PVC & CPVC Piping
Updated February 24, 2026
PVC for drain-waste-vent (DWV) and cold water; CPVC rated for hot water up to 200°F. Lightweight, affordable, and chemical resistant. Typical price range: $0.30 – $2.00/ft. Best for: Drain lines, irrigation, cold water supply.
Overview
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is the standard for residential drain, waste, and vent (DWV) lines. White PVC handles cold water and drainage. CPVC (chlorinated PVC) is a different formulation rated for hot water supply -- cream or tan colored. Both are lightweight, corrosion-proof, and joined with solvent cement (glue). PVC is not rated for hot water supply. CPVC is rated up to 200 degrees F. Do not mix them up -- using PVC on hot water supply lines is a code violation and a failure waiting to happen.
How to Choose PVC & CPVC Piping
PVC & CPVC Piping are best suited for drain lines, irrigation, cold water supply. They typically cost $0.30 – $2.00/ft, so plan your budget accordingly. Sizing is important — dwv (pvc): 1-1/2 inch for sinks, 2 inch for showers and tubs, 3 inch or 4 inch for toilet waste and main stacks. supply ... Key advantages include affordable and chemical resistant.
Pros & Cons
- Affordable
- Chemical resistant
- Lightweight
- Easy to cut
- Rigid (no flexibility)
- Cement joints are permanent
- PVC not for hot water
Key Features
- PVC: standard for drain, waste, and vent lines (DWV). Schedule 40 is residential standard.
- CPVC: rated for hot and cold water supply up to 200 degrees F and 100 PSI
- Solvent cement joints are permanent -- no mechanical connections to fail or loosen
- Lightweight and easy to cut with a hacksaw or PVC cutter
- Corrosion-proof, chemical-resistant, and unaffected by soil conditions (ideal for underground)
Top Brands for PVC & CPVC Piping
Sizing & Selection
DWV (PVC): 1-1/2 inch for sinks, 2 inch for showers and tubs, 3 inch or 4 inch for toilet waste and main stacks. Supply (CPVC): 3/4 inch for mains, 1/2 inch for branches. Schedule 40 is standard wall thickness for both. Schedule 80 (thicker wall) is used for commercial or high-pressure applications.
Installation
Cut square with a PVC cutter or fine-tooth saw. Deburr inside and outside. Dry-fit first to verify alignment. Apply primer (purple) to both pipe and fitting socket -- this softens the surface for chemical bonding. Apply cement (clear or gray) to both surfaces. Push together with a quarter twist and hold for 30 seconds. The joint is hand-strength solid in 2 minutes, full cure in 24 hours. Joints are permanent -- mistakes require cutting out and redoing.
Maintenance
- PVC and CPVC are essentially maintenance-free. No corrosion, no scaling.
- Inspect exposed runs for cracks, especially in cold garages or attics -- PVC becomes brittle in extreme cold.
- CPVC in hot water supply: check for discoloration or softening near the water heater outlet. Replace the first 18 inches with copper or braided connector.
- Support horizontal runs with hangers every 3-4 feet (PVC sags when warm if unsupported).
Buying Tips
- PVC for drains, CPVC for supply. Never use PVC for hot water supply.
- Always use primer before cement -- it is required by code in most areas and ensures a proper chemical bond.
- Buy the correct cement: PVC cement for PVC, CPVC cement for CPVC, or an all-purpose (orange) cement that works on both.
- Schedule 40 is standard. Do not buy Schedule 20 (thin-wall drain pipe) for anything structural or under pressure.
- PVC is the cheapest piping material available. A full house DWV system costs a fraction of cast iron or copper DWV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of pvc & cpvc piping?
Affordable Chemical resistant Lightweight Easy to cut
What are the disadvantages of pvc & cpvc piping?
Rigid (no flexibility) Cement joints are permanent PVC not for hot water
Who should buy pvc & cpvc piping?
PVC & CPVC Piping are best for: Drain lines, irrigation, cold water supply.
How are pvc & cpvc piping installed?
Cut square with a PVC cutter or fine-tooth saw. Deburr inside and outside. Dry-fit first to verify alignment. Apply primer (purple) to both pipe and fitting socket -- this softens the surface for chemical bonding. Apply cement (clear or gray) to both surfaces. Push together with a quarter twist and hold for 30 seconds. The joint is hand-strength solid in 2 minutes, full cure in 24 hours. Joints are permanent -- mistakes require cutting out and redoing.
How do I choose the right size for pvc & cpvc piping?
DWV (PVC): 1-1/2 inch for sinks, 2 inch for showers and tubs, 3 inch or 4 inch for toilet waste and main stacks. Supply (CPVC): 3/4 inch for mains, 1/2 inch for branches. Schedule 40 is standard wall thickness for both. Schedule 80 (thicker wall) is used for commercial or high-pressure applications.
What are the best brands for pvc & cpvc piping?
Top brands for pvc & cpvc piping include Apollo, BrassCraft, Canplas, Charlotte Pipe. Each offers different price tiers and product lines.
How do I maintain pvc & cpvc piping?
Key maintenance tips: PVC and CPVC are essentially maintenance-free. No corrosion, no scaling.. Inspect exposed runs for cracks, especially in cold garages or attics -- PVC becomes brittle in extreme cold.. CPVC in hot water supply: check for discoloration or softening near the water heater outlet. Replace the first 18 inches with copper or braided connector..