We often get calls from home-owners who was confused whether to use GI pipeline or CPVC pipe line for Bathroom Plumbing. Firstly let’s see what these 2 pipes are made of.
“GI pipes” are galvanized iron pipes made of iron/ zinc.
“CPVC pipes” are Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride made up of Chlorine/ Ethylene/ Color Pigments/ Additives.
GI pipes were traditionally used by builders & architects until CPVC pipes came in market. And now CPVC pipes are extensively used for building pipeline purpose. There are several advantages of having CPVC pipes, like
- More Durable – CVC Pipes are durable as compared to GI pipes. This is because GI pipe are not corrosion resistant and so they eventually rust. CPVC pipes are corrosion resistant pipes.
- Compatible to hot & cold water – CPVC pipes are not affected by warm water unlike GI pipes.
- Low Bacterial growth – As observed, bacterial growth in CPVC pipes is very low as compared to GI pipes.
- No scale & pit formation – As CPVC pipes are non-corrosive and resistant to scale formation, there’s no build up or any formation that causes loss of water pressure.
- Chemical Resistance – CPVC pies are excellent chemical resistant pipes. They also are unaffected by chlorine if present in water supply.
- Easy Installation – CPVC pipes can easily be installed through cold wielding. GI requires more man hours and if not installed correctly can cause breakage and leakage problem. CPVC pipes are easier to handle then GI pipes. Care needs to be taken while cutting and joining CPVC pipes. Angles/ corners of CVPC pipes are joint with a solution- SALVAT. These joints are called as cuplings and are available in different forms like L-shape, T-shape, straight, etc.
- Cost effective – Having CPVC plumbing system is cost effective affair. You save on extra fittings, loops, anchors, insulation and labor charge too. Furthermore it lasts for mor than 50 years.
I wish the contractor located closeby to contact by teliphone initially
Sir, I don’t understand. Please call 9920620009. Thanks
Sir, my plumber has provided me local GI fittings (union,sockets named as UFC and UFS).Is this cause leakage in future or will become a serious issue.
GI fittings if of good quality then will last for a very long time. If there is any further plumbing work, prefer CPVC items.
MILLION DOLLAR SUGGESTION – once plumbing/piping is done – before plaster happens – take photograph & email it yourself for future reference. EVen after years, if something goes wrong, you will know internal plumbing structure.
Our builder provided us with GI pipes and the building is now 10 years old. I’ve read that GI pipes last for around 40-50 years in ideal conditions. We get borewell and tanker water supply. Note – there is no reduced pressure or discoloration in the water. I understand GI pipes are more costly as compared to CPVC pipes. Now some residents say its time to get them replaced. How can we certify if they really need replacement?
Which pipe is better gi and cpvc
cpvc is way to go
Sir which one is better Cpvc or Upvc sanitary fittings for new house. Sir please reply fast.
cpvc or upvc will not matter much. cPVC pipes and connectors have evolved tremendously technically over years. For a new construction, make sure you use good quality branded plumbing supply.
Sir I am installing solar water heater and using cpvc 3/4″ pipe for outdoor on terrace and inside bathroom. I hope I have taken a good decision. Any further suggestions pls let me know for solar water heater system.
Salim ji, you should talk to local plumber & find out details about how to take measures. CPVC pipes are quite matured products, they are good, but good idea to confirm things with local plumber as they are aware of local issues.
Dear Nitin, first of all ley me congratulate you on making and maintaining this website, not let’s come to the questions, yes cpvc is good in many terms but the problem is with the jointing solution, does any of the jointing solution gives you the life of joint? What reaction will the solution give if treated with hot water? Will it not get hard and form cracks? Secondly do let me know which pipe should be used when we are taking the connection from the main line (nagar nigam pipe line)
CPVC pipes & solutions are quite matured product. We have known many homes using them over years & faces no problem. It is best idea to confirm this with local plumber. If particular area has these kind of crack complains then you need to take action accordingly. However in most cases these are extremely good products. Regarding main connection you need to check with local plumber. There are CPVC pipes available for such application as well, but confirm with local plumber.
Which one is better sir cpvc or pvc pipes or stainless steel pipes?? Sir suggest me the best pipe as my plumber fitted gi pipes previously and it bursted due to rust sir plzz reply as soon as possible
cpvc pipes are way to go. These are more value for money products.
When using plastic pipes for long time it’s may harm (cancer) ?
I have never heard any such reports on cpvc pipe, i believe it is safe.
please do your own research. metals cause cancer too, breathing polluted air in metro cities causes cancer too.