PVC pipe and Copper pipe, which one is more vulnerable to freezing weather?

Question

The pipes in my place are made of either PVC and Copper, now the temp outside is close to 22f, and obviously one of my PVC pipe is frozen. I am worry about the pipe may go bursted...I believe I once heard someone said that PVC pipe is in fact stronger than copper one and the chances for PVC pipe to burst is relatively low. I wonder if it's true that PVC pipe is less vulnerable?

Answer 1

Often PVC piping is used for drainage and copper for supply lines.

If you had PVC and copper pipes with the same inner diameter, correctly fitted joints and water inside at the same pressure levels, the PVC will burst first as the water freezes.

In a drainage situation, there is a lot of air in the pipes -- and thus provides room for water to expand (as it freezes). So, there is a lot less threat of a PVC bursting.

If given the choice of piping, nowadays... go with the new PEX piping. Cheaper than copper and has a greater strength than either PVC or copper due to the fact that it (PEX) can expand and contract.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are concerned that pipes will freeze, the best thing to do to quickly rememdy the situation (until you can restore heat) is to turn on of your faucets on to a trickle. As long as the water is moving, you'll be okay.

Good luck.

Answer 2

You do not indicate the sizes of the piping in question, nor what the rating was for the PVC pipe initially installed. This may have some bearing on the method of repair because copper is now very expensive and SCH 40 copper pipe would be both difficult to find and exceptionally expensive if you did. Also, copper is already an extravagant material to use on chilled water piping (not small tubing) when flanged and welded Sch 40 carbon steel is the most commonly used material in larger sizes and screwed galvanized pipe is used for most 2 1/2 " and smaller. PCV pipe needs to be supported more frequently than steel pipe and will have a much lower service pressure rating. However, your operating pressure may still be within the allowable range. At these service temperatures, thermal expansion is not going to be a problem regardless of what materials are used. If your ONLY problem is that some joints leak, it is probably because the surfaces were not proplerly prepared and/or the cement was not allowed adequate time to set before the piping was moved around. I would recommend that in this case you forget the copper ( forever) and investigate the cutting-out and proper replacement of the several deffective fittings with CPVC Sch 40, piping and equivalent solvent joint fittings.

Answer 3

Frozen Pvc Pipes

Answer 4

PVC pipe will freeze a lot less sooner than copper pipe. (we all know how responsive copper is to temperature changes)
However, PVC is more fragile the colder it gets and it can be downright weak in temps of 10F or less. Copper is more resistant to stress in the fact that it can still remain flexible at -20F or less. Depending on the guage of the pipe and the quality of the copper, the pipe may be able to take an expansion of 2-3mm quite well!

Also, if you plan to use a heatlamp, rags soaked in hot water or some other method of thawing the pipes, know that you will have much quicker results with copper piping.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
PVC pipe and Copper pipe, which one is more vulnerable to freezing weather?
The pipes in my place are made of either PVC and Copper, now the temp outside is close to 22f, and obviously one of my PVC pipe is frozen. I am worry about the pipe may go bursted...I believe I once heard someone said that PVC pipe is in fact stronger than copper one and the chances for PVC pipe to...

Answer 6

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axNSX

Like a hot water system, chilled water will go through thermal cycles. As the pipe alternate between being hot & cold the PVC and copper will expand and contract. The problem here is that plastic and metal expand at different rates. If you use male and female threaded adapters on each type of pipe you will join them together, but the joint will eventually leak. The different amounts of expansion of one material threaded into the other will cause the thread of the softer material to deform thereby loosening the joint and causing it to leak. Threaded adapters are for adapting un-threaded pipe to a threaded connection of the same material. Like a PVC pipe into a PVC filter housing that has threaded connections. To connect metal pipe to plastic pipe you need to use a special fitting designed for the job that can handle the different expansion rates and maintain a seal. There are two basic types, a transition union or a Copper to PVC adapter. Each type allows some mechanical movement due to thermal expansion while maintaining a water tight seal.

Answer 7

Pvc pipes will give a little bit more than copper. Can you thaw the pipe out? Shut your water off, and use a hairdryer then let water run through faucet. Turn water back on first

Answer 8

The difference between copper freezing and PVC is that Copper usually either expands and or splits less than a few inches. PVC on the other hand will split a lot more length wise.

Answer 9

Today, most people that I've consulted found PVC pipe to be more durable and long lasting than metal pipes. PVC is also a lot cheaper.I hope in the future that you can insulate your pipes better. It may not be feasible depending on the labor involved. I hope things go well.

Answer 10

keep in mind that you can prevent pipes from freezing by wrapping them with insulation also.