Building a sparge arm with CPVC/PVC rather than copper

[glang]

What is everybody's thoughts on using CPVC for building a sparge arm. Most of the homemade sparge arms I've see have been made from copper, so I wasn't sure if there was a reason people strayed away from plastic piping. As long as the temperature max is less than your sparge water, it should be okay, right?

 

[Nightstrife]

I have been doing some research into the benefits and drawbacks of cpvc/pvc for use in my mash tun and I will be using cpvc pipes and valves to keep the cost down. It's used in hot water applications and is rated to 180°F. So I would say it's safe. However I am not sure how the heat will affect the rigidity of the tube for your arm. It may bend under the heat and pressure.

 

[Beernik]

PVC/CPVC is fine to use as long as you don't use the glue. The glue will soften and melt at mashing temperatures.