Can I use plastic pipes for hot water?

Your Plumbing LifespanSupply pipes (under constant pressure and therefore most likely to cause water damange when they leak)Brass Copper Galvanized Steel40-70+ yrs 50+ yrs 20-50 yrsDrain linesCast iron Polyvinyl chloride (known as PVC)75-100 yrs Indefinitely

Those living in older homes should have their water tested to see if lead is a problem. Plastic pipe such as PVC (polyvinyl chloride, used for cold water only), and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, used for both hot and cold water) have been around for years, and both are approved for use with drinking water.

For applications below 73°F, use the published pressure ratings since they will be conservative. The maximum recommended operating temperature for PVC pressure pipe is 140°F.

Type L and Type M copper pipe. But for normal “in the wall” household plumbing, Type M copper pipe is just fine. You may be surprised to find two types of copper pipe on the home center shelf, Type L and Type M. The difference is the wall thickness of the pipe and therefore the pressure it can handle.

Copper is relatively easy to work with because it is much softer than iron or lead. PVC water pipes are also much easier to shape. Copper water pipes usually have lower installation costs because copper is easy to join by soldering or brazing.

Of these the most commonly used materials for drinking-water supply piping are galvanized steel or iron, copper, polybutylene, unplasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinylchloride (CPVC) and polyethylene (PE).

Here are the main types of plumbing pipes you may find in your home remodel:

PEX. For: Water supply lines only and for do it yourselfers.

PVC – Polyvinyl Chloride. For: Drain and vent lines.

Rigid Copper.

ABS.

Flexible Copper Tubing.

Galvanized Steel.

Cast Iron.

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.

Both PVC and polyethylene (PE) pipes can be used for pipes that are buried in the ground outside a building. You’ll also find ductile iron pipes, yellow brass pipes and aluminum pipes that can be used in different situations. Approved flexible connectors are used for connecting gas lines to appliances.

Multiply the working pressure rating of the selected pipe at 73°F, by the appropriate de-rating factor to determine the maximum working pressure rating of the pipe at the elevated temperature chosen. THE MAXIMUM SERIVCE TEMPERATURE FOR CPVC IS 200°F.

1936 – PVC pipes began to be installed for residential drinking water distribution and waste pipelines (Germany). Most are still in service. 1949 – Initial use of PVC pipe in North America. 1952 – PVC pipe introduced in the U.S.

CPVC material goes though an extra chlorination process that gives the plastic slightly different qualities – one of which is a higher maximum operating temperature. 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.

Chlorinated Poly (Vinyl Chloride) (CPVC) is a thermoplastic pipe. CPVC piping which 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.

A pipe’s schedule refers to its relative thickness. Schedule 80 PVC pipe has thicker walls than schedule 40 PVC pipe. Therefore, it can handle higher pressure applications. Schedule 40 PVC is usually white in color and is used for irrigation, water handling and other relatively low pressure jobs.

Black-iron pipe is OK for gas lines and for closed-loop hydronic- and steam-heat systems because oxygen isn’t regularly introduced into the loop. The oxygen in water is what actually rusts the pipe. Stick to copper pipe or PEX tubing for use in your home’s potable-water lines.

A transition coupling consists of a rubber sleeve and steel jacket. If you’re plumbing in a new drain or vent and have to join two different kinds of plastic pipe, black ABS and white PVC, don’t assume that you can simply glue them together. Most plumbing codes don’t allow ABS pipe to be solvent-welded (glued) to PVC.

Both schedule 40 and 80 PVC are used widely around the world. Each one has its benefits in different applications. Schedule 40 pipe has thinner walls, so it is best for applications involving relatively low water pressure. Schedule 80 pipe has thicker walls and is able to withstand higher PSI (pounds per square inch).