Why Installing CPVC Plumbing Systems Saves Time and Money Over PPR

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, commonly known as CPVC is a safe, durable, chlorine resistant, antimicrobial and recyclable material. CPVC pipe and fittings are used in hot and cold water plumbing systems and satisfy international potable water piping standards for today’s residential homes, apartments, hotels and commercial buildings.

However, some wonder about the merits of polypropylene (PPR) as compared to CPVC. PPR is a newer material used in residential plumbing systems. But before choosing PPR over CPVC, consider one important facet of the materials: installation.

Do you want a step-by-step guide to installing CPVC? Download the FlowGuard^® Pipe and Fittings Installation Guide today.

CPVC PPR Installation Comparison

Tools

CPVC can be installed with simple, inexpensive, non-electric hand tools. These tools are easy to obtain and typically don’t require a great deal of space on a job site, nor special permits to use. In contrast, PPR requires specialty tools that only operate with an electrical source. Each worker needs access to an expensive welding machine, which heats up to 250°C and could cause burns. For joints larger than 32 mm, an even more labor-intensive process and additional tools are required.

Labor Costs

Because CPVC is simple to install. Usually, a plumber or installer with minimum instruction can handle a CPVC installation by himself, keeping costs down.

PPR, on the other hand, uses heat welding which is more time consuming than solvent welding CPVC. This is especially true in elevated or tight spaces. And, with hundreds of joints in a project, solvent welding CPVC will lead to overall savings in labor costs, up to 50% in some cases.

Installation Workspaces

Thanks to CPVC’s light weight and the simple tools required to install it, no complicated, cluttered or large workspace is needed. Additionally, because it doesn’t need to be prefabricated before installation, all installation can be done directly at the install site. All in all, CPVC installation is time-effective because workspaces can be flexible.

PPR installation doesn’t have the same luxuries. In fact, much of a PPR plumbing system requires prefabrication, which means a separate workspace is needed outside of the installation area. And, if unforeseen installation obstacles arise, more time is required to prefabricate new or additional pieces of pipe. Furthermore, the specialty tools require more space than those needed for CPVC, which can be challenging in a cramped job site.

Want to Install a CPVC Plumbing System?

FlowGuard^® CPVC is the brand leader in the CPVC market. For an in-depth look at the installation process, download the FlowGuard CPVC Installation guide. It includes the following information:

• Appropriate set and cure times.
• How to test CPVC piping.
• Handling and storage considerations.
• Hanger and support requirements.
• Water heater hook-up best practices.
• How to account for thermal expansion in CPVC piping and fittings.
• Considerations for transitioning from FlowGuard piping to other materials.