FAQs: Corzan® CPVC for Government & Institutional
Public works projects must meet strict standards and make the best use of taxpayer dollars. Plastic piping like Corzan® CPVC fills an important gap in the piping market, delivering reliable performance even at higher temperatures and pressures than many other plastics while eliminating the corrosion-related lifetime costs associated with metals. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about CPVC in this industry. If you have additional questions or would like more information, please contact us to be connected with one of our piping material experts.
1. Which piping materials align with government durability and safety standards?
To protect those inside government and institutional buildings, piping materials must meet local, state and national codes and meet third-party testing requirements, in addition to demonstrated long-term performance. Because of these requirements, many plastics suitable for smaller, residential applications are not appropriate for use in these buildings. Most government and institutional buildings will specify copper, stainless steel or CPVC. Corzan® CPVC meets ASTM and NSF standards and eliminates corrosion concerns associated with metal piping.
2. How does CPVC compare to metals for municipal or institutional buildings?
Corzan CPVC improves upon many of metal’s shortcomings. It is inherently resistant to corrosion, including microbiologically-influenced corrosion (MIC). Unlike metals, Corzan CPVC will not pit or scale, which helps maintain optimal flow rates and avoid pinhole leaks. The additional chlorine in CPVC’s polymer chain gives it greater innate resistance to water treated with chlorine-based disinfectants, even at elevated temperatures. Due to it’s smooth inside diameter, Corzan CPVC has a lower potential for biofilm formation compared to metal, which typically has a rougher interior. All these qualities can result in less maintenance and downtime over the piping system’s service life.
3. What piping reduces lifecycle cost for government infrastructure projects?
Public projects must consider total lifecycle costs, not just initial cost, when specifying. Because it reduces corrosion-related maintenance and downtime so much, a plastic piping like Corzan CPVC has a demonstrated lower total cost of ownership over the lifecycle compared to metals.
4. Which systems simplify maintenance across large campus-style facilities?
Government and institutional facilities with large campuses may benefit from specifying a single material across as much of the facility as possible. This can simplify installation and operations and can reduce the number and type of personnel needed to perform maintenance. Corzan CPVC may be used across a broad spectrum of applications, including potable water and HVAC.
5. Is CPVC suitable for potable water distribution in institutional buildings?
CPVC is widely accepted in U.S. plumbing codes and is commonly specified for potable water in institutional applications. Corzan CPVC is fully approved per NSF/ANSI 61 for potable water safety at temperatures up to 200°F (93.3°C).
6. How does piping material choice impact health and safety for potable water?
Piping can negatively impact potable water if it introduces unwanted material into the water supply. Corroded pipes can leach metals and particulate, and a rough inside pipe surface can foster biofilm growth. A corrosion-resistant, smooth piping material like Corzan CPVC eliminates leaching and has a lower potential for biofilm formation. Corzan CPVC also stands up better to chlorine-based disinfectants present in potable water that can corrode or oxidize other piping materials.
7. Does Corzan CPVC meet BABA requirements?
Corzan CPVC is a compound, not a finished product, which BABA addresses. However, Corzan CPVC is formulated by Lubrizol and produced in a single, traceable facility and its network of partner manufacturers produce BABA-compliant products using Corzan CPVC.