PVF Reference Library · Technical Reference

PVC and CPVC Pipe

PVC and CPVC pressure pipe is sold by schedule (40, 80) or by SDR. This sheet explains the specifications, how SDR works, how the pipe is joined with solvent cement and the temperature difference between PVC and CPVC.

Ref PV-0008ASTM D1785ASTM F441ASTM D2241ASTM F442

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) are rigid plastic pipes used for water, drainage, chemical and process service. Schedule pipe has the same outside diameter as steel pipe of the same NPS, with wall thickness set by schedule. PVC schedule pipe is made to ASTM D1785 and CPVC schedule pipe to ASTM F441. SDR pipe has a wall that is a fixed fraction of the outside diameter. PVC SDR pipe is made to ASTM D2241 and CPVC SDR pipe to ASTM F442. CPVC plumbing tube in copper tube sizes is a separate product under ASTM D2846.

How to read it

The print line shows the material, size, schedule or SDR, the ASTM standard, the pressure rating at a stated temperature where applicable, any NSF mark for potable water, the maker and a production code.

SDR (standard dimension ratio) = average outside diameter ÷ minimum wall thickness. A lower SDR means a thicker wall. Because the ratio is fixed, every size in one SDR has the same pressure rating at a given temperature.

Product comparison

Product	Standard	Sized by	Common color (maker convention)	Typical use
PVC Schedule 40	ASTM D1785	NPS and schedule	White	Water, irrigation, drainage, general
PVC Schedule 80	ASTM D1785	NPS and schedule	Gray	Industrial and chemical, threaded joints
PVC SDR pipe (such as SDR 21, SDR 26)	ASTM D2241	NPS and SDR	White or other	Irrigation and water lines
CPVC Schedule 40 and 80	ASTM F441	NPS and schedule	Light gray	Hot water and industrial chemical service
CPVC SDR pipe	ASTM F442	NPS and SDR	Varies	Pressure service where specified
CPVC CTS plumbing tube	ASTM D2846	Copper tube size	Tan or cream	Residential hot and cold water

Temperature

CPVC handles higher temperatures than PVC. Makers commonly publish a maximum service temperature of 140°F for PVC and 200°F for CPVC (CTS hot and cold water CPVC is commonly rated 100 psi at 180°F), with pressure ratings that drop as temperature rises. Use the maker's derating table for any pressure above room temperature.

Joining

Clean, prime and cement with the cement made for the pipe material. PVC cement is ASTM D2564, CPVC cement is ASTM F493 and primer is ASTM F656. Do not thread Schedule 40. Threading is for Schedule 80 or heavier. See the solvent cement selection chart.

Key points

Makers prohibit PVC and CPVC for compressed air or gas. A failure can shatter the pipe.
Sunlight degrades unprotected PVC. Paint or cover it outdoors if the maker calls for it.
Pressure ratings are printed on the pipe and in the maker's data. Do not quote them from memory.

Common mistakes

Using PVC cement on CPVC.
Threading Schedule 40.
Running PVC for a compressed air line.
Using PVC on a hot water line.

Governing standards: ASTM D1785; ASTM F441; ASTM D2241; ASTM F442; ASTM D2846; ASTM D2564, F493 and F656 for cement and primer.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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