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Plumbing Question...
Tech141
Member Posts: 3,787 ✭✭✭
I am in the middle of a bathroom remodel. I'm getting to the point where I need to run new hot/cold water supply lines to the sinks (two) and tub/shower. I've run copper before but am considering CPVC. Does anyone here have experience with CPVC? Is it reliable? Will it leak/split as it ages? CPVC cost is considerably less than copper, but is it worth using?
I was looking at the plumbing in a new subdivision's "Model Home" and they used CPVC for the supply lines. I asked the saleswoman about it but she was a tad 'clueless'
Any knowledgeable opinion will be appreciated.
I was looking at the plumbing in a new subdivision's "Model Home" and they used CPVC for the supply lines. I asked the saleswoman about it but she was a tad 'clueless'
Any knowledgeable opinion will be appreciated.
Comments
thanks all!
Not as many people, besides homeowners, are using cpvc these days as pex tubing is so much easier to work with and more resilient than other piping methods.
http://www.pexinfo.com/
Some people taste the plastic taste too, so I know its not just me.
My brother used the regular PVC glue and I had to crawl under the house in the mud to fix it. TWICE.
After I repaired the 2 bad glue joints I haven't had any problems.
Knock on wood.
10 or less : CPVC
unless the plumbing will be in a sub zero climate for long periods then I would go with the 5 year move question...
CPVC also is smaller diameter than PVC and takes fittings that will only fit it. This is mainly due to keep people from mixing PVC and CPVC. And one more thing. If you use CPVC you must use glue made for it. PVC glue will not work.
Old House" and looks like a nice system. Copper is great also. If doing it yourself get a click start MAP gas torch. Burns hotter and heats fittings quicker and, seems to me, more uniformly.
if not copper PEX
http://www.pexinfo.com/
I second this [unless it has already been seconded [:D] ].
PEX gives a better connection and has superior freeze characteristics.
PVC is great for drains and toilets, and in fact the only thing I would recommend. If used for supply lines I can sometimes taste a slight plastic taste in the water so I personally use copper. Some folks don't taste a difference.
Some people taste the plastic taste too, so I know its not just me.
Use copper..its a great option
Pex is really easy to install. It's a less toxic plastic that is very hard to burst. I filled a pex line with water and capped off the ends then put it in the freezer. It expanded and did not burst.
When it first came out, the brass fittings were not well thought out. Had to replace some fittings.... Now they are all plastic.
Shark bite fittings are EXPENSIVE! but will tie right into your copper with NO effort at all. You can do almost anything with them and they seem to work well.
The tool to tighten up the pex rings is expensive but most places will rent you one. get the one with the angled head. some use a universal crimp that needs only one size head.
Do everybody a favor and rip out the CPVC!
I'm sure the master plumbers on here will agree!
MY .02, at no charge to you!
1) CPVC is NOT standard pvc (white). It is certified for potable water and hot water lines. If installed correctly it is much better than copper because it takes freezing better, but not as good as PEX. It cost is 1/3 that of copper. Using "Gold line" CPVC or other brands of high quality CPVC is worth the pennies more per foot.
2) installation is a lot easier, no chance of burning down the house in tight spots soldering a joint. Errors and changes are easy to make with a hack saw and inexpensive connectors. Prime and glue as instructed and it will never be a problem.
3) I ran standard CPVC and GOLD LINE CPVC side by side for several years. The plain pipe was indeed more brittle when bent, but I had to bend it almost in a circle to break it, the GOLD line was still unbreakable..
4) my entire home water supply is CPVC, it does not keep me up nights worrying about it.
Guess how I found out.[:(]
Better than copper.
Easy to install.
Not a chance in a million.
That's like saying, "Buy some hand tools and a How-To book, and be a master mechanic in a minute".
But a layperson can assemble simple plumbing pipe like TinkerToys r.
Master plumber in plastic pipe.. the master plumber's nightmare cause anyone can do it.
That's funny right there! I've made lots of good money batting cleanup after self made plumbers to even want to discourage people from trying their hand at plumbing. I've lost track of how many toilets piped with hot water and drains pitched uphill I've had to fix and those are the non-dangerous types of mistakes.
"You're a legend in your own mind."
To quote Clint Eastwood......
"You're a legend in your own mind."
To quote myself.. I love taking money out of rip off artists who quote folks to screw them out of their good ol hard earned money.
But, some new construction jobs like hotels are now using CPVC Schedule 80 on their mains, and going over to CPVC/cts size on the feed to the fixtures.
CPVC has been around a long time.
I recommend using "flowguard gold" cement. it's glue & primer in one, and it's especially made for CPVC, not like a multipurpose cement.
Also, it's a plus if you have acidic water (like the Poconos).
Good luck, I'd have no hesitation recommending CPVC.