Which plastic pipe material is approved for use in hot and cold water distribution systems?

The appropriate choice for use in hot and cold water distribution systems is CPVC. This material is specifically designed to withstand higher temperatures and is commonly used in both residential and commercial plumbing applications. CPVC, or chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, offers enhanced thermal stability compared to standard PVC, making it suitable for hot water distribution as it can handle temperatures up to 200°F (93°C).

PVC, while widely used for cold water applications and drain, waste, and vent systems, is not suitable for hot water due to its lower temperature tolerance. Polyethylene is primarily used for applications like gas distribution and does not have the structural integrity required for hot or cold potable water systems. ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is utilized mainly for drain, waste, and vent piping, but it is not approved for hot water distribution systems due to its lower heat resistance. Therefore, among the options, CPVC is the only material that meets the requirements for both hot and cold water distribution.