How CPVC Can Save You Money On Installation

Installing a brand new plumbing system or upgrading an existing one can be a costly venture. That’s why price-conscious plumbers, contractors, and homeowners turn to materials that can save money, like CPVC.

When compared to PPR, FlowGuard^® CPVC pipe and fittings decrease material costs and labor costs, and ultimately result in long-term savings.

Decrease Material Costs by Using CPVC

CPVC is a strong, flexible material that is pressure rated up to 180 psi at 93°C. Because of this, the amount of material and supports used to create a hot and cold plumbing system can be reduced, saving you money.

• FlowGuard Pipe and Fittings offer a wider internal diameter than PPR pipe, as well as a consistently smooth surface. This allows architects to design plumbing systems using smaller pipe sizes without sacrificing pressure or flow rate.
• FlowGuard CPVC expands and contracts less than PPR piping, which means fewer mechanisms are required to deflect the resulting compressive stress.
• The number of hangers and supports used to hold up a piping system is fewer with CPVC piping than with PPR piping. CPVC pipe doesn’t sag as easily, especially when transporting hot water.

Less Installation Time Means Lower Labor Costs

One of the biggest expenses of a piping system installation is labor. The time required and number of skilled workers on site can quickly add up. CPVC can help to limit both the number of plumbers and how long they’re on the job. In addition, many contractors reported up to 50% labor cost savings by installing CPVC over other piping materials such as PPR.

• CPVC is a lightweight material that can effectively be installed by one person. This enables contractors to have fewer workers on site, or allows the work to be divided up between more workers.
• CPVC is installed using solvent cement. The process is straightforward, and requires only basic instructions to do so effectively. Conversely, PPR requires skilled laborers to heat weld pipe and fitting joints. The more skilled a laborer, the higher a rate they can demand, adding to the project cost.
• Because of the ease of installation, CPVC can be installed onsite quicker than PPR and other materials, helping to speed up installation time. This is especially true when installing pipe and fittings in tight, confined spaces, a job not easily done using heat welding tools.

Another consideration of PPR welding is avoiding plastic beading inside the pipe. If beads of plastic form inside the pipe during PPR welding, they could restrict water flow and even clog the pipe. Such a mistake requires reworking the pipe, which is time-consuming.

Reliable Materials Mean Long-Term Savings

The long-term reliability of a plumbing system can translate into significant cost savings down the road. The material’s ability to stand up to the water and the environment are key, as is the ease with which repairs can be made.

• Chlorine and chlorine dioxide are commonly used disinfectants in potable water, and can be corrosive to PPR pipes and fittings. Over time, this chlorine can eat away at PPR piping, weakening the material and joints. CPVC, on the other hand, is much more resistant to the corrosive effects of chlorine, keeping it structurally strong longer.
• Should a pipe get damaged and begin to leak, repairs are easier with CPVC. Depending on the amount of damage, CPVC only requires a patch to be solvent cemented in place. However, in a PPR piping system, the pipe or a section has to be removed, replaced and re-installed by a skilled laborer.

Switch to CPVC and Save Money

Are you ready to try FlowGuard CPVC in your residential plumbing system? Contact our team of piping system experts today to discuss your needs.