Pipe Material Comparison

Putting pipe on a job means choosing between PEX, copper, PVC and CPVC - and the honest comparison has nothing to do with taste. At the same nominal size each carries a different bore, so the same flow moves at different speeds and burns different pressure.

Pipe Material Comparison puts six materials on one table at your size and flow, so the hydraulic truth is visible at a glance.

• Six materials: PEX-A/B, copper M/L, PVC 40, CPVC.
• Same demand: One flow, one size, fair fight.
• Velocity + loss: Per material, computed live.
• Ratings: Temperature and pressure ceilings.
• Rel. cost: Rough pipe-only factor.
• Export: Text, CSV or JSON report.

1. Pick a nominal size (1/2 to 2 in).
2. Pick a flow in GPM or LPM.
3. Read the table: bores, velocities, friction loss.
4. Check ratings against your service.
5. Export the comparison if needed.

Example 1. 3/4 in at 4 GPM: PEX-A runs ~0.70 m/s while PVC trails at ~0.46 m/s - same flow, different speeds.

Example 2. At 1 in and 8 GPM, copper M loses the least head; PVC and CPVC are close but with different temperature ceilings for hot work.

Example 3. Hot-water line: PVC is out past 140 F, CPVC, copper and PEX all handle 200 F+.

• Fair side-by-side: One size, one flow.
• Hydraulic truth: Velocity and loss computed.
• Ratings at hand: Temp and pressure ceilings.
• One screen: No flipping spec sheets.
• Free and private: No uploads, no logging.