Information

PVC is manufactured from polyvinyl chloride and that is a widely used plastic. The strength and its light weight make it ideal for plumbing water supply, irrigation, sewage and other applications. PVC is also extremely resistant to corrosion and chemicals making it the number 1 choice in plumbing. PVC has an operating range up to 140°F/60°C. CPVC can be used up to 200°F/93°C. PVC pipe categorization, like Schedule 40 and 80, dictates wall thickness and therefore pressure rating, allowing for selection based on application demands.

PVC is more than 60-percent derived from salt, one of the most plentiful resources on earth. The low petroleum content gives the material excellent flame resistant properties. Advances in PVC formulations have made today’s products especially durable, saving on replacement materials and requiring less maintenance over their useful lives. The smooth surfaces of PVC pipe and fittings provide less resistance to fluids flowing through them, requiring less energy to maintain the flow. The corrosion resistance will maintain these excellent surfaces throughout the product’s life. Because it is a thermoplastic, PVC can be recycled and manufacturers commonly recycle pre-consumer material. A 1995 study by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) analyzing emissions for nearly 170 different combustion facilities found no statistical relationship between the amount of chlorine (vinyl) in the waste stream and the amount of dioxin emitted from an incinerator. The study did find that the incinerator design and operating conditions – primarily temperature – were keys to controlling dioxin. EPA regulations are forcing reductions in dioxin emissions by addressing operator controls.

Although PVC materials can be made in many colors and there is some pattern to what the industry has done, no established color coding exists. Color conventions can vary by manufacturer and even by region. Always rely on the markings printed directly on the pipe and fittings to determine the schedule.

The earliest PVC piping was made in industrial gray, and that product line is still very active. Much of the PVC irrigation piping is white. Most PVC water piping is white, but there have been some manufacturers who use blue as a means to distinguish their product line. Many PVC sewer products are green. Much DWV piping is white, but certain manufacturers have opted for beige or buff colors.

You may see some general color trends:

• Schedule 40 PVC: Often white, but can sometimes be gray or other colors depending on the manufacturer and intended use (e.g., furniture-grade PVC comes in various colors).   
• Schedule 80 PVC: Typically dark gray. This is often done to visually distinguish it from the lower-pressure Schedule 40. However, it can occasionally be white as well.   
• CPVC (Chlorinated PVC): Usually light gray but can also come in off-white, cream, or light yellow. The different color helps distinguish it from standard PVC since it's designed for higher temperatures.
  

Key takeaway: Don't depend on color alone. Always check the printed markings that clearly state the schedule (e.g., "SCH 40", "Schedule 80") and material (PVC or CPVC) on the pipe and fittings themselves. This is the only reliable way to ensure you are using the correct type for your application.

The outside of PVC pipe must be labeled as follows:

• The manufacturer's name or trademark
• The standard to which it conforms
• Pipe size
• Material designation code
• DWV if for drainage
• Pressure rating if for pressure
• SDR number or schedule number
• If the pipe is for potable water, a laboratory seal or mark attesting to suitability for potable water

For those standards that cover several products, there must be additional markings to indicate the pipe stiffness number, the SDR, the EB or DB number. A certifier's mark may also be on the pipe.

Gasoline or many other liquids do not chemically affect PVC. However using PVC pipe and fittings in system handling dangerous liquids requires the design/builder to consider the consequences that may result if there is a failure, or rupture.  Physical properties, temperature and user knowledge are only some considerations that must be made. It is NOT recommended.

The temperature limitations of PVC pipe vary depending on the specific application and pressure requirements. However, here are some general guidelines:  

• Maximum Operating Temperature: The generally recommended maximum operating temperature for PVC pressure pipe is 140°F (60°C). Exceeding this temperature can lead to a significant reduction in pressure rating and potential softening of the pipe.  
• Pressure Derating at Higher Temperatures: PVC pipe's pressure rating decreases as the temperature increases. For example, a pipe rated at a certain pressure at 73°F will have a much lower pressure rating at 100°F or 120°F. It's crucial to consult temperature derating charts provided by the manufacturer to ensure safe operation at elevated temperatures.  
• Short-Term Exposure: PVC can withstand slightly higher temperatures for short periods, but continuous exposure above 140°F is not recommended for pressure applications.
• Low Temperatures: PVC can become more rigid and brittle at temperatures below freezing (32°F or 0°C), increasing the risk of cracking under stress or impact.

It's important to note that CPVC has a higher temperature tolerance than standard PVC, typically with a maximum operating temperature around 200°F (93°C). If your application involves higher temperatures, CPVC is likely the more suitable material.

Always consult the manufacturer's specifications and relevant engineering guidelines for the specific PVC pipe you are using to determine the precise temperature and pressure limitations for your application.

No, there is no practical difference in the meaning between "Reducer Tee" and "Reducing Tee" when referring to PVC fittings (or pipe fittings in general). Both terms describe the same type of fitting:

• A tee-shaped fitting where one or more of the outlets (branches) has a smaller diameter than the main run of the tee.

You will see both terms used interchangeably across the industry, in catalogs, and on product listings. The order of the words does not change the fundamental function or design of the fitting. Think of it like saying "blue car" versus "car that is blue" - the meaning is the same.

CPVC 80 offers the increased strength and pressure rating of a Schedule 80 pipe but with the added benefit of significantly higher temperature resistance compared to PVC 80. This makes it the preferred choice for applications involving hot liquids and often for more demanding industrial environments. Here’s some of the key differences between PVC 80 and CPVC 80:

Temperature Resistance: This is the most significant difference. CPVC has a much higher temperature tolerance than PVC.

• PVC 80: Maximum operating temperature is around 140°F (60°C).  
• CPVC 80: Maximum operating temperature is around 200°F (93°C). This makes CPVC 80 suitable for hot water applications that PVC 80 cannot handle.

Material Properties: The chlorination process that creates CPVC results in a material with:

Higher impact strength compared to PVC at the same temperature.

Better resistance to certain chemicals compared to PVC.  

Cost: CPVC is generally more expensive than PVC due to the additional chlorination process.

Color: While not always the case, Schedule 80 PVC is often dark gray, and Schedule 80 CPVC tends to be light gray or cream-colored. However, always rely on markings.

Joining Methods: Both can be solvent cemented, but the specific primers and cements required are different for PVC and CPVC due to their different chemical compositions.

PVC does not readily degrade when exposed to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) due to natural UV inhibitors present in the material. Short-term exposure to sunlight, such as during construction, is typically not a problem for PVC pipe. PVC piping may be used in outdoor applications when the piping system is painted with a light-colored water based acrylic or latex paint that is chemically compatible with PVC. When painted, the effects of UV exposure are significantly reduced.

The most important aspects of proper solvent joining of PVC pipe and fittings are:

1. Choosing the correct primers and solvent cements

2. Using the correct size applicator.

3. Using proper procedures for solvent cementing PVC.

More detailed information for leak-free joints online here.