Polyvinyl chloride is the most common drain pipe material in modern residential plumbing. Strong, durable PVC is usually white (except for grey electrical PVC conduit) and available in a broad range of sizes. Its popularity comes from its affordability and versatility, and its ability to handle both warm and cold water. It can't be used for hot water applications, however, which would warp it and eventually cause degradation, contaminating the water supply. As a result, PVC is mostly used in drain lines for sinks, toilets, bathtubs, etc. This is where CPVC comes into play.
