PVC versus steel pipes

[Annahmed]

Hello everyone!

What should be the best option for a home plumbing project, PVC or steel pipes?

[TinyTool]

Hi!

PVC is generally the go-to option for many homeowners due to its lightweight nature, ease of use, and lower cost. It's great for cold water supply lines and drains, and it won't corrode over time. However, PVC has its limitations – it's not suitable for hot water lines unless you're using CPVC, a special type designed for higher temperatures. Steel pipes, on the other hand, are more durable and can handle both hot and cold water. They're a good choice for outdoor use or in situations where you need extra strength. The downside is that steel is heavier, more expensive, and can corrode over time, especially in areas with hard water. Your decision might also be influenced by local building codes, so it's worth checking those. In many cases, a combination of both materials might be the best solution, using each type where it's most appropriate.

[Annahmed]

However, PVC has its limitations – it's not suitable for hot water lines unless you're using CPVC, a special type designed for higher temperatures.

How does CPVC compare to PVC in terms of installation ease and overall cost?

[TinyTool]

In terms of installation, CPVC is slightly more challenging to work with than regular PVC. Both are relatively easy to cut and join, but CPVC requires a specific type of cement and primer, while PVC uses a different, more common type. CPVC is also a bit less flexible than PVC, which can make it a little trickier to maneuver in tight spaces.

Cost-wise, CPVC is generally more expensive than PVC. This price difference is due to CPVC's ability to handle higher temperatures and pressures. The materials, fittings, and joining compounds for CPVC all tend to cost more than their PVC counterparts.

Despite these differences, CPVC is still considered fairly easy to install compared to metal pipes, and its overall cost is usually less than copper or steel. The extra cost over PVC is often justified by CPVC's ability to handle hot water, which makes it more versatile for whole-house plumbing systems. If you're doing a project that only involves cold water lines, PVC might be the more cost-effective choice. But for a job that includes hot water lines, the added expense of CPVC could be worth it to avoid mixing different types of pipes in your system.

[Annahmed]

Ah okay, thank you!