Choosing Pipe Material - Why You Should Do Your Research
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Thoroughly researching and understanding your pipe material options can significantly mitigate risks in your piping project.
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Many pipe materials have faced class action lawsuits due to defects or incompatibility with water treatment chemicals, but FlowGuard® CPVC has not.
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FlowGuard CPVC pipes offer a risk-free, durable, and cost-effective solution for plumbing needs.
Here, we'll outline why it's essential to be informed about the properties and performance of the materials you consider and how this knowledge can protect your project from unnecessary risks.
CPVC Performance

When choosing pipe material, a thorough assessment of its long-term performance and reliability is crucial. CPVC, particularly FlowGuard® CPVC, stands out due to its exceptional durability and reliability. To ensure you're well-informed, FlowGuard® CPVC provides industry-leading training resources on proper installation, safety, and comparisons with competing materials. These resources are designed to educate installers, helping them avoid potential risks associated with improper handling and installation.
We highly encourage plumbing professionals to reach out to us with any installation queries before beginning their work to ensure optimal results.
Be Vigilant About Legal Histories
Since 2001, there have been at least 22 class action lawsuits involving plumbing pipes and fittings, implicating 39 builders as co-defendants. These lawsuits often stem from materials that fail unexpectedly due to design or manufacturing defects.
For instance, the 1990s saw a significant settlement involving polybutylene plumbing systems by Shell Oil for over $1 billion, marking one of the largest building product defect settlements in history. Similarly, in 2001, there was a $41 million settlement over galvanized piping defects, and in 2018, NIBCO agreed to a $43.5 million settlement for material defects in its PEX piping and fittings.
Zero Class Action Lawsuits for FlowGuard CPVC Pipes
The good news for those choosing pipe material is that FlowGuard® CPVC pipes have never been the subject of a class action lawsuit related to plumbing applications. This sets CPVC apart from other materials like copper, galvanized, and PEX plumbing systems, which have faced numerous lawsuits.
Most lawsuits arise from the incompatibility of the plumbing system material with water treatment additives, particularly chlorine. Chlorine can degrade materials such as PPR, PB, and PEX over time, leading to pipe failures.
However, CPVC is inherently resistant to chlorine-induced degradation due to its chlorinated composition. This makes CPVC immune to the common issues that plague other materials when exposed to chlorinated water. There are no known potable water conditions that can cause CPVC to fail spontaneously, providing peace of mind and reliability for builders and contractors.
Minimizing Risk by Choosing FlowGuard CPVC
Builders and contractors face enough challenges without having to worry about the reliability of their pipe material. By conducting thorough research and choosing FlowGuard® CPVC, you ensure a material that is not only cost-effective and easy to install but also offers unparalleled peace of mind by eliminating the risk of material failure and associated liabilities.

As you plan your next project, consider the benefits of FlowGuard® CPVC pipes. Contact us with any questions, and let our team assist you in making an informed choice that safeguards your project's future.
DELIVERING
RELIABILITY
For more than 50 years, FlowGuard® Pipe and Fittings has provided reliable hot and cold water plumbing systems to residential and commercial buildings around the world.
DELIVERING
RELIABILITY
For more than 50 years, FlowGuard® Pipe and Fittings has provided reliable hot and cold water plumbing systems to residential and commercial buildings around the world.