Jonathan Simon, Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc.

CPVC is one of the most widely used plumbing materials in the U.S. and has a number of advantages that make it ideal for residential plumbing. To follow are some tips for working with CPVC to ensure a fast, professional installation that stands the test of time. These tips are specific to Copper Tube Size CPVC (which is typically tan in color) and may not apply to IPS Schedule 80 CPVC (which is typically gray in color). As with any plumbing system, always consult the manufacturer’s instructions for specific handling and installation information.

Cutting and Welding Copper Tube Size CPVC

When installing CPVC, the pipe should be cut square, and any tailings and bevel on the pipe end removed by chamfering. Ratchet-style cutters can be used for new CPVC. For older CPVC pipe, a C-style tubing cutter, fine-tooth saw or wheel cutter is suggested as CPVC pipes become more rigid with age.

CPVC pipes and fittings are solvent welded together to create a bond that is the strongest part of the system. Copper Tube Size CPVC can use one-step solvent cement, such as FlowGuard® Gold 1-Step Yellow or new High Contrast Green Cement. The use of green solvent cement with CPVC was added to the 2024 codes of major bodies, including the Uniform Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Plumbing Code, and International Mechanical Code.

Because service plumbers often need to make repairs quickly and get to the next job, a specially formulated solvent cement, Oatey® Orange Lava, was developed. It enables one-step cure times as fast as 15 minutes for cold water lines in certain conditions.

CPVC pipes and fittings use an interference fit to ensure a strong bond and it’s a good practice to test the fit before applying solvent cement. When you insert the pipe into the fitting, you should feel some resistance before bottoming out the pipe, which indicates a proper fit.

When applying cement, a good practice is to apply a heavy, even coat to the outside of the pipe end. Then, using the same applicator without additional cement, apply a thin coat inside the fitting socket. After the cement has been applied, the pipe should be inserted until it bottoms out against the fitting.

Always verify code requirements and follow the solvent cement manufacturer’s instructions for cure times and installation procedures.

Avoiding Dry Fits

The friction between the pipe and fitting in a tight interference fit can hold for a long time at pressures above 100 psi without being solvent welded. That means if a joint in the system isn’t solvent welded, the system can still pass a pressure test. Over time, natural movement and stress on the system will cause an unwelded joint to fail. These dry-fit installation errors are extremely rare but can be very frustrating because the failure may occur after the building is occupied.

To avoid dry fits, never pre-assemble the system and then come back through with solvent cement. The best practice is to weld each joint as it is assembled. This also results in a faster installation. For added peace of mind, some contractors may require  plumbers to initial joints with a  after they are welded. Systems should  still be visually inspected and High Contrast Green Solvent Cement  makes this quality assurance process easier than ever.

Protecting CPVC pipes

Because CPVC resists degradation from chlorine, chloramines and chlorine dioxide in drinking water, using CPVC eliminates a key factor – incompatibility with local water conditions – that can shorten the life of other plumbing systems. Here are three things you can do to ensure a long life for CPVC pipes and fittings:

• Accommodate expansion and contraction: FlowGuard Gold CPVC can expand about 1 inch per 50 feet of straight length of pipe per 50°F temperature increase. In many cases, normal changes of direction can be enough to account for expansion and contraction provided the natural movement of the pipe is not restricted and there is adequate spacing between elbows and hangers. Overtightening pipe hangers may also restrict lateral movement of the pipe. For long, straight runs, loops or offsets can be used. Consult the manufacturer’s installation guidelines for instructions.

• Check for chemical incompatibility: If properly installed CPVC pipe experiences a failure, one possible culprit is contact with incompatible chemicals. The FBC™ System Compatible Program can be used to identify materials that are compatible and incompatible with FlowGuard Gold, BlazeMaster and Corzan CPVC. For other brands of CPVC piping, consult with the specific manufacturer(s) for compatibility information.

• Protect against freezing: There is no such thing as a freeze-proof pipe. All residential plumbing materials will fail if ice forms in the pipe, blocking water flow and creating pressures that exceed the material’s burst pressure. Always plan for cold weather – even in areas where it is uncommon – and follow best practices for protecting against freezing including those recommended by the pipe manufacturer.

Showcase Your Craftmanship

Professional plumbers appreciate CPVC because it is easy to work with and results in a clean, professional installation that highlights the plumber’s craftmanship and commitment to quality. Builders and homeowners appreciate CPVC because it can handle aggressive water conditions that can cause premature failure in other residential plumbing systems. For more information, visit flowguardgold.com.

These tips are for informational purposes only and do not replace any manufacturer’s instructions for handling or installing pipe.

Jonathan Simon is the North American residential plumbing manager for Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc., the parent company for FlowGuard Gold Pipe and Fittings.

On this Weekly Update—April 11, 2025, we talk tariffs, a visit with American Plumber Stories while some plumbers prepare for a turkey hunt and we visit with our friends at InSinkErator.

Pfister® Faucets continues its celebrated docuseries, hosted by country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, spotlighting real-life stories of plumbers’ successes and the individual approaches that enabled them to achieve their dreams through a career in plumbing.

Pfister® Faucets, a trailblazer in the plumbing industry, proudly announces the launch of the fifth season of their docuseries, American Plumber Stories. Over the past four seasons, this series has captivated audiences nationwide, showcasing the inspiring stories of plumbers who have overcome challenges to pursue their dreams in the plumbing trade.

Season 5 will present perspectives from plumbing experts in Australia, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and California, shedding light on the common challenges faced by plumbers worldwide. For the first time, the show has ventured outside the United States, creating great excitement about reaching an international audience—especially the next generation of plumbers.

Craig Morgan Returns for Season 5 

Country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan will return as the show’s charismatic host. Craig’s authentic passion and profound connection to the stories of tradespeople make him the ideal guide on this journey of discovery and inspiration.

“This year, Pfister’s American Plumber Stories is heading to my second home state of Alaska and beyond, and five seasons in, it remains an honor to share these stories of inspiring men and women on the frontline of the worldwide plumbing trade,” Craig Morgan shared.

Strong Alliance Partners and New Partnerships

Three new partners joined forces with American Plumber Stories for Season 5. The International Code Council, NIBCO and AprilAire will help expand the reach of the series to their sizable audiences in the US and around the world. They are joining the ranks of industry leaders RIDGID, Cintas, Oatey, and the PHCC in this important mission.

“NIBCO partnering with American Plumber Stories was a natural fit, as we are committed to supporting and elevating the plumbing industry,” said Ashley Martin, president and COO, NIBCO. “The U.S. is in critical need of the next generation of plumbers. This show is helping to engage young men and women in an authentic way to help change the perception and inspire successful and fulfilling careers in the plumbing trades.”

Beyond the Boundaries

Season 5 tracks down some interesting plumbers around the world.

1. Maui–Arecently retired plumber lost his house and everything he owned in the Lahaina fire disaster. The set-back motivates his son Raymond to recruit the next generation of plumbers to help build Lahaina back.
2. Australia– Martin is the “Crocodile Dundee” of the plumbing industry in Tasmania. He specializes in servicing remote locations that he reaches by helicopter and small “bush” planes.
3. Alaska– In this episode we explore the beauty of Alaska and what it’s like for Bill to work as a plumber in an extreme climate.
4. Vancouver Island, B.C.– This episode tells the inspirational story of Mary Anne who employs an all-female team of plumbers. Her 100K+ social media followers know her as @the_ladyplumber. Discover why she is a role model to tradeswomen.
5. Salinas, CA– Plumber Instructor Jorge helps rehabilitate inmates by teaching them the plumbing trade in the Soledad State Prison. We have an open discussion with the warden on why this approach works so well.
6. Victorville, CA– Meet the Motherflushers. They are young and passionate about plumbing and have changed the perception via social media– well beyond the borders of the United States.

For more information and to watch the new episodes of American Plumber Stories, please visit www.americanplumberstories.com.

Interested plumbers who would like to share their own story can do so here: www.americanplumberstories.com/pages/i-am-an-american-plumber.

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Back in the day he was known as DJ Reggie Nell, and he could spin records with the best of ’em. A former DJ while working in the trades, Germaine Nelson, president, Capitol Plumbing & Heating, Bowie, Md., now is a full-service residential plumbing OG, specializing in water heaters, waste and venting for the surrounding DC area.

Nelson started his plumbing career back in high school, working with his uncle at a plumbing company during the summer. He also worked on pluming through his high school vocational program. “I went to school for a half day, then went to the job site the second half,” says Nelson. As soon as Nelson graduated, he started as an apprentice full time. “Seventeen years later, I own a plumbing company—started it from the ground up,” continues Nelson.

Early in his career, Nelson throws kudos the owner of 3D Plumbing, a small plumbing company for which Nelson worked. “The owner Dennis took me under his wing, and we still talk often. I consider him a mentor to this day,” says Nelson.

It wasn’t necessarily all smooth sailing. Throughout the journey, Nelson worked for a well-known company in the area as a service tech. They wanted to expand in a different part of the area, so he was tasked with building that area up, with the current contacts that he had.

Impressively, Nelson made more than $500,000 for that company within six months. “I asked for a raise, and the owner told me, ‘I can’t justify it but I can get you a new truck.’ At that moment, I knew it was time to go. I gave my two weeks’ notice,” says Nelson.

Nelson’s advice for anyone thinking about starting a company? “I would say just do it. You will have bumps and bruises along the way, but through dedication and consistency, you’ll succeed. Don’t give up on your vision.”

Challenges/Rewards

The most challenging aspects of the job, says Nelson, can be dealing with customers. “You have to learn how to put yourself in their position and understand what their needs area.”

Conversely, Nelson says it’s rewarding when you face a difficult challenge, but you overcome it with patience and skill. “I tell people all the time, plumbing is not hard, but finding a solution is the ultimate reward. You can sleep at night knowing you’re making a difference in society.”

And, according to Nelson, it starts early for those thinking of entering the trades, “Learn as much as you can because you will not know it all. Find your niche within the trade and foster that skill,” says Nelson.

Social Media

Nelson (@capitolmech) admits that social media has helped tremendously with making business connections and long-lasting friendships. “If it wasn’t for social media, I would not know about different trade shows, certain tools that makes the job easier and certain companies. I dedicate a lot of time to social media, more than I should, but it’s a lifestyle at this point,” says Nelson.

Through time and dedication on social media, Nelson has become an ambassador for various plumbing manufacturers. “Being an ambassador for different companies is special,” says Nelson. But he also says that it’s big task when a number of companies want to hire you as an ambassador because of your social media footprint. “Oatey, for instance, has really opened the door for a lot of these opportunities.”

And throughout this rise in popularity and visibility with social does Nelson consider himself a mentor to others? “I do consider myself a role model, not by choice, but through social media,” says Nelson. “I feel like I’ve been put into that position.”

When he’s not hard at work on the job or posting to IG, you’ll find Nelson spending time with family, attending his son’s baseball games, bowling, getting together with friends, or perhaps you’ll see him soaring in the sky fulfilling his bucket list of skydiving. Nevertheless, “It’s extremely important to make an effort to put work down and be intentional about taking care of your mental health, and being there for those who really depend on you,” says Nelson.