The Vinyl Institute
today welcomed California's approval of CPVC (vinyl) pipe for residential plumbing
as "a major victory for California consumers."
The decision could reduce the cost of a typical California home by several
thousand dollars by replacing copper piping with sturdy, corrosion-free CPVC
pipe, already widely used in every other state, the Institute noted. CPVC piping
systems have been approved for use in areas in California where water testing
indicated that copper would fail prematurely.
Dennis Beddard, general counsel of the California Department of Housing and
Community Development, said "We have a 25-year history of this product
in use (in other states). It clearly demonstrates this product can be used safely."
CPVC pipe meets the requirements of building codes throughout the United States
and is also widely approved for use in sprinkler systems. Installation of CPVC
pipe in California homes had been held up for 20 years by a coalition of labor
unions, environmental activists and other pressure groups.
"This decision finally puts California in step with the rest of the nation,"
said Tim Burns, president of the Vinyl Institute. "The unnecessary 20-year
delay restricted choice and cost California homeowners and homebuilders many
millions of dollars."
"Congratulations are due to all who worked so hard, for so many years,
to bring this very real benefit to the people of California."