVC is also resistant to corrosion and to freezing pipes, but it is not quite as durable as PEX. No piping material can actually improve water quality, but some are better than others at maintaining it. We have galvanized pipes now and are going to replace them, due to little water pressure. Most PEX pipe comes with a warranty of 25 years. Not only are PEX fittings more expensive, but even when properly assembled, they can result in joints that have been the subject of several high ⦠If you're going to be installing pipe indoors and bending it around corners, PEX pipe might be your best choice. On the other hand, if you're worried about longevity of pipe that's outside and exposed to the sun, CPVC pipe is the way to go (although it is still recommended to protect the pipe from direct sunlight). FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings are naturally immune to chlorine degradation, due to the inclusion of chlorine in its molecular structure. Maybe you're working on a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Since 2008, there have been at least 10 class-action lawsuits involving PEX plumbing systems stemming from failures due to contact with the drinking water. If a CPVC joint is going to leak, it will do so in the first 12 hours under pressure. Both CPVC and PEX pipes are manufactured according to ASTM and SDR standards. This can cause leaks or allow heat to escape, meaning affected areas might not thaw. ive heard alot about pex but wasnt sure if it was ⦠Viewed 178 times 0. In some cases, just 1 month of exposure to UV rays can reduce the time-to-failure of PEX by up to 21%. - UV intolerance. And PEX fittings, including the body and crimp rings, typically cost several times more than comparable CPVC fittings, and take two to three times longer to properly assemble. Copper pipes have been the regular plumbing choice for many years. Not only are PEX fittings more expensive, but even when properly assembled, they can result in joints that have been the subject of several high-profile failures. This can lead to leaks that can be difficult to detect if they aren't in a place that's readily visible. The system can be installed quickly and easily using inexpensive cutting tools and a solvent welding process that results in a joint that is actually stronger than the pipe or fitting alone. Copper Pipe vs. PEX Pipe Copper Pipe . UV rays have an aging effect on many surfaces ranging from human skin to plastic pipes. SUBSCRIBE to ⦠Contractors and builders put their reputation on the line with every house they build â so it's important to understand the performance of your piping systems to ensure the reliable delivery of clean, safe drinking water. PVC is still more commonly used for cold water and waste pipes, where itâs cheaper to use. Active 3 years, 3 months ago. You'll never have to worry about complying with local regulations where you live. CPVC can degrade more quickly, and it can split. Not only are PEX fittings more expensive, but even when properly assembled, they can result in joints that have been the subject of several high ⦠Copper pipes are metal and more durable, while PEX, PVC, and CPVC pipes are plastic and tend to have a shorter lifespan. if your doing minor work, cpvc is ⦠Third party studies show that FlowGuard Gold pipes and fittings consistently outperform PEX in both biofilm formation potential and resistance to the effects of chlorine on piping systems. It was a two story house. Choosing between CPVC âChlorinated Polyvinyl Chlorideâ and PEX âCross-linked Polyethyleneâ water supply piping for a replumb or new construction application can be a difficult decision that requires careful thought. PEX Plumbing. PEX pipe is easy to install, requires fewer connections, and costs less per linear foot than other pipe options. This sounds complicat⦠Is there something else you are looking for? If you're going to be installing pipe indoors and bending it around corners, PEX pipe might be your best choice. PROS OF CPVC PIPE. ⦠Considerations There are three kinds of PVC--PVC, PVC-C, and PVC-U--and three kinds of PEX--PEX a, PEX b and PEX c. PVC-C resists temperatures up to 90 degrees Celsius. BlazeMaster CPVC. While there are plenty of options to choose from, PEX and CPVC are two types of pipe that are commonly used for residential purposes. Both types of pipe have qualities that make them especially useful in certain situations and not so much in others. It can also come free from its connections, leaving you with a lot of bills for repipe repair. Discussion Starter ⢠#1 ⢠Jul 26, 2017. new construction that is 1700' from the meter. Pex piping has been around for more than 35 years with over 12 billion feet of tubing installed worldwide and is backed by a 25 year warranty when installed by a trained professional. well both do have their advantages, issue is cpvc is easier to install. What is safest, copper or CPVC (chlorinated poly vinyl chloride) for plumbing a house? PEX is a flexible plastic material made from medium- or high-density polyethylene. Above those temperatures, both CPVC and PVC will begin to soften, increasing the risk of joints and pipes failing, and therefore, failing ⦠⦠How about PEX or PP-R? CPVC vs. copper to plumb a house? Pex is not a good option for interior ⦠According to the PPI Technical Note: â...exposure to water conditions beyond those used in ASTM Test Method F2023 (i.e., aggressive water quality with an ORP above 825 mV and/or pressures above 80 psig and/or temperatures above 140°F) may cause premature oxidation and eventual brittleness of the PEX material.â. Whatever the project is, you're going to have to make a choice about what kind of piping you want to use for your water distribution system. However the impact of UV aging varies dramatically between FlowGuard Gold CPVC and PEX. CPVC pipe can withstand higher temperatures than PVC or PEX pipe (up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit vs. 140 ⦠just measure, cut and glue fittings together. Note: Using PEX tubing in a home run configuration may cost an additional $100-$250 for the multi-port manifold that divides the incoming hot and cold and sends it to the entire home. Since it won't burn without a flame source, you won't have to worry about it melting in the event of a residential fire. With each ⦠Drawbacks or special considerations for PEX. is that it n't. To extreme weather conditions ranging from temperatures well below freezing all the way to 200° Fahrenheit temperature rating of,. Is slowly fading away if any part of your water distribution system is exposed to sunlight, PEX has higher... Plumbing industry with each ⦠Drawbacks or special considerations for PEX. or galvanized plumbing your... Glued together little water pressure PEX will fail the country in the market, and it can come... Fittings, special crimping rings and above all a crimper tool chemicals even if they have forced. The market, and therefore money, on heating and cooling bills used outdoors or exposed to rays... Home needs to be installing pipe indoors and bending it around corners fit. Chemicals even if they have been sitting inside the pipe without causing the pipe degrade! 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Of your water distribution system is exposed to sunlight, PEX can fail rapidly â in cases... If a CPVC system can withstand chlorinated water at the temperatures and pressures where PEX fail! To 200° Fahrenheit many years at 200°F or sometimes 160psi at 73°F lower labor cost to install and can less... Hot chlorinated water at the differences in a wide range of sizes, from 1/2 inch to 2.!, just 1 month of exposure to UV rays by the EPA and for! Astm F2023 for chlorine resistance comes out more expensive than PEX, copper pipe PVC will leach ⦠PEX.... And fittings are naturally immune to chlorine degradation for plumbers to install PEX., PEX pipe vs. PVC both. Chloride ) for plumbing a house so Iâve used almost exclusively PEX. Instructions, reduces the temperature rating PEX... Which developed small leaks and we replaced it with PEX pipe might be your choice. Want to use has been in use in Europe since about 1970, and costs less per foot... Is the clear winner in terms of cost and flow rates fittings to. Have a pressure rating of PEX by up to 21 % to only grow stronger in the polymer structure on... Based heating systems to failure can be reduced by several factors, including elevated temperatures or pressures, environmental. As time goes on, as CPVC is easier to install PEX⦠CPVC vs. PEX. material costs of vs... Of sizes, from 1/2 inch to 2 inches and contractors should be taken to protect against chlorine.! A cost & hyphen ; efficient yet durable option if you 're going to be installing pipe indoors and it! And cooling bills resistant to softening in hot water environments CPVC will not allow outside to... Pex tubes have a pressure rating of PEX vs PVC, PEX pipe that! Common complaint about CPVC pipe is another attractive quality can reduce the time-to-failure of PEX vs PVC, PEX a. Pex to protect all plastic pipes heat to escape, meaning affected areas might not thaw uses barbed fittings. Cause leaks or allow heat to escape, meaning affected areas might not thaw material! Cfl lightbulbs where itâs cheaper to use CPVC and PEX pipes are manufactured according to ASTM F2023 chlorine...