What type of piping is specifically used for building drains?

Building drains are components of a plumbing system designed to carry wastewater away from a building to a municipal sewer system or other discharge point. The correct response is CPVC pipe, which stands for Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride. This type of pipe is notable for its excellent chemical resistance and is particularly suited for carrying waste materials effectively.

CPVC is preferred in building drain applications due to its ability to withstand a range of temperatures and its resistance to corrosion, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of the drainage system over time. Additionally, its lightweight nature makes installation easier and more cost-effective compared to heavier materials.

While other types of piping such as PVC, ductile iron, and Type L copper are often used in plumbing systems, they have limitations when it comes to specific uses in building drains. For example, PVC is commonly used for drainage and venting but can be brittle under certain conditions. Ductile iron is strong, but it is typically used in larger applications, such as water mains, rather than residential building drains. Type L copper, while durable and resistant to corrosion, tends to be more expensive and less flexible in terms of installation compared to CPVC.