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FAQs: Corzan® CPVC for High-Rises

High-rise piping must defy gravity, reliably delivering water vertically and with adequate temperatures and pressures. This requires careful specification and system design—and the right materials. High-rise buildings often choose a plastic piping like Corzan® CPVC due to its quiet performance and lower installed and lifetime costs. 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. What piping materials are best for vertical risers?

In the U.S., most high-rise installations will choose between copper, steel or CPVC. Corzan CPVC is being increasingly specified for tall, vertical runs, due to its performance characteristics and improvements over metals’ shortcomings. CPVC is inherently resistant to corrosion, is a fraction of the weight of steel and is less labor-intensive to install than metal systems. Corzan CPVC’s vertical run performance is backed by decades of in-field use and by lab testing at full-scale and delivers more favorable performance over PEX for tall riser use.

2. Which piping options minimize weight for vertical construction?

Plastics significantly reduce piping weight in vertical construction. The same diameter, length and Schedule of copper pipe is around 1.5-2x heavier than Corzan CPVC and steel is about 3–4x heavier. Corzan CPVC offers the lightweight benefits of a plastic while improving on other plastics’ pressure, temperature and building code limitations.

3. What are the noise advantages of thermoplastics in high-rise plumbing?

Metal pipes conduct sound more than plastics, so plastic pipes are often much quieter during normal operations. A third-party assessment of the noise produced by Corzan CPVC and by copper piping showed a difference of almost 20 dBA, meaning the copper pipes would sound about four times louder than the CPVC pipes.

4. Is CPVC suitable for HVAC and condenser water systems in high-rises?

Corzan CPVC has a long history of reliable use for hydronic HVAC systems, handling chilled and hot water as well as condenser water containing biocides. Proper design considerations must be made to ensure that compressor oils that may be incompatible with CPVC are fully contained.

5. What do you need to know to correctly install CPVC vertically in high-rises?

The two most important considerations for vertical CPVC installations are support and compatibility. To correctly install CPVC vertically in high-rise buildings:

6. Where can you use CPVC in a high-rise?

Corzan CPVC is suitable for use in:

  • Hot and cold water potable, including chlorine-treated water in temperatures up to 200°F (93.3°C)

  • Hydronic HVAC

  • Some industrial support systems in a mixed-use building

Consult manufacturer information and local codes to confirm that any material of choice meets all requirements.