WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PVC, CPVC, ABS and other types of pipe?

Generally speaking, the main types of plastic pipe fall into one of the following
categories:

· PVC – This stands for Polymerized Vinyl Chloride (unchlorinated); it is a

thermoplastic polymer and is generally not approved for potable water. It is
biologically and chemically resistant (to most compounds) and is the
leading material used in landscape and garden irrigation supply lines, pond
tubing, pools and water gardens.
· CPVC – This stands for Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride; it is essentially
PVC that has been chlorinated via a chlorination reaction process. It is
also a thermoplastic polymer and is generally non-toxic due to the nature
of the manufacturing process. It is also resistant to many acids, bases,
salts, paraffinic hydrocarbons, halogens and alcohols. It is not generally
resistant to solvents, aromatics and some chlorinated hydrocarbons. It is
one of the leading materials used in potable water systems for hoe and
industry.
· ABS – This stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiean Styrene; it is generally
suitable for conveyance of potable water, slurries and chemicals, and is
also used for chilled water applications and compressed airline systems.
· PP – This stands for PolyPropylene; it is generally used for potable waters,
food handling, compressed air lines and for some uses in the
pharmaceutical and chemical industries. It is generally resistant to
chemical damage, but is not generally resistant to UV radiation and should
be protected when being used outdoors or in moderate to heavy sunlight
applications.
· PE/PEX – This stands for PolyEthelene. PE is generally used as supply
pipe in commercial and residential irrigation systems and drip irrigation
systems. PEX is simply a cross-linked polyethylene. Through one of
several processes, links between the polyethylene molecules are formed to
create bridges (thus the term "cross-linked). The resulting material is more
durable under temperature extremes, making PEX an excellent material for
hot water and other applications. (PEX) is increasingly being used to
replace copper and traditional plastic piping for transporting both hot and
cold water.

PLEASE NOTE – it is extremely important to note that type of pipe you are using (we
sell only PVC) when shopping for cleaners, glue and solvents. Not all products work on
all pipe types.