Best PVC Pipe & Fittings for DIYers
PVC and related plastic pipe handle drains, waste, vents, irrigation, and cold-water supply, cheap, light, and glued together with solvent cement. The choice is the pipe type and schedule for the job. Use CPVC for hot water.
What to look for
- ·Match the pipe to the job: Schedule 40 PVC for drains, vents, and irrigation; CPVC for hot-water supply; ABS for drain-waste-vent where allowed.
- ·Use the correct primer and solvent cement for the pipe type, and dry-fit before gluing since the bond is permanent.
- ·Schedule 40 is standard; Schedule 80 (thicker) is for higher-pressure or industrial use. Check local code for the right material.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Pipe Schedule 40 PVC | Editor's pick | Varies by size (per ft) | The trusted DWV and irrigation standard |
| Charlotte Pipe CPVC (Hot Water) | Editor's pick | Varies by size (per ft) | Hot-water supply lines |
| Charlotte Pipe Schedule 80 PVC | Editor's pick | Varies by size (per ft) | Higher-pressure applications |
| Store-Brand Schedule 40 PVC | Best value | Varies by size (per ft) | Value Schedule 40 |
| ABS Drain Pipe | Best value | Varies by size (per ft) | Value DWV (where allowed) |
| PVC DWV Pipe | Best value | Varies by size (per ft) | Value drain and vent |
| PVC Fittings Assortment | Budget pick | Varies ($0.50 to $4 per fitting) | Budget fittings stock |
| Flexible PVC Tubing | Budget pick | Varies by size (per ft) | Flexible routing |
| Store-Brand PVC Pipe | Budget pick | Varies by size (per ft) | Lowest-cost DIY runs |
Editor's pick
Charlotte Pipe Schedule 40 PVC
Varies by size (per ft)
The trusted standard for Schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings, made in the USA with consistent quality for drains, vents, and irrigation. The dependable pro pick.
Best for: The trusted DWV and irrigation standard
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Plumbing suppliers.
Charlotte Pipe CPVC (Hot Water)
Varies by size (per ft)
Quality CPVC rated for hot-water supply lines, a reliable choice where you need plastic supply pipe. The pick for hot-water-safe plastic plumbing.
Best for: Hot-water supply lines
Typically available at Home Depot, Plumbing suppliers.
Charlotte Pipe Schedule 80 PVC
Varies by size (per ft)
Thicker-walled Schedule 80 PVC for higher-pressure and demanding applications. The pick when standard Schedule 40 is not rated enough.
Best for: Higher-pressure applications
Typically available at Plumbing suppliers, Home Depot.
Best value
Store-Brand Schedule 40 PVC
Varies by size (per ft)
Standard Schedule 40 PVC pipe at a value price for drains, vents, and irrigation. A dependable value for general plumbing and DIY runs.
Best for: Value Schedule 40
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
ABS Drain Pipe
Varies by size (per ft)
Black ABS pipe for drain-waste-vent where code allows, joined with one-step cement (no primer). A good value for DWV plumbing in many regions.
Best for: Value DWV (where allowed)
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
PVC DWV Pipe
Varies by size (per ft)
Lightweight PVC drain-waste-vent pipe and fittings for plumbing drains and vents at a fair price. A solid value for residential DWV systems.
Best for: Value drain and vent
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Budget pick
PVC Fittings Assortment
Varies ($0.50 to $4 per fitting)
Budget elbows, tees, couplings, and adapters to connect PVC runs for less. A cheap way to stock the fittings a project needs.
Best for: Budget fittings stock
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Flexible PVC Tubing
Varies by size (per ft)
Flexible PVC for pools, spas, and tight routing where rigid pipe is hard to fit. An inexpensive, bendable option for non-pressure and equipment connections.
Best for: Flexible routing
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Store-Brand PVC Pipe
Varies by size (per ft)
The cheapest PVC pipe for irrigation, drainage, and DIY projects on a budget. Basic but serviceable for non-critical, low-pressure runs.
Best for: Lowest-cost DIY runs
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
What is PVC pipe used for?+
Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) plumbing, irrigation and sprinkler lines, and cold-water supply, plus countless DIY projects. It is cheap, light, corrosion-proof, and glued together with primer and solvent cement. For hot water, use CPVC instead of standard PVC.
PVC, CPVC, or ABS?+
Standard PVC (usually white) handles cold water, drains, vents, and irrigation. CPVC (often cream or yellow) tolerates hot water for supply lines. ABS (black) is used for drain-waste-vent in many areas. Use the type your local code requires and match the right cement to each.
What is the difference between Schedule 40 and 80?+
Schedule 40 is the common standard with walls sized for typical home pressure and drainage. Schedule 80 has thicker walls for higher-pressure and industrial applications. For most home plumbing and irrigation, Schedule 40 is correct; Schedule 80 is rarely needed residentially.
How do I glue PVC pipe?+
Cut square and deburr, dry-fit to check, apply the correct primer then solvent cement to both the pipe and fitting, push together with a quarter twist, and hold briefly. The bond sets fast and is permanent, so measure and dry-fit first. Use the cement matched to your pipe (PVC, CPVC, or ABS).
Can I use PVC for hot water?+
No, standard PVC is not rated for hot water and can soften and fail. Use CPVC, which is formulated to handle hot-water temperatures, or PEX or copper for supply lines. Reserve standard PVC for cold water, drains, vents, and irrigation.