When we build a house in Nepal, we spend so much time choosing tiles, paint, and kitchen design… but pipes? Most people just say, “Plumber dai, you decide.”

The problem is pipes stay hidden inside walls and floors. If something goes wrong later, you don’t just change the pipe. You break tiles, plaster, and spend money again.

So here’s a simple, practical guide for Nepali homes: which pipe to use where, what mistakes to avoid, and how Dolphin Polyplast fits naturally.

 

Which pipe to use where?

Where in the houseBest pipeWhy people choose itOne simple tip
1. Underground line (source → tank / tank → house)HDPEStrong + flexible, good for undergroundBest for long distance
2. Hot water (geyser/solar → bathroom/kitchen)CPVC or PPRMade for hot waterChoose based on plumber skill
3. Cold water inside house (tank → taps)uPVC or PPRuPVC is common + budget friendlyDon’t use uPVC for hot
4. Outdoor exposed pipe (sun/rain)HDPE (best)Handles outdoor conditions wellProtect from direct sun if possible
5. One pipe system inside whole housePPRHot + cold in one systemFusion joint must be perfect

 

uPVC vs CPVC vs PPR vs HDPE (real-life comparison)

PipeBest for in NepalHot water?How it joinsWhy people like itWhere problems happen
uPVCCold water lines❌ NoSolvent (glue/cement)Cheap, easy to findUsing it for hot water
CPVCHot + cold inside home✅ YesSolvent cementSimple + reliable for geyserWrong cement or cheap fittings
PPRHot + cold inside home✅ YesFusion weldingStrong joints when done rightBad welding = leaks later
HDPEUnderground/outside mains⚠️ Not common for indoor hotFusion jointsFlexible + durable undergroundPoor jointing work

 

1. uPVC: good for cold water (but don’t force it for hot)

In Nepal, uPVC is everywhere. Most shops have it, and plumbers are comfortable with it. For cold water, it works perfectly fine when you buy a decent quality pipe and fittings.

Use uPVC for:

  1. Cold water from overhead tank to taps
  2. Cold water distribution inside house

Don’t use uPVC for:

  1. Hot water line from geyser or solar

  2. Places where water stays warm regularly
     

    Think of it like this: uPVC is your “cold water pipe.”

2. CPVC: the easy choice for hot water (best for geyser/solar)

If your house has a geyser, hot shower line, or solar water heater—CPVC is usually the safest and simplest option.

Why? Because CPVC is made for hot water, and most plumbers in Nepal know how to install it properly with cement joints.

Use CPVC for:

  1. Hot water line (geyser/solar → shower, basin, kitchen)
  2. Bathroom and kitchen hot water distribution
  3. Hot + cold inside home (if you want one material in many areas)

The biggest mistake with CPVC:

  1. Using the wrong cement
  2. Buying low-grade fittings

If CPVC is installed with proper cement and fittings, it usually gives you “set it and forget it” comfort.

 

3. PPR: strong system, but only if your plumber is really skilled

Many people choose PPR because it looks modern and it can run both hot and cold water. But PPR needs fusion welding that means the plumber heats and joins it like welding.

If done properly, it becomes very strong. If done poorly… it will start giving headache later.

PPR is a great option when:

  1. Your plumber is experienced with PPR fusion
  2. A proper fusion machine is used
  3. Good fittings are used (not local cheap ones)

PPR becomes risky when:

  1. The joint is heated too much or too little
  2. The pipe is not aligned properly

  3. The plumber is rushing the job
     

    Simple truth: PPR is excellent in good hands. CPVC is safer when installer skill is unsure.

4. HDPE: best for underground main line (boring/municipal to tank)

For underground lines, HDPE is very popular because it’s flexible and strong. Nepal has ground movement, digging, pressure changes—HDPE handles that better than rigid pipes.

Use HDPE for:

  1. Municipal/boring supply → underground tank
  2. Underground tank → house (long run)
  3. Any buried pipeline where you want fewer joints

If you ask many contractors, they will say: “Underground ko lagi HDPE best.”

 

Best pipe setup for most Nepali homes?

Your house situationBest setupWhy this combo works
1. Most common home with geyser/solar1. HDPE underground main 2. uPVC cold inside 3. CPVC hot insideEasy, practical, plumber-friendly
2. You want one system inside the house1. HDPE underground main 2. PPR hot + cold insideClean, modern, strong if fusion is perfect

 

5. Buying checklist (Nepali style: what to check at the shop)

Before you pay, do these simple checks:

  1. Decide first: hot water or cold water or underground
  2. Check pipe printing: brand, size, class/rating (don’t buy blank pipe)
  3. Don’t buy only by cheap price—cheap pipe later becomes expensive repair
  4. Buy good fittings (many leaks come from fittings, not the pipe)
  5. Match joining method properly:
    1. uPVC/CPVC needs correct cement
    2. PPR/HDPE needs proper fusion work
  6. Tell plumber to do a pressure test before tiling and plaster
  7. If your house is 2–3 floors, choose a proper rating (more height = more pressure)
     

6. Dolphin Polyplast: how to include it naturally (without sounding like advertisement)

If this blog is for Dolphin Polyplast, don’t write like “best brand in Nepal” everywhere. Instead, write like a helpful guide and then add a simple recommendation:

  1. For cold water lines, you can use Dolphin Polyplast uPVC
  2. For hot water lines (geyser/solar), use Dolphin Polyplast CPVC
  3. Best practice: use same brand pipe + fitting system to avoid mismatch issues

That feels natural and trustworthy.

 

FAQs 

1. Which pipe is best for hot water in Nepal?
CPVC and PPR both work. CPVC is easier and safer if you don’t fully trust the fusion welding skill.

 

2. Which pipe is best for underground water supply?
HDPE is usually best for underground lines because it is flexible and durable.

 

3. Is uPVC good for home plumbing?
Yes for cold water lines. But don’t use uPVC for hot water.