What is the difference between PVC, UPVC, CPVC for water supply lines?

PVC is a popular engineering material due to its relatively low cost, high glass transition temperature, high heat distortion temperature, chemical inertness, and flame and smoke properties. CPVC is used in a variety of industrial applications where a high functional temperature and resistance to corrosive chemicals are desirable. Besides pipe and fittings, it is used in pumps, valves, strainers, filters, tower packing, and duct, as well as sheet for fabrication into storage tanks, fume scrubbers, large diameter duct, and tank lining.

In use as plumbing materials, CPVC exhibits comparatively high impact and tensile strength and is non-toxic. In pressurized systems, it can be used with fluids up to80°C and higher in low-pressure systems. It does require specialized solvent cement for assembly. Depending on local building codes, it can be used in hot and cold water systems as well as hot and cold chemical distribution systems in conditions where metal pipe is not indicated. The principal mechanical difference between CPVC and PVC is that CPVC is significantly more ductile, allowing greater flexure and crush resistance. Additionally, the mechanical strength of CPVC makes it a viable candidate to replace many types of metal pipe in conditions where metal's susceptibility to corrosion limits its use. CPVC can withstand corrosive water at temperatures greater than PVC, typically40°C to50°C (70°F to90°F) higher, contributing to its popularity as a material for water piping systems in residential as well as commercial construction. uPVC or Rigid PVC is often used in the building industry as a low-maintenance material.The material comes in a range of colors and finishes, including a photo-effect wood finish, and is used as a substitute for painted wood, mostly for window frames and sills when installing double glazing in new buildings, or to replace older single glazed windows. It has many other uses including fascia, and siding or weatherboarding. The same material has almost entirely replaced the use of cast iron for plumbing and drainage, being used for waste pipes, drainpipes, gutters and downpipes.

Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) is a thermoplastic pipe. CPVC pipingwhich is suitable for hot and cold water distribution has a 400 psi pressure rating at room temperature, and a 100 psi pressure rating at 180 F. PVC pipe cannot meet the high temperatures that CPVC pipe can.

uPVC pipe is pipe that is specifically free of plasticizers and is100% PVC. To improve flexibility it is possible to add a small amount of plasticizers in the pipe put those plasticizers tend to leach out of the pipe walls in certain applications. Because of the concerns of plasticizers being ingested by people and an animals it is better to ensure that only uPVC pipe is used in potable water applications. For the purpose of drain pipe it is acceptable to use straight PVC pipe.

CPVC as PVC’s cousin. They are similar in many ways, but they shouldn't be used interchangeably. Both are made of the same basic elements with one distinguishing factor. CPVC is altered by a free radical chlorination reaction that effectively increases the chlorine content of the material. This difference in makeup allows CPVC to withstand a wider range of temperatures. This is why many building codes require the use of CPVC as opposed to PVC for use in hot water applications. The ASTM standard allows PVC to be used in applications not exceeding140 degrees F. Temperatures over this can cause softening of the material and weakening of joints.  CPVC on the other hand can handle temperatures up to200 degrees F.

when you want to different among three types of pvc ,we must know this  expressions 

** pvc is poly vinyl chloride

**** upvc unplasticized poly vinyl chloride

**** cpvc chlorinated poly vinyl chloride 

regarding to water supply lines pvc and upvc actually one type is unplasticized poly vinyl chloride because it must be rigid pvc ,so must be upvc while pvc may called on hoses.and upvc will used with cold water

++ cpvc chlorinated poly vinyl chloride used with hot water

i hope this is useful

The major difference between these pipes is basically the difference in material and there properties. PVC, CPVC, UPVC and HDPE are non metalic pipes. They are made from thermoplastic materials. These fall under the category of Plastic pipework. Both pipes and fittings are available in these materials. On the other hand GI pipes are Galvanized iron pipes. These are a type of metalic pipes. Usually all the above pipes are extensively used in plumbing and less process critical applications.

PVC = CWS

CPVC = HWS

UPVC = RWP

What is the difference between PVC and UPVC pipes?

PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) Pipes is another alternative for aluminum and copper pipes. These pipes are used in waste lines, pool circulation systems. PVC pipes are very simple to cut into according to their requirement and can be fixed with glue. uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) Pipes is mainly used for the plastic pipes in the world. uPVC pipes have a smooth inner surface that increases the flow of water without any interruptions. uPVC pipes are suitable for various temperatures and it is frequently used for drainage pipes and sewage lines. uPVC pipes come in length, are easy for construction and it decreases the chances of leakages. There is no need for welding or metalwork in uPVC pipes but in PVC pipes there is a need to seal and join material with solvents.

•   Uses of PVC and uPVC pipes - Both PVC and uPVC are mainly used in Plumbing. PVC pipes are not rigid, they can easily modify to the desired size. But uPVC pipes are rigid, have high tensile strength, resistant to chemical and corrosion. Apart from plumbing and fittings, it’s also used in construction and heavy-duty water transport, uPVC column pipes are primarily used in borewells, tube wells, and submersible. 

•   Durability - Both pipes are durable. However, uPVC pipes are more durable as compared to PVC Pipes.

•  Handling PVC and uPVC pipes - Both pipes are easy to handle during the installation process. uPVC pipes and PVC pipes can be cut using hacksaw blades and the use of power tools is no longer necessary.  Most uPVC pipes come with a power lock system which reduces the risk of water wastage during installation and uninstallations.

•   uPVC pipe fittings – uPVC pipes are rigid and strong; they are easy to work as well as uPVC pipes are lightweight. There is no need for extra expenses for installation and transportations. On the other side, the installation of PVC is a little complex.

•  Safety and Risks – PVC can Introduce health hazards as PVC- Coated wires can form HCI fumes in a fire due to Plasticizers that are being used in its manufacturing. Phthalates such as benzyl butyl, dibutyl, and DEHP are one of those harmful substabces that are used in PVC to make it flexible, many Companies have replaced Plasticizers. However, uPVC pipes are eco-friendly and recyclable.

 In today's era, with the increase of population, construction business touch the sky it comes necessary to choose exclusive material for your dream home and working place. Everyone looking for premium quality, long-lasting products in the market. We at vinyl pipes give you a wide range of uPVC products like uPVC column pipes, uPVC casing pipes, uPVC Piezometric pipes, uPVC pressures pipes, SWR Pipe Drainage pipe, and uPVC Plumbing pipes to solve your plumbing problems. Our experience speaks about us.

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