CPVC

CPVC is a thermoplastic material manufactured by chlorinating standard PVC resin, which increases its heat tolerance and makes it suitable for both hot and cold water distribution. Unlike PVC, which softens around 140°F, CPVC maintains structural integrity at the higher temperatures found in residential and light commercial hot water lines, making it a direct replacement for copper in many applications.

In the field, CPVC handles exactly like PVC—same solvent-cement joints, same fittings and couplings, same working temperature and pressure ratings (typically 100 psi at 180°F for residential grade). It's lighter and cheaper than copper, faster to install, and requires no torch work. However, it's not approved for outdoor use in direct sunlight, as UV exposure degrades the material over time, and some jurisdictions restrict it in certain high-temperature or high-pressure scenarios.

The main gotcha is mixing materials: CPVC and PVC fittings are not interchangeable on the same pipe in a continuous run, and CPVC is incompatible with certain older solvent cements. Check the label and local code before specifying—some municipalities still ban it outright, while others accept it for interior hot water only. Never use it where you'd run copper for code compliance or resale value on high-end installs.