PVC (polyvinyl chloride) water pipe and conduit are not interchangeable. Here’s the four key differences between them:

1) PVC water pipe is designed to resist water pressure, so the pipe wall is thicker than PVC electrical conduit.

2) PVC water pipe is white and PVC electrical conduit is gray.

3) PVC water pipe is not rated for exposure to sunlight (UV-rays) and will become brittle and crack easily after long-term sun exposure. PVC electrical conduit is rated to withstand long-term exterior sun exposure.

4) Any product used in construction must be tested and approved by a nationally recognized rating agency, such as Underwriters Laboratories or IAPMO, for its use and to confirm that it meets current building code standards. Neither is rated for both plumbing and electrical use. So, although “ya know, it oughta be alright," a building inspector or home inspector will fail the installation if they are used incorrectly.

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Here’s links to some of our other articles about PVC PIPES:

 • Are plastic pipes (PVC, CPVC, and PEX) safe for drinking water? 

• What do the ABS, PVC, CPVC, PB, and PEX plumbing pipe names mean? 

• Why is sunlight exposure bad for PVC pipe?

• What is the average life expectancy of PVC pipe? 

• Why can't PVC be used for water pipe inside a house?

• What is the difference between PVC and ABS plumbing pipe?  

• Can PVC water pipe be used in a garage? 

• Can you use PVC pipe for the water heater temperature pressure relief (TPR) discharge pipe?