Why Houses in Certain States Use CTS Piping for Plumbing
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Time to read 4 min
The commercial and residential building codes are different in the United States depending on the state and the region. Over time, the building codes have changed with technology and advancements in building materials., A recent change in U.S. building codes allowed certain states to use CTS piping in residential plumbing applications. Now that you know why you’ll find CTS Piping in some homes, we will explain what CTS pipe is, what some of the benefits of CTS CPVC piping are, and which states you’re most likely to find CPVC CTS pipe.
What is CTS Piping and What is it Used For?
CTS stands for Copper Tube Sizing. This is different from other PVC or CPVC pipes, which commonly use NPS, or Nominal Pipe Size, dimensions. When compared to CTS, NPS is larger in diameter. Keep this in mind when ordering supplies - CPVC CTS is different in size from other CPVC pipe and fittings.
CPVC CTS pipe is used for hot and cold water distribution in pressure systems that do not exceed 180 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll find CPVC CTS in homes and other residential applications. In Texas and Florida, CPVC CTS Pipe and Fittings were the common replacement in homes that had Polybutylene pipe.
What Are the Benefits of Copper Tube Size (CTS) CPVC Piping?
Some of the benefits of CPVC CTS pipe and fittings include better heat retention and chemical and corrosion resistance. Better heat retention than comparable metal pipe means that it takes less energy to keep water hot and can lower heating costs for your home or business. Plastic piping can also be insulated using foam sheaths for even better heat retention and to help protect pipes from freezing temperatures. CPVC, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, is a versatile and durable material with different properties than PVC so it is more chemical and corrosive resistant. It is also a cost-efficient option over copper pipe.
Which States Commonly Use CTS Piping for Plumbing?
While most states today allow CPVC CTS and PEX in residential construction, back in 1995 builders in Texas, Florida, Louisiana, and other Southeast States faced a different story. Polybutylene pipes were regarded as the best materials for piping, but then building codes changed. CPVC CTS pipe and fittings became the product of choice after Polybutylene pipes were no longer accepted by the U.S. building codes. Manufacturers even stopped producing Polybutylene pipes altogether.
CPVC CTS piping is a good choice for residential plumbing applications in areas that experience extreme temperatures. It’s affordability and ease-of-use also makes it a popular choice for repiping projects. If you need to replace outdated or damaged pipes, consider CPVC CTS pipe.
Times Change
As time goes on and new products are designed and created, U.S. Building Codes will be updated that will require certain products be used. When Polybutylene pipe was found to no longer be suitable, CPVC CTS pipe was there to takes its place. If you’re considering installing CPVC CTS piping, it is important to note that CPVC CTS pipe should only be used with CTS fittings. If you’re looking for replacement for cold and hot water distribution, cost savings, and need to stay within building code restrictions, CPVC CTS Pipe and Fittings may be what you need.
Replaced Polybutylene After Code Changes: CPVC CTS (Copper Tube Size) pipe became the standard replacement material in Southeastern states (like Texas and Florida) after building code updates banned polybutylene piping.
Energy Efficient & Corrosion Resistant: It handles hot/cold pressure systems (up to 180°F), retains heat better than metal pipes to reduce energy costs, and resists chemicals and corrosion.
Specific Sizing Requirements: CTS piping uses copper sizing dimensions, making it smaller than standard Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) schedule 40/80 pipes—so it must only be paired with matching CTS fittings.
FAQs
What does "CTS" stand for, and how is it different from standard PVC/CPVC pipe?
CTS stands for Copper Tube Size. Unlike standard PVC or CPVC pipe that uses Nominal Pipe Size (NPS) dimensions, CTS pipe has a smaller outside diameter to match copper tubing measurements. Because of these sizing differences, CPVC CTS pipes must only be paired with matching CTS fittings.
Why did states like Texas and Florida widely adopt CPVC CTS piping?
In the mid-1990s, building code updates phased out polybutylene (PB) piping due to frequent failures and leaks. States in the Southeast, including Texas, Florida, and Louisiana, rapidly transitioned to CPVC CTS as the primary, code-approved replacement for polybutylene in residential hot and cold water supply lines.
What are the main advantages of using CPVC CTS pipe over copper?
Better Heat Retention: CPVC holds heat better than metal, reducing energy loss and lowering water heating costs.
Corrosion & Chemical Resistance: It does not pit, scale, or corrode over time like metal piping.
Cost Efficiency: It is significantly more affordable than traditional copper pipe while offering easier, faster installation.
What temperatures and pressures is CPVC CTS pipe rated for?
CPVC CTS is specifically designed for indoor hot and cold potable water distribution systems operating up to 180°F (82°C) under normal residential pressure conditions.
Mark Ligon
Mark Ligon is the marketing manager at PVC Fittings Online, a supplier of commercial PVC and CPVC pipe, fittings and valves. Ligon enjoys educating businesses on the parts of piping systems so managers can make informed decisions. He can be reached at webmaster@commercial-industrial-supply.com.
