PVC handles cold water and drainage; CPVC handles hot water up to 93°C. Here's a clear comparison to help you pick the right pipe for every application.
Choosing between PVC and CPVC pipes is one of the most common questions in Indian home plumbing. Both belong to the polyvinyl chloride family, both are corrosion-proof and lightweight, but they serve very different jobs. Picking the wrong one is the leading cause of leaks, pipe deformation and rework in residential and commercial projects.
This guide breaks down the real differences in plain language so you can specify the right pipe the first time.
What is PVC?
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) is a rigid thermoplastic widely used for cold water supply, drainage, agriculture, irrigation, electrical conduits and underground sewer lines. It is rated for fluids up to about 60°C and works at standard plumbing pressures.
PVC pipes are economical, easy to join with solvent cement and last for decades when used within their temperature range.
What is CPVC?
CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is PVC that has been chlorinated to handle much higher temperatures — up to 93°C continuous service. That makes CPVC the standard for hot and cold water plumbing inside homes, hotels, hospitals and industrial facilities.
CPVC also resists scaling, bacterial growth and most household chemicals, which is why it has largely replaced GI (galvanised iron) for indoor plumbing in India.
PVC vs CPVC: Side-by-Side
Max temperature: PVC ~60°C, CPVC ~93°C.
Use case: PVC for cold water, drainage, irrigation, conduits. CPVC for hot and cold potable water plumbing.
Joining: Both use solvent cement, but the solvents are different and not interchangeable.
Cost: PVC is roughly 25–40% cheaper per metre than CPVC.
Pressure rating: CPVC typically carries a higher pressure rating at elevated temperatures.
Standards in India: PVC follows IS 4985, CPVC follows IS 15778.
Which Should You Buy?
For internal plumbing carrying hot water — geyser lines, kitchen, bathroom hot taps — always use CPVC.
For cold-water supply lines, overhead tank inlets, drainage, agricultural irrigation, borewell column pipes and electrical conduits — PVC is the right, cost-effective choice.
Most modern Indian homes use both: CPVC for hot/cold plumbing inside walls, PVC SWR for drainage, and PVC for terrace and underground supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use PVC pipes for hot water?
No. Standard PVC softens above 60°C and will deform under hot-water pressure. Use CPVC for any line carrying water above 45°C.
Is CPVC better than GI pipes?
Yes for indoor plumbing. CPVC does not rust, does not scale, weighs a fraction of GI and has a service life of 50+ years with proper installation.
Can PVC and CPVC be joined together?
Only with the correct transition fitting and the right solvent cement for each side. Never use PVC solvent cement on CPVC pipes or vice versa.
Are Jindal CPVC pipes ISI marked?
Yes. Jindal CPVC pipes and fittings are manufactured to IS 15778 and carry the ISI mark.
Reviewed by
Sahil Jindal
Managing Director, Jindal Composite Tubes Pvt Ltd
3rd-generation pipe manufacturer with 25+ years of hands-on experience in PVC, CPVC and UPVC pipe engineering, ISI/BIS compliance and India-wide plumbing distribution.