Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a thermoplastic pipe material. Nationally accepted since 1982, CPVC pipe has many benefits when compared with other plumbing materials. It is primarily used for supplying hot and cold potable water, and in industrial liquid applications.

CPVC pipe has a number of features that make it an improvement over standard PVC piping. It offers greater heat resistance, withstanding corrosive water temperatures between 70°F and 90°F higher than PVC. CPVC is non-toxic, while PVC may leech toxins into water at increased temperatures. CPVC also offers greater strength and flexibility, while PVC is far less ductile.

CPVC pipe has become a modern standard for water supply and liquid lines because of its cost saving benefits over metal piping. It is less expensive than copper piping and materials, as well as being lighter, making it faster and easier to install, saving on labor costs. The thermal conductivity of copper pipe is 2500 times greater than CPVC pipe, meaning it provides significant energy savings while keeping water hotter longer.

CPVC pipe is immune to galvanic corrosion and resists scale build up. It is also resistant to chemicals, and durable against their residues. Being plastic, it is not subject to electrolysis, the process in which water breaks down into oxygen and hydrogen gas. Installation is safer and faster, requiring only a special solvent cement, as opposed to a torch and solder for metal piping. CPVC piping generally lasts longer, as it is less susceptible to failures.

There are concerns with the use of this piping, however. Some people who receive drinking water through CPVC pipes complain of a plastic taste in the water. The pipe and fittings are subject to cracking if dropped or during earthquakes, and can expand with temperature change. Bacteria can grow inside the pipe as well.

CPVC piping is recognized in all model plumbing codes. For hot and cold water applications, it is typically rated at 100 pound per square inch (psi) at 180°F and 400 psi at room temperature. CPVC is fire resistant and will not burn without a flame source, making it suitable for fire suppression systems in light hazard and residential settings.