What makes CPVC pipe brittle?

When CPVC pipes are first manufactured they are highly ductile. … Exposure of the pipes to certain chemicals cause the CPVC to soften. When this happens, the molecules are no longer locked in place and they start to disentangle from each other causing the pipes to become brittle.

Does CPVC deteriorate?

As CPVC pipes age, they become more brittle and can shatter or break with a slight impact. This can lead to severe problems and significant repair work. Hot outdoor temperatures can accelerate the deterioration and breakdown of these pipes.

What is the life expectancy of CPVC?

50 to 75 years
According to the experts at the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), CPVC pipes are expected to last for 50 to 75 years under optimal conditions. Unfortunately, many area homeowners are seeing breaks in their CPVC installations after as little as 14 years.

Why do plumbers hate CPVC?

“Over a period of time, it gets brittle and breaks and breaks and the glue joints continue to deteriorate through the pipe and go bad,” Rainaldi said. Plumbers said Florida’s heat and chlorine in the water is also bad for CPVC pipes.

How long does it take for CPVC to get brittle?

CPVC can fail ONLY 10% into life expectancy

However, some plumbers installing CPVC pipes and fittings used in continuous hot chlorinated water service report that the pipes and fittings degrade and become brittle after only a few years of use, read here for more.

What’s better PEX or CPVC?

CPVC Pipes Offer Better Water Pressure Than PEX

With PEX, the pipe fits around the outside of the fitting so the internal diameter of the pipe is reduced at each fitting—even when “full flow” expansion fittings are used. Depending on the fitting used, this can reduce the internal diameter of a ½” pipe by 21% to 35%.

Should I replace CPVC with PEX?

CPVC also has a lower biofilm growth potential than PEX, reducing the risk of biofilms such as E. coli, coliforms and legionella growing inside the pipes. Another factor to consider is the impact of PEX fittings on flow rates and pressure.

When should CPVC be replaced?

There are many resources that state CPVC can be expected to last 50-75 years, and I’m sure somewhere, and in some installations it will, however we see a lot of brittleCPVC that is difficult to repair that is only 10 years old.

What are the disadvantages of CPVC pipe?

Cons of CPVC Pipe

CPVC can’t withstand extremely high temperatures like copper pipe can. CPVC is not suitable for climates with extreme temperature variations due to its high thermal expansion coefficient. CPVC is more expensive than many other piping options.

How reliable is CPVC?

CPVC was first introduced in the U.S. in 1959 and some of the earliest installations are still in service today so CPVC has proven exceptionally reliable in residential plumbing. FlowGuard Gold pipe and fittings are designed for a 50-year service life with a safety factor of 2.

Can I use CPVC for shower plumbing?

CPVC can be used for water supply lines, and you can use it for the connection between the shower valve and the shower spout. However, you should not use CPVC for the connection between the valve and the tub spout.

Is CPVC more brittle than PVC?

While the added chlorine in CPVC increases its heat tolerance, it also changes the strength of the material. Both materials are very strong, but CPVC is harder than PVC, which makes it more prone to breaking. CPVC is more brittle than PVC and can be warped or cracked more easily, but it is also more flexible than PVC.

Can oatey PVC cement be used on CPVC?

This milky-clear, low VOC, all-purpose cement can be used to solvent weld all schedules and classes of ABS, PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings up to 6 in. diameter with interference fit. Oatey products have earned the trust of plumbing professionals for over 100 years.

Is CPVC plumbing bad?

CPVC Endangers California’s Plumbers

A National Toxicology Program study concluded the glue used to install CPVC contains chemicals known to cause cancer in animals and considered potentially carcinogenic to humans.

How do you keep PVCS from getting brittle?

PVC manufacturers recommend that a thin coat of a light-colored latex-based paint be applied to protect any exposed piping. This will keep the pipes from showing any discoloration from the sunlight and help keep them strong and durable.