CPVC, UPVC or PVC? Choosing the right pipes for your home

Plumbing pipes look similar but are not interchangeable. Using the wrong type in the wrong place leads to leaks, bursts or pipes that fail within a few years.

CPVC: for hot and cold water

CPVC (chlorinated PVC) handles higher temperatures, so it is used for hot and cold water supply lines inside the house. It resists scaling and corrosion, and joints are made with solvent cement.

UPVC: for cold water and outdoor lines

UPVC is rigid and strong. It suits cold water supply, borewell lines, garden irrigation and some drainage uses. It is not meant for hot water.

PVC and SWR pipes: for drainage

Soil, waste and rainwater lines use larger-diameter pipes designed for gravity flow. Choose the right class and keep a proper slope so waste does not settle.

Practical tips

• Use fittings from the same system and brand as the pipe so dimensions match.
• Cut pipes square, remove burrs and clean surfaces before applying solvent cement.
• Allow joints the recommended time to cure before pressure testing.
• Pressure test the line before the walls are closed.
• Support pipes at proper intervals and leave room for expansion on long hot water runs.

When in doubt, ask your plumber or supplier for pipe grades that suit your water pressure and usage.