PVC (poly-vinyl chloride) and CPVC (chlorinated poly-vinyl chloride) are the two most common plastic plumbing pipes. They are joined the same way — with solvent cement — and look alike, but they are built for different jobs. Choosing the wrong one is the single most common plumbing mistake.
Quick answer
Use PVC for cold-water supply, drainage and general lines. Use CPVC for hot water — geysers, solar heaters and kitchen hot lines — because CPVC is rated to around 93°C while PVC softens above roughly 60°C.
PVC vs CPVC at a glance
| Property | PVC | CPVC |
|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | ~60°C (cold water) | ~93°C (hot water) |
| Typical colour | White / grey | Cream / light yellow |
| Best for | Cold supply, irrigation, drainage | Hot & cold supply, geyser lines |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Solvent cement | PVC cement | CPVC cement (different) |
| Pressure rating | Good | Higher, holds at temperature |
When to use PVC
- Cold-water supply lines to taps, tanks and flush systems
- Garden, borewell and irrigation lines
- General cold plumbing where hot water never flows
When to use CPVC
- Hot-water lines from geysers and solar water heaters
- Kitchen sink hot lines
- Any line that may carry hot water now or later
How to tell them apart
Colour is the quickest clue: PVC is usually white or grey, CPVC is cream/light-yellow. Always check the printing on the pipe — it states the material, size and ISI mark. Critically, PVC and CPVC need different solvent cements; using PVC cement on CPVC (or vice-versa) makes a weak joint that can fail under hot water.
Cost
PVC is cheaper, so cold-only lines are often run in PVC to save money, with CPVC reserved for the hot lines. For a small home the price difference is minor; for a large project it adds up, which is why plumbers mix both.
Need either? We stock both PVC and CPVC pipe and fittings in all common sizes — see PVC & CPVC pipes & fittings, or browse the full product range.