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Methods of Water Treatment

Disinfectants are essential to clean, safe drinking water, but chlorine-based disinfectants like chlorine, chloramines and chlorine dioxide can significantly reduce the lifespan of some plumbing materials.
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The Rise of Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine dioxide usage is up at least 113% in the U.S. since 2020. It is a more effective disinfectant, killing bacteria chlorine or chloramines cannot. There is no unpleasant taste or odor and does not create harmful byproducts. But not all piping materials can stand up to chlorine dioxide. FlowGuard Gold® CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) is 100% immune to all known chlorine-based disinfectants found in our drinking water.

The Impact of Chlorine-Based Disinfectants on Plumbing Materials

Chlorine dioxide in drinking water has a variety of benefits for homeowners. However, chlorine-based disinfectants can significantly impact the longevity of some piping materials. Learn more about the science behind chlorine-based disinfectants in our drinking water and how FlowGuard Gold® CPVC and Corzan® CPVC compare to polyolefins like polybutylene, PEX and PERT.

A Deeper Dive

Why Plumbers Can’t Ignore Water Compatibility in Material Selection

Ignoring water compatibility can have serious, real-world consequences for different piping materials’ longevity and resilience.
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Plastics Pipe Institute Evaluates Impact of Chlorine Dioxide on Plumbing Materials

The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) joined the EPA and CDC in researching the impact of chlorine dioxide on plumbing materials. Here’s what the PPI found.
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Why PEX Fittings Leak and How to Identify the Cause

Learn how fitting style and susceptibility to chlorine dioxide degradation make fittings a common point of failure in PEX systems.
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Watch Our Chlorine Webinar

Learn how evolving disinfectants, especially chlorine dioxide, are reshaping plumbing material performance and what you must consider when selecting systems for long‑term reliability.

 

Does Your Municipality Use Chlorine Dioxide?

This map visualizes the rise of chlorine dioxide for water treatment. Is your city on the map? Scroll to zoom in or out. Clicking a pin will display the city’s facility name, number of people served and type of disinfectant used, as well as the city’s state and zip code.

Contact a FlowGuard Gold® CPVC Specialist

With combined decades of experience working with hot and cold water distribution for potable water, our team is ready to tackle your toughest questions about whether FlowGuard Gold® CPVC is right for your application.
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