I am adding to my house. The plumber wants to use CPCV pipes instead of copper. What are the pros and cons of using CPCV pipe VS copper?

CPVC Pros

Much less in cost of materials
Almost have the to time in labor to install
Easier to make changes on
Stay cleaner inside of pipe for no corrosion
Can take direct contact to concrete

CPVC Cons

More bracing to hang and install
Pipe can rattle and shake in not strapped well
Brakes quicker when freezes
Can't sweat out a coupling or fitting to repair and need to cut off that fitting and add pipe to get the correct distance if the repair is close to a fitting.

Copper Pros

Can handle a freeze better
Can be installed with less bracing
Can take more abuse when bumped
Pipe rattles less

Copper Cons

Much more cost for materials.
Twice as long to install
Builds up quicker in corrosion to eat copper
Can't be exposed to direct contact to concrete


Signed 21 Boat

If I Helped To Answer Your Question Please Rate My Answer

Just to add to what 21Boat has already said:

CPVC vs. Copper Plumbing | Builders Websource® (http://www.builderswebsource.com/techbriefs/cpvccopper.htm)

Hi Revethead. I read the site you posted and I sadly laughed about the stealing of the copper. It reflects how bad our society has become. Ive been a victim several times when the thief's actually ripped out a 3 story re hap TWICE and then it was a guard dog
I remember when we could leave tools on our jobs.

Good site by the way. I went off job thoughts.

Signed 21 Boat

If I Helped To Answer Your Question Please Rate My Answer

Well your experience was just about a summary of everything they said anyway.

The stories that could be told about contractors losing material...

Quick one - cabin remodel. All the copper stripped. Replaced with pex. Few days later they come back - strip all the gutters and downspouts and part of the siding...

Apologies to the OP - did the info. Help you any...