California Approves CPVC Plumbing Systems; New Building Standard Adoption Brings Economically Viable CPVC Pipe in Plumbing System to California Homeowners, Builders and Plumbers.

Business Editors

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2000

The California Department of Housing & Community Development (HCD) has incorporated a major change in the California building standard that now approves postchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) plastic pipes for the California Plumbing Code.

According to the California Department of Housing & Community Development's Emergency Findings issued in connection with the approval of CPVC pipe (adopted November 2000), CPVC will "give new home construction and existing homeowners a permanent solution to end the cycle of premature failed metallic pipe by allowing the homes to be initially installed with, or in the case of failure of existing metallic pipe, to be re-piped with, CPVC pipe." California has seen many metal pipe failures over the years, resulting in lawsuits and angry homeowners.

The California Department of Housing and Community Development's Draft Environmental Impact Report of 1998 stated that "based on the current level of knowledge, of the five alternatives considered, the alternative of requiring the use of CPVC would be the environmentally preferable choice, since all conditions related to corrosion of potable water piping including contributions to environmental contamination, would be avoided."

FlowGuard(R) Gold(TM) CPVC, is produced by BFGoodrich, which has over 40 years of proven performance in plumbing applications. The pipe is part of a rigid CPVC plumbing system that offers corrosion resistance for homes, condominiums, buildings, apartments and hotels in California where aggressive water, earthquakes and soil conditions have led to pitting, scaling and breakdowns in other piping materials, causing leaks, water damage to homes, buildings and furnishings, and water contamination.

Unlike CPVC plumbing systems, metal plumbing will begin to break down in aggressive water conditions with pH levels of less that 6.5. In addition, metal pipe cannot resist certain soil conditions and can begin to degrade, while CPVC maintains its properties in high alkaline and sodium levels and trapped moisture environments. FlowGuard Gold(R) plumbing systems exceed ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for water quality with no pH level restrictions as found in copper pipe.

The thermoplastic properties of CPVC systems provide a quieter system with less resonance than metal plumbing systems, reducing the sound of running water and the potential of the "pounding" noise of water hammer. Unlike copper piping materials, the thermoplastic properties of CPVC plumbing systems provide insulation to reduce condensation and "sweaty pipes." The material keeps hot water hot and cold water cold. Less energy is lost through the wall of the pipe, therefore saving homeowners money on heating and cooling bills.

FlowGuard Gold plumbing systems are also less expensive to install than metal systems. CPVC piping is quickly and easily installed by experienced professional plumbers, reducing overall labor costs. The FlowGuard Gold CPVC plumbing system includes pipes, valves, joining cement, caulks, sealants and tools.

In addition to the California Plumbing Code approval, FlowGuard Gold CPVC meets 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.

In 1999, BFGoodrich celebrated its 40th anniversary of the development of CPVC plumbing systems. Since its development, more than three (3) billion feet of CPVC pipe has been installed in homes, condominiums, buildings, apartments and hotels, including twelve (12) million homes. For more information on the FlowGuard Gold plumbing system, including pipes and valves, visit www.flowguardgold.com or call 1-800-342-1550, extension 7393.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Please send inquiries to Judy Makowski, BFGoodrich, 9911 Brecksville Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44141.