CPVC vs UPVC vs PVC Pipes: Which One Should You Use?
Walk into any hardware shop and you will hear three names: CPVC, UPVC and PVC. They look similar, but they do different jobs. Using the wrong one is a common cause of leaks and burst joints.
Quick answer
Pipe
Use it for
Don't use it for
CPVC
Hot and cold water inside the home – bathrooms, kitchens, geyser lines
Drainage
UPVC
Cold water supply – overhead tank lines, ring mains, outdoor and garden lines
Hot water or geyser outlets
PVC (SWR / drainage)
Waste, soil and rainwater – basin and sink waste, floor drains, downpipes
Pressurised water supply
CPVC – for hot and cold water
CPVC (chlorinated PVC) is made to handle hot water, which is why it is the standard choice for bathroom and kitchen plumbing and for geyser inlet and outlet lines. Common sizes are 15 mm (½ inch), 20 mm (¾ inch) and 25 mm (1 inch). Join it only with CPVC solvent cement.
UPVC – for cold water
UPVC (unplasticised PVC) is strong and economical for cold water. It is widely used from the overhead tank down to each floor, and for outdoor and terrace lines. It is not meant for hot water. Join it with UPVC solvent cement.
PVC – for drainage
Grey or white PVC drainage pipes (often called SWR) carry waste water and rainwater. Typical sizes are 40 mm for basin and sink waste, 75 mm for floor drains and 110 mm (4 inch) for soil lines and downpipes.
Three mistakes to avoid
Mixing CPVC and UPVC fittings. A "½ inch" CPVC pipe and a "½ inch" UPVC pipe have different outside diameters, so their fittings are not interchangeable. Buy fittings that match the pipe type.
Using the wrong solvent. CPVC, UPVC and PVC each have their own solvent cement. The wrong one gives weak joints that can fail later.
Threading plastic directly. Where a tap, valve or geyser hose connects, use a brass-insert fitting (MTA, FTA, brass elbow or brass tee) and seal threads with Teflon tape.
Not sure what you need? Send a photo on WhatsApp and we will help you pick the right parts, or book a plumber in Noida.
Need it today? THS Now delivers in 2–3 hours across Noida, Greater Noida and East Delhi, 9am–9pm daily. Free delivery on orders of ₹499+. Questions? Call or WhatsApp +91-9818558934.
