Which of the following is a drawback of PVC piping for drinking water?

• A. Lasts indefinitely
• B. Can withstand hot water
• C. Inability to withstand hot water
• D. Low resistance to corrosion

Answer: (C)

PVC piping is a solid choice for cold potable water because it resists corrosion and holds up well under normal pressures. The key limitation to watch for is temperature. PVC cannot handle hot water well; when exposed to elevated temperatures it can soften and deform, which lowers its pressure rating and increases the risk of leaks or failure in a hot-water portion of a system. That’s why CPVC or other hot-water-rated materials are used when hot water is involved. The other statements don’t fit: PVC isn’t known for lasting indefinitely, it isn’t capable of withstanding hot water, and its resistance to corrosion is actually one of its strong points rather than a drawback.