PPR (polypropylene random copolymer) and CPVC (chlorinated PVC) are both premium pipes for hot and cold water. Both resist corrosion and scale. The defining difference is the joint.
Quick answer
Choose PPR for a new whole-building system where you want the strongest, longest-life joints and have a fusion tool and trained installer. Choose CPVC for faster, lower-cost installation, repairs and smaller jobs — it joins with solvent cement and is widely stocked.
PPR vs CPVC at a glance
| Property | PPR | CPVC |
|---|---|---|
| Joining method | Heat fusion (welded) | Solvent cement |
| Hot water | Yes | Yes (~93°C) |
| Install speed | Slower (needs fusion tool) | Faster |
| Joint strength | Joint as strong as pipe | Strong cemented joint |
| Cost | Higher upfront | Lower |
| Best for | New whole-house systems | Repairs, fast installs, budget jobs |
How they join
PPR is welded: a fusion tool heats both pipe and fitting until they melt, then they are pushed together and fuse into one piece. CPVC is solvent-cemented: a chemical cement softens the surfaces so they bond. Fusion is extremely durable; solvent cement is quicker and needs no power tool.
We stock both — see PPR pipes & fittings and CPVC pipes, plus the correct solvent cement.