PVC compounds are used in a wide variety of applications in the building and construction industries, including pipe and fittings for waste water and drainage systems. These materials may also be used to make pipe that will transport potable water, but standard PVC pipe is not suitable for use in hot water applications.

Pipe for hot water applications is typically not made from rigid PVC, as sustained exposure to temperatures above 140ºF will tend to compromise its long term integrity.

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) compounds share many common properties with rigid PVC compounds, but are specifically formulated for use in potable water applications to withstand water temperatures up to 200ºF. CPVC pipe is an excellent alternative to copper pipe because of ease of installation, lower thermal conductivity and its resistance to corrosion. CPVC compounds certified through NSF/ANSI are compliant with the regulations established for potable water materials. The regulations include chemical contaminant health requirements, as well as long-term physical strength and performance requirements. Certified compounds are subject to unannounced inspections and annual testing by NSF.

The National Sanitation Foundation Int’l (NSF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are globally recognized organizations that set public health and safety standards, as well as strict industry standards, for many materials and applications. 

Specific to CPVC pipes, NSF/ANSI 14 and NSF/ANSI 61 are the two certifications that ensure a material is safe for use in potable water applications. 

NSF/ANSI 14 is a certification given to CPVC pipe and related fittings to assure they meet at least the minimum performance and code requirements established for potable water pipe by the Uniform Plumbing Code, the National Standard Plumbing Code and the International Plumbing and Residential Code. The results of testing done to obtain this NSF/ANSI certification can also be provided to other agencies, such as ASME, ASSE, ASTM, AWWA, CAS, DIN, IAPM, ISO and UL to gain certifications from those organizations.

NSF/ANSI 61 certification indicates a CPVC pipe or material meets the regulatory and health requirements in the US and Canada, as well as many other countries, for use in drinking water applications. Testing verifies that the level of extractables which could migrate from the material into the water passing through it is at or below the permissible levels.

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