Pipe

PVC Pipe

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is the most widely used thermoplastic pipe material. It is lightweight, corrosion-resistant, easy to install with solvent cement, and significantly less expensive than metal piping. PVC pipe is rated for operating temperatures up to 140°F and is available in multiple wall thicknesses, or schedules, to match different pressure requirements.

• Schedule 40 PVC Pipe is the standard for residential plumbing, irrigation, pool and spa systems, drainage, and DIY structural projects. White in color. Available in sizes from 1/2 inch to 14 inches. Suitable for both pressure and DWV, or drain, waste and vent, applications at moderate pressures.
• Schedule 80 PVC Pipe (Gray) has thicker walls than Schedule 40, providing higher pressure ratings and greater impact resistance. Dark gray in color. Available in sizes from 1/2 inch to 14 inches. Used in industrial, chemical processing, and high-pressure commercial applications. Schedule 80 is the only PVC schedule that can be safely threaded.
• Clear PVC Pipe is a transparent, rigid PVC pipe that allows visual monitoring of flow, fluid levels, and system conditions. It is used in laboratories, food processing, clean rooms, and applications where seeing inside the pipe is important. Compatible with standard PVC fittings and cement. Available in sizes from 1/4 inch to 12 inches.

Both Schedule 40 and Schedule 80 PVC pipe share the same outside diameter for each nominal size, which means Schedule 40 fittings and Schedule 80 fittings will physically fit on pipe of either schedule.

For a detailed breakdown of dimensions, wall thickness, and pressure ratings, see our PVC Pipe Dimensions Chart. For help deciding between schedules, see Schedule 40 vs. Schedule 80 PVC.

CPVC Pipe

CPVC, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, pipe handles higher temperatures and resists a broader range of chemicals than standard PVC. The chlorination process gives CPVC a maximum operating temperature of 200°F for Schedule 80 or 180°F at 100 PSI for CTS, compared to 140°F for PVC. This makes CPVC the required choice for hot water distribution, heated chemical processes, and systems where fluid temperatures exceed what PVC can safely handle.

• Schedule 80 CPVC Pipe is a light gray, thick-walled pipe for high-pressure and high-temperature industrial applications. Rated to 200°F. Used in chemical processing, hot water systems, water treatment, and fire suppression. It uses the same nominal pipe sizing as standard PVC.
• CTS CPVC Pipe uses copper tube sizing rather than nominal pipe sizing, making it a direct replacement for copper in residential and commercial hot and cold water distribution. Tan or light yellow in color. Rated to 180°F at 100 PSI. Joined with CPVC solvent cement rather than soldering. See our CTS CPVC fittings for compatible connectors.

CPVC pipe requires CPVC-rated primer and solvent cement. PVC cement is not compatible with CPVC and will not create a reliable bond. For a full overview of CPVC products, see our CPVC fittings parent collection.

Duct Pipe

PVC and CPVC duct pipe is designed for non-pressurized industrial exhaust and fume handling systems. Duct pipe uses its own sizing system and should not be interchanged with pressure pipe or fittings.

• PVC Duct Pipe is rated to 140°F and used for general-purpose corrosive fume collection and exhaust ventilation.
• CPVC Duct Pipe is rated to 200°F with improved fire resistance. It is used where exhaust temperatures exceed PVC's limit, such as in chemical plants, plating facilities, and semiconductor manufacturing.

Why 5-Foot Sections

Most pipe suppliers sell pipe in 10-foot or 20-foot lengths that require costly freight shipping. We cut all of our pipe to 5-foot sections, approximately 59.5 inches in actual length, so it can ship via UPS directly to your door. This eliminates freight coordination, reduces shipping costs, and makes it practical to order exactly the amount you need for smaller projects, repairs, and hard-to-find sizes.

Quick Comparison

• PVC (140°F max): The standard for cold water, irrigation, drainage, pool plumbing, and structural builds. Most affordable option. White for Schedule 40 or dark gray for Schedule 80.
• CPVC (180°F to 200°F max): Required for hot water distribution and heated chemical systems. Offers broader chemical resistance than PVC. Light gray for Schedule 80 or tan for CTS.
• Clear PVC (140°F max): Offers the same general properties as standard PVC but is transparent for visual monitoring. Used in laboratories, food processing, and clean rooms.
• PVC/CPVC Duct: Non-pressurized pipe for industrial exhaust and fume handling. Uses a separate sizing system from pressure pipe.

Specifications at a Glance

• Material: PVC Type I, Grade 1, Cell Class 12454-B; CPVC for CPVC lines
• Standards: ASTM D1785 for pipe and ASTM D1784 for material
• Certifications: NSF-14 certified for potable water for PVC and Schedule 80 CPVC; NSF/ANSI 61 for CTS CPVC
• Length: 5-foot sections, shipped via UPS
• Connection: Solvent weld using PVC primer and cement for PVC or CPVC primer and cement for CPVC

Need help selecting the right pipe for your application? Contact our team or request a quote for bulk pricing and project orders.