I have a shed in my backyard and I have installed a sink on the outside to clean up with. I have run a cold water line to the sink, but would like to attach a "heated" line to the hot water side. I have found a few projects on YOUTUBE about making a solar water heater and they used "black tubing", but never said what kind of black tubing. I know CPVC is used inside of building for hot and cold water applications, but will it withstand direct sunlight. Also know it will be painted black to help heat the water. Thank you for any advice in advance.
Plumbing – use CPVC to make a solar water heaer
plumbing
Related Topic
- Plumbing – Should drop ear elbows be used with CPVC supply lines
- Plumbing – Solar Water Heater Exchanger Removal, Glycol Removal
- Plumbing – Is solvent fitted 2” pvc safe for use with drinking water
- Plumbing – Help with under the sink filter installation
- Plumbing – Almost no hot water
- Plumbing – Utility sink continues to dribble from hot faucet after closing hot water line
Best Answer
Sunlight resistance is not a problem if you're going to be painting it anyway. The real problem is temperature. You're not clear as to how you intend to design the system, but, unless you take specific measures to prevent overheating (e.g. by having a pump that turns on and flushes pipes periodically), pipes can get very hot. Solar heaters are traditionally copper, which can handle boiling water just fine. On the other hand, CPVC is only rated up to about 200 F. Maximum temperature varies depending on pressure and pipe dimensions, but, generally speaking, at 200 F, CPVC piping is barely strong enough to withstand normal water-main pressure. ("Hot water" inside your house is rarely hotter than 140 F.) Other plastics are as bad or even worse (e.g. ABS and PVC are both rated for lower temps than CPVC and PEX). The link in the other answer suggests that PEX might handle 230 F, but it depends on your system (I don't see any pipe dimensions there).