Potable Water Certified: When to Use CPVC Compounds

Potable water certification ensures that piping materials meet strict safety standards for drinking water systems. These standards verify that the materials don’t leach harmful chemicals and can handle pressure and heat safely. When it comes to hot water delivery, not all thermoplastics are equal — and that’s where CPVC stands out.

PVC compounds are used in a wide variety of applications in the building and construction industries, including pipe and fittings for waste water and drainage systems. These materials may also be used to make pipe that will transport potable water, but standard PVC pipe is not suitable for use in hot water applications.

Pipe for hot water applications is typically not made from rigid PVC, as sustained exposure to temperatures above 140ºF will tend to compromise its long term integrity.

Because of these limitations, engineers often turn to CPVC compounds, which are designed for higher heat resistance and potable water safety.

CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is an advanced form of PVC that’s treated with chlorine to enhance its temperature resistance and chemical durability.

CPVC pipes are widely used in residential and industrial plumbing because they can safely handle both hot and cold potable water. They also have lower thermal conductivity than copper, which helps reduce heat loss in hot-water lines, and they resist corrosion over time.

CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) compounds share many common properties with rigid PVC compounds, but are specifically formulated for use in potable water applications to withstand water temperatures up to 200ºF. CPVC pipe is an excellent alternative to copper pipe because of ease of installation, lower thermal conductivity and its resistance to corrosion. CPVC compounds certified through NSF/ANSI are compliant with the regulations established for potable water materials. The regulations include chemical contaminant health requirements, as well as long-term physical strength and performance requirements. Certified compounds are subject to unannounced inspections and annual testing by NSF.

Teknor Apex has developed AquaGuard™ CPVC compounds for use in potable water applications.

The National Sanitation Foundation Int’l (NSF) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are globally recognized organizations that set public health and safety standards, as well as strict industry standards, for many materials and applications.

In simple terms, CPVC offers higher safety and durability in potable water systems where heat and pressure are common factors.

Specific to CPVC pipes, NSF/ANSI 14 and NSF/ANSI 61 are the two certifications that ensure a material is safe for use in potable water applications.

NSF/ANSI 14 is a certification given to CPVC pipe and related fittings to assure they meet at least the minimum performance and code requirements established for potable water pipe by the Uniform Plumbing Code, the National Standard Plumbing Code and the International Plumbing and Residential Code. The results of testing done to obtain this NSF/ANSI certification can also be provided to other agencies, such as ASME, ASSE, ASTM, AWWA, CAS, DIN, IAPM, ISO and UL to gain certifications from those organizations.

NSF/ANSI 61 certification indicates a CPVC pipe or material meets the regulatory and health requirements in the US and Canada, as well as many other countries, for use in drinking water applications. Testing verifies that the level of extractables which could migrate from the material into the water passing through it is at or below the permissible levels.

Global standards bodies such as ISO, ASTM, and UL establish additional criteria for CPVC pipe and fittings beyond the potable-water requirements covered by NSF/ANSI 14 and NSF/ANSI 61. These criteria may include mechanical performance, long-term pressure behavior, and material classification. While certifications from these organizations must be secured independently, the results of NSF/ANSI testing can often be referenced during the approval process.

Teknor Apex’s AquaGuard™ CPVC compounds are engineered to deliver safe and consistent performance in potable water systems. They combine compliance with NSF/ANSI standards and robust physical strength, ensuring long-lasting reliability under high temperature conditions.

• Suitable for hot and cold potable systems
• Excellent flame-retardant properties
• Compatible with multiple processing methods (extrusion, injection molding)

When choosing piping materials for potable water, certification and performance both matter. CPVC stands out because it offers the reliability of traditional materials like copper, combined with the processability and cost-efficiency of thermoplastics. Unlike standard PVC, CPVC can handle hot water systems safely, making it suitable for both residential and industrial environments.