Mash Tun...pvc or copper?

[Marko1983]

Hey, I have an ice cooler that I use to mash and sparge. I want to add a spigot and filter system. I assume the cooler is some sort of pvc, but I'm not sure. Because of the high temperature, I've always worried about the plastic, so I have a couple questions:
1.) Is it safe to use the cooler for mashing? I know pvc can emmit chemicals with high enough temperatures.
2.) When building the filter system, should I use copper or pvc? Any specific grade?

Thanks for any info/help.

 

[phenry]

1) Tons of people use coolers for mash tuns. You're fine on that one.
2) Don't use PVC. CPVC is safe though. I used copper, but I'm sure CPVC works just as well.

 

[EarthBound]

1. Yes. You can use the search function and find plenty of discussion to convince yourself.
2. I used CPVC because it's cheap. Copper is expensive, so I suggest you save your money.

 

[TwoGunz]

I used CPVC because its nice and easy and the rest of the cooler is plastic anyways.

 

[SailorTodd]

Are coolers PVC, or are they HDPE? Or maybe some other of the many plastics... Don't think they're PVC, though.

 

[Marko1983]

Thanks for the info!