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Price comparison of PVC pipe and Aquatherm

umcG25r47i | Posted in Green Products and Materials on

Looking for general price comparison of PVC piping vs. Aquatherm.

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  1. user-974621 | | #1

    On initial purchase price only PVC is a fraction of the price of Aquatherm, however Aquatherm is far more durable and you don't have to deal with toxic solvents. I have installed both and believe on the long term Aquatherm is better value.

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #2

    Marjorie,
    Apples and oranges.

    PVC is used for drain, waste, and vent piping, not for potable water supply. Aquatherm is used for potable water supply.

  3. user-917907 | | #3

    PVC is used for drain, waste, and vent piping, not for potable water supply

    What is all the 1/2" and 3/4" PVC (or CPVC) pipe and fittings found at your local hardware store used for?

  4. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #4

    Jack,
    Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) is a different type of plastic than polyvinyl chloride (PVC). I certainly wouldn't want to drink water that was conveyed in PVC pipes, but (like it or not) I'm sure that I've drunk water conveyed in CPVC pipes.

    CPVC is rarely used for residential water supplies. It has a reputation as a type of pipe used in the 1970s and 1980s in manufactured housing and other cheap types of housing. If anyone is scared of the price of copper tubing these days, they are much more likely to use PEX than CPVC.

  5. user-939142 | | #5

    what is the stuff that the city puts in the ground now in many cases?
    its plastic, but its not pex or pvc

    as far as aquatherm, are there online or easily accessible suppliers in the states?
    i know it is sort of a moot point as you need the fusion welder which makes DIY prohibitive

  6. 5zmRZyhnmC | | #6

    In many cases HDPE is used underground for natural gas. Aquatherm has a national rep network you can access a local rep by going to http://www.aquathermpipe.com/find-a-local-representative.html. Most if not all of the reps will rent the fusion welder for a reasonable price. Their focus is not on DIY at all right now, but some people have taken the 1/2 day training and become certified to install it. By taking the training, they access a multimillion dollar warranty. Most of their residential applications are in homes where people want high quality potable water and/or a very green, long-lasting piping system.

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