Features & Benefits
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is FlowGuard Gold® CPVC Pipe?
FlowGuard Gold CPVC, invented more than 40 years ago, is a patented rigid thermoplastic
chlorinated polyvinyl compound used in the manufacturing of a plumbing
system that won't pit, scale or corrode.
When was a CPVC plumbing system first used?
The first CPVC plumbing system was installed in 1959. Since its development,
more than three billion feet of CPVC pipe has been installed in homes,
condominiums, buildings, apartments and hotels, including 12 million
homes.
Where have FlowGuard Gold plumbing systems been installed?
FlowGuard Gold plumbing systems have been installed in all 50
states in the United States by national builders such as D.R. Horton,
Centex Homes and NV Homes and local custom builders like Monroe Development
in Vienna, Virginia. The new homes constructed with CPVC plumbing
systems range from $75,000 and 1,500 square feet to more than $2 million
and more than 7,000 square feet.
Do FlowGuard Gold plumbing systems meet plumbing codes?
CPVC plumbing systems meet all model code approvals, including BOCA
National Plumbing Code, Standard Plumbing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code,
CABO 1- and 2- Family Dwelling Code, Canadian Plumbing Code, International
Plumbing Code and International Residential Code, as well as California
Plumbing Code.
Why would a plumber, builder or homeowner select a FlowGuard Gold
plumbing system over a metal (copper or galvanized) system?
CPVC plumbing systems will not pit, scale or corrode in aggressive
water and soil conditions, so water purity is maintained. In environments
with aggressive water, pH levels of less than 6.5, copper plumbing
is not certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for drinking water safety
and may break down. Plus, copper cannot resist certain soil chemistries
or compositions and will begin to degrade. In these conditions, copper
pipes can develop pinholes and leaks in just a few years.
What are the additional benefits of a FlowGuard Gold CPVC
plumbing system for homeowners?
The thermoplastic properties of a FlowGuard Gold CPVC system
provides a system that is four times quieter than copper plumbing
systems, reducing the sound of running water and the potential of
the pounding noise of water hammer. In addition, unlike copper piping
materials, the thermoplastic properties of a FlowGuard Gold CPVC
plumbing systems provide insulation to reduce condensation and "sweaty
pipes." The material keeps hot water hotter and cold water colder
than copper. Less energy is lost through the wall of the pipe, saving
homeowners money on heating and cooling.
What are the additional benefits for builders and plumbers?
The benefits of a FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing system versus
copper plumbing systems are not just a matter of lower material costs.
FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing systems are faster and easier to
install for the experienced, professional plumber, reducing overall
labor costs. FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing systems do not require
torches or heavy equipment. A one-step joining system can provide
curing in 10 minutes on standard size pipe for ease in pressure testing.
Are there any health risks using a FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing
system?
No, FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing systems have been used for more
than 40 years and have not posed any health risks. FlowGuard Gold
plumbing systems exceed ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for water quality with
no pH level restrictions as found in copper pipe. FlowGuard Gold
plumbing systems meet all model code approvals, including the International
Plumbing Code, International Residential Code, BOCA National Plumbing
Code, Standard Plumbing Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, CABO-1 and 2-Family
Dwelling Code and Canadian Plumbing Code.
Will any components from the pipe leach into the water?
Leaching is the migration of substances from the pipe walls, gaskets
or joining materials (such as solder) into water inside the pipe.
FlowGuard Gold CPVC pipe and fittings and the materials from
which they are made are tested by NSF International for use with potable
water (PW). FlowGuard Gold CPVC materials and piping have been
NSF - PW listed for both hot and cold water applications per ANSI/NSF
Standards for years. The requirements in ANSI/NSF Standard 14 equal
or exceed those in the EPA Primary Drinking Regulations.
What are the combustibility properties of FlowGuard Gold
pipe and fittings?
FlowGuard Gold CPVC has a flash ignition temperature of 900°F
which is the lowest temperature at which sufficient combustion gas
is evolved that can be ignited by a small external flame. Many other
ordinary combustibles, such as wood, ignite at 500°F or less.
FlowGuard Gold CPVC will not sustain burning. It must be forced to burn due to its very high Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 60. LOI is the percentage of oxygen needed in an atmosphere to support combustion. Since the Earth's atmosphere is only 21% oxygen, FlowGuard Gold CPVC will not burn unless a flame is constantly applied, and stops burning when the ignition source is removed.
| Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) | |
| Oxygen contained in Earth's atmosphere - 21% | |
| Material | LOI |
| Cotton | 16 - 17 |
| Polypropylene | 18 |
| Birch | 20 |
| CPVC | 60 |
FlowGuard Gold CPVC has a significantly lower heat of combustion at 7,770 BTU/lb compared to Douglas fir at 9,040 BTU/lb and polypropylene at nearly 20,000 BTU/lb. Materials with a high heat of combustion perpetuate a combustible mixture which, when ignited, creates more heat and causes the burning process to become self-sustaining. FlowGuard Gold CPVC cannot be the ignition source of a fire or support combustion.
United States Testing Company, using the University of Pittsburgh Test Protocol, found that CPVC was "not considered more toxic that Douglas fir." FlowGuard Gold CPVC emitted smoke levels are also exceptionally low. Testing at Underwriters Laboratories of Canada has shown that CPVC produces only one-third of the smoke of kiln-dried wood.
