What Adapter For

How to connect PVC to copper pipe

Use a CTS x PVC transition coupling, which grips copper on one side and PVC on the other. A plain fitting for either pipe won’t do: 1/2" PVC measures 0.840" across and 1/2" copper 0.625".

What fits

A copper-size x PVC push-to-connect transition coupling

On the package: CTS x PVC transition coupling, e.g. SharkBite 1/2 in.

PVC is iron pipe size (1/2" is 0.840" across); copper is copper tube size (1/2" is 0.625")

Available on Amazon

CTS x PVC push-to-connect transition coupling

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  • Shut the water off and drain the line before you cut anything.
  • SharkBite’s CTS x PVC transition coupling joins Schedule 40, 80 or 120 PVC to copper, PEX or copper-tube-size CPVC, with no primer or glue. On SharkBite’s PVC fittings the white collar takes PVC.
  • Threaded instead: glue a PVC male adapter onto the PVC and screw it into a metal female fitting. Plastic male into metal female is fine for cold water. Never put metal male threads into a plastic female fitting.
  • PVC is rated to 140°F at most. Indoors, the codes’ water-line table lists CPVC, PEX, copper and others, but not PVC.

1/2" PVC is wider than 1/2" copper, though they share a size name, so a fitting for one won’t grip the other.

Common questions

Can I glue PVC to copper?

No. PVC primer and cement are for plastic joints; the copper side needs a transition coupling or a threaded fitting.

Keep going

Connecting different pipeGarden hose to PVCPEX to copperIs it 1/2" or 3/4"?Garden hose to 1/2" pipeGarden hose to 3/4" pipeConnect two garden hoses

For a different part on either end, open the adapter finder with this pair picked.

Where we get our information from

The sizes on this page come from published standards and the makers’ own documents. Checked against published data from National Bureau of Standards, Copper Development Association, JM Eagle, SharkBite and Charlotte Pipe (plus 1 more).

See all 6 sources
  • National Bureau of Standards, Handbook H28 (1957) Part II: Table VII.2 (American Standard taper pipe threads, NPT) and Tables X.1–X.3 (hose coupling threads, NH)
  • Copper Development Association, Copper Tube Handbook (ASTM B88 tube dimensions)
  • JM Eagle, PVC Schedule 40/80 submittal (ASTM D1785 outside diameters)
  • Reliance Worldwide, SharkBite PVC Fittings Sales & Specifications Sheet (2015): white collar fits Schedule 40, 80 and 120 PVC
  • Charlotte Pipe, Plastics Technical Manual (2026): PVC and CPVC colors, standards, temperature limits, Not for Pressure print, plastic-to-metal threads and brass transition fittings
  • Michigan Administrative Code R 408.30727 and R 408.30729: Tables 605.4 (water distribution) and 605.3 (water service pipe)

General guidance from manufacturer and standards data. Parts vary by brand, so check the size printed on the package against what you measured. For gas lines or anything inside a wall, use a licensed plumber.