What are the main advantages and disadvantages of copper, steel and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) sprinkler piping materials?
SCHULTZ: Steel is the oldest, most common pipe in use. Copper pipe weighs less and is more hydraulic, but the cost varies dramatically between the two. Plastic provides a light, hydraulically superior pipe that is less prone to microbiologically induced corrosion, but some contractors are not comfortable working with it. In addition, certain municipalities will not allow plastic pipe, or limit the occupancies that it can go into. The contractor must understand the listing to recognize when it must be installed behind a ceiling and when and how it can run exposed. OLAH: The advantages of traditional metallic sprinkler systems, such as copper and steel, are their familiarities within the industry. There doesn’t seem to be a learning curve associated with these systems, whereas with systems such as CPVC, training must accompany the use of the products. However, the disadvantages of the traditional metallic systems are numerous. Primarily the longevity of these systems, in relation to the
