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TJ in IL · Posted: Sun May 18, 2003 6:23 pm Post subject: Use of CPVC water supply?

I have a friend that is looking at purchasing a home, but the water supply line for part of the house is CPVC, and is installed accross an unheated attic space. The pipes are wrapped with heat tape to prevent freezing.
I know that the heat tape is a major no-no on plastic pipe. My question is CPVC water supply lines for humans acceptable by current BOCA codes? There seems to be a bit of contriversy when we ask local plumbers.
I have tried a google search on the subject, but only came up with purchasing a current copy of the code book ($60 for a simple question).
The house is located in Lake County Illinois.

Thanks,
TJ

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4659 Location: Bath

We use a whole range of plastic pipes on the other side of the pond so one would assume yours is ok.

Not being familiar with your regs I would have thought you could phone the water Company or Building control.

The plastic pipe we would use is ok to temps up to 85c, and heat tapes are only 5-10c, so again one assumes if it was installed by a professional plumber it would be suitable.

You can of course always lag the pipe for additional protection, check with the Manufactor of the pipe. Cool

TJ in IL · Posted: Tue May 20, 2003 10:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks. I think we are just going to let the lawyer handle it at this point. Things are getting a bit "dodgey" as you say.
I believe the lawyer will push for an all-copper installation.
Thanks for the info, and I most likely will look into it a bit more out of my own curiosity. Will post back if I find out anything new.

Cheers,
TJ

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4659 Location: Bath

If the pipe is designed for potable water, and there is no contract or specification to use copper pipe, I would have no problem defending such a case. Smile

Sounds like your after some free money and sadly this country is going the same way. Crying or Very sad