Compared to steel pipe, CPVC has how much hydraulic friction?

Compared to steel pipe, CPVC has how much hydraulic friction?

• A. More
• B. Less
• C. Equal
• D. Variable

Answer: (B)

Hydraulic friction losses depend on how smooth the pipe interior is. CPVC has a very smooth inner surface, while steel pipes tend to be rougher (especially if corrosion, scale, or welds are present). For the same pipe diameter and flow rate, the smoother CPVC reduces frictional resistance, so the head loss due to friction is lower. That’s why CPVC has less hydraulic friction than steel. The other options would imply more friction, the same amount, or a friction that varies without bound, which doesn’t align with the smoother surface of CPVC.

Hydraulic friction losses depend on how smooth the pipe interior is. CPVC has a very smooth inner surface, while steel pipes tend to be rougher (especially if corrosion, scale, or welds are present). For the same pipe diameter and flow rate, the smoother CPVC reduces frictional resistance, so the head loss due to friction is lower. That’s why CPVC has less hydraulic friction than steel. The other options would imply more friction, the same amount, or a friction that varies without bound, which doesn’t align with the smoother surface of CPVC.