State Agency Amends California Plumbing Code, Approves Use of CPVC for Hot and Cold Potable Water Distribution.

Landmark Action by California Building Standards Commission Provides Consumers, Home Builders and Contractors With Low Cost/High Value Alternatives to Traditional Copper Pipe.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Building Standards Commission (BSC) has approved a final Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared by the state's Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department and put its stamp of approval on the use of CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) pipes for hot and cold potable water distribution in houses, apartments, and hotels/motels anywhere in the state of California.

The state's action comes after nearly 25 years of stops, starts, litigation and environmental review. The EIR anticipates the market for CPVC pipe in California will swell by 2 and a half times, from the current 13 percent market share to an expected 32 percent compared to copper and other alternatives.

CPVC has technically been allowed for use under the state's plumbing code, but it was restricted to use in areas where soil or water conditions caused premature failure of copper pipe. It was also restricted to use in buildings no taller than 2 stories. BSC's action in approving the EIR removes all restriction on the use of CPVC in residential building, hotels and motels.

"After so many years of needless restrictions, we are truly gratified that authorities in California have finally agreed with their colleagues in 49 other states in recognizing the benefits of plastic pipe for hot and cold water plumbing in buildings," said Dick Church, executive director of the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association (PPFA).

"The real winners, though," added Church, "are California consumers and builders who now will have a complete alternative to copper pipe. What has always been ironic to us is that CPVC could only be used in areas where copper pipe failed because of aggressive water or soil conditions. Shouldn't its ability to perform in the toughest conditions allow it be used in normal conditions? Apparently, that will now be the case, a great victory for consumers," concluded Church.

Jeff Cash of the Noveon Company, a major supplier of CPVC resin, said, "Developers have already called this decision by the Building Standards Commission a victory for consumers because it will reduce plumbing costs in new homes and when doing retrofits."

Work on an environmental impact report began in 1982, shortly after IAPMO added CPVC to the Uniform Plumbing Code. Work stopped in the late 80's when California authorities decided an EIR was not necessary, but resumed again nearly 10 years later as a result of litigation.

Opponents of CPVC use now have 30 days to challenge the state's findings. CPVC pipe meets the requirements of building codes throughout the United States and is also widely used in fire sprinkler systems.

PPFA is a voluntary, non-profit organization of North American companies primarily engaged in the manufacture of plastic pipe and fittings for plumbing and piping applications typically installed on the building premises. For additional information, contact the Association at 800 Roosevelt Road, Building C, Suite 312, Glen Ellyn, Ill. 60137; 630/858-6540; fax [phone]; or visit the website at www.ppfahome.org.