should i use abs or pvc

Both ABS and PVC are used in pipes because they are non-toxic and resistant to abrasion. ABS pipes are easier to install compared to PVC pipes

, but also more likely to deform when exposed to the sun. ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride.

Full Answer

Can you use ABS on PVC pipe?

ABS pipes can be bonded instantly with a block of special cement, but PVC pipe ends must first be treated with a purple primer before its cement can be applied. The primer is messy and must fully dry before the next step can be taken, so it can add extra labor to a project.

What is the difference between ABS black and PVC drain pipe?

Unlike PVC drain pipe, which requires purple primer and cement, ABS black plumbing pipe is joined with cement only. ABS black plumbing pipe is also easier to cut and a bit more flexible. If, for any reason, you need to join one to the other during a remodeling project, don’t just cement the two together.

What is ABS to PVC cement used for?

ABS to PVC cement is only meant to connect an ABS system to a PVC system. An example of this would be an ABS drain system inside of a home connecting to a PVC drain system just outside the building, or vice-versa. That’s the only place that this cement is supposed to be used. What if ABS and PVC have already been cemented together?

What is the difference between PVC/ABS and foam core pipe?

You may see PVC or ABS pipe being sold as “cellular core” or “foam core.” This type of pipe is not solid. It is made with an inner PVC/ABS skin and an outer PVC/ABS skin with a foam/cellular core in between. This type of PVC/ABS is cheaper and lighter than solid core pipes but is also less stiff and not as strong.

Which is better ABS or PVC pipe?

PVC pipe is more flexible than ABS, while ABS is a bit stronger and can resist a higher shock or impact. Additionally, PVC has an advantage in that it's better at muffling the sound of water as it flows through the pipework.

Why ABS is better than PVC?

PVC has some give, making it easier to install in tight spaces or around curves and corners. ABS, however, is stronger and more durable than PVC. When it comes to noise reduction, PVC is superior to ABS. PVC is better at muffling the sound of running water.

What lasts longer ABS or PVC?

Durability. ABS is highly durable with high impact strength. PVC is less durable, as it is designed to be flexible and softer than usual plastics. However, both plastics are resistant to chemical and water degradation.

Is ABS pipe still used?

The State of California has banned the use of “regrind” or recycled plastic resin for use in ABS drain-waste-vent pipe. The new law stemmed from major problems with pipe failure of recycled-content ABS pipe made by several companies during the 1980s.

What are the disadvantages of ABS plastic?

To counterbalance these advantages, some ABS plastic disadvantages do exist. Its low melting point renders it inappropriate for high-temperature applications and medical implants. It has poor solvent and fatigue resistance too and doesn't stand up so well to UV exposure and weathering unless it is properly protected.

How long do ABS pipes last?

ABS typically has a 50-year lifespan. One of the main advantages of ABS pipe is that it can be connected with a quick one-step gluing process. The pipe does not work well in hot-temperature applications (more than 160°F), and can deform in the sun.

What is the best sewer pipe to use?

PVC. The leading choice in residential drain lines over the past four decades, PVC is a light-colored, highly durable plastic that resists the elements and appears to outlast all other piping materials. PVC is made in several different grades: schedules 40 and 80 and chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC).

What is the best pipe to use for drainage?

Polyvinyl Chloride pipesPolyvinyl Chloride pipes are the most commonly used pipes for any drainage project. Due to the material's malleable properties, PVC pipes can come in almost any size. These types of pipes are great for drainage situations where the water and environment exert a great deal of pressure and weight.

Can you mix ABS and PVC?

It is possible to join ABS to PVC, but it is only supposed to be done with a mechanical coupling, not glued.

What is wrong with ABS pipe?

Each manufacturer used allegedly unsuitable resin during different periods. Plaintiffs claimed that this allegedly defective ABS pipe could crack circumferentially at the glue line where the pipe was cemented into the socket of the fitting, and that such cracks could ultimately result in leaks.

Can I use ABS pipe outside?

ABS pipe may be used in buried or above ground DWV applications. It may be used outdoors if the pipe contains pigments to shield against ultraviolet radiation, or jurisdictions may require the pipe to be painted with water-based latex paint for outdoor use.

Does ABS pipe need primer?

ABS piping doesn't require primer, but you should prime both male and female sides of any PVC connections. Ensure a neater job by holding the pipe or fitting so that excess primer drips off instead of running down the side.

Is ABS stronger than plastic?

ABS plastic is made out of oil-based resources and it has a much higher melting point than PLA plastic. It's also stronger and harder. Because of these particular features, ABS is widely used for purposes ranging from car bumpers and motorcycle helmets to musical instruments, golfclubs and Lego.

Which is better ABS or acrylic?

Acrylic is the most UV-Stable of the 3 plastics mentioned. ABS is cheaper than acrylic and glues up very strong using ABS cement.

Which is better PVC or plastic?

As far as its electrical properties, PVC has good insulation, but, because it has polar elements to its composition, it has worse insulation than other plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. PVC is extremely chemical-resistant, able to withstand acids, salts, bases, fats, and alcohols.

Is ABS or HDPE stronger?

0:071:01What is the difference between ABS and HDPE? (in hard hats) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing ABS material both do the job it's really down to personal preference as to which one you wantMoreUsing ABS material both do the job it's really down to personal preference as to which one you want to use.

Is it better to use black or white plastic pipe?

When it comes to longevity, there isn’t any reason to choose one over the other. If you install them right, either black or white plastic pipe will remain in service a lot longer than you will.

Can you use PVC and ABS pipes?

If code allows both PVC and ABS, make a pass through the plumbing aisle at your favorite home center. Even if the store carries both PVC drain pipe and black ABS, you’ll probably find that it stocks a much wider selection of fittings for one of the types. A big selection makes your plumbing life easier.

Can you join ABS black plumbing?

Unlike PVC drain pipe, which requires purple primer and cement, ABS black plumbing pipe is joined with cement only. ABS black plumbing pipe is also easier to cut and a bit more flexible. If, for any reason, you need to join one to the other during a remodeling project, don’t just cement the two together.

Which is better, ABS or PVC?

ABS is better at handling severely cold temperatures, but it can warp with exposure to direct sunlight. PVC is thought to be better at muffling the sound of running water. In most North American markets, the two types are priced similarly.

What is the difference between ABS and PVC?

Working with ABS or PVC Piping. When working with these materials, the biggest difference is that the ABS pipe has a one-step process for connecting pipes, while the PVC process has two steps . ABS pipes can be bonded instantly with a block of special cement, but PVC pipe ends must first be treated with a purple primer before its cement can be ...

How to tell ABS from PVC?

Strengths & Weaknesses of Plastic Pipes. One easy way to tell ABS and PVC apart is that ABS pipes are black and PVC pipes are white. But since pipes aren’t meant to be seen, plumbers are usually more interested in other qualities. For example, PVC is more flexible, but ABS is stronger and more shock resistant. ...

Why use ABS and PVC pipes?

Plastic pipes are inexpensive, lightweight and will never corrode. They’re great at keeping hot water hot, and they don’t collect condensation from cold water as many metal pipes do.

What is ABS pipe made of?

Many of the key differences between Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) are either minor or situational, but there’s one difference likely to stand out to many homeowners: ABS pipe is made with BPA, and PVC pipe is not. BPA, or Bisphenol A, is a chemical commonly used to harden plastic.

Do plastic pipes collect condensation?

They’re great at keeping hot water hot, and they don’t collect condensation from cold water as many metal pipes do. But not all plastic pipes are the same, and the two most common plastic pipe materials (ABS and PVC) have some distinct differences.

Is ABS or PVC more expensive?

For this reason, ABS can sometimes be the most cost-effective choice even when the pipes themselves are more expensive than PVC.

Which is better, ABS or PVC?

ABS is better at handling severely cold temperatures, but it can warp with exposure to direct sunlight. PVC is thought to be better at muffling the sound of running water. In most North American markets, the two types are priced similarly.

What is the difference between ABS and PVC?

When working with these materials, the biggest difference is that the ABS pipe has a one-step process for connecting pipes, while the PVC process has two steps.

Why do plumbers use plastic pipes?

They’re great at keeping hot water hot, and they don’t collect condensation from cold water as many metal pipes do. But not all plastic pipes are the same, and the two most common plastic pipe materials — ABS and PVC — have some distinct differences.

Is ABS more expensive than PVC?

For this reason, ABS can sometimes be the most cost-effective choice even when the pipes themselves are more expensive than PVC. For assistance with all of your home plumbing projects, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing today!

Can ABS pipes be bonded?

ABS pipes can be bonded instantly with special cement, but PVC pipe ends must first be treated with a purple primer before its cement can be applied. The primer is messy and must fully dry before the next step can be taken, so it can add extra labor to a project.

Is ABS pipe solid?

You may see PVC or ABS pipe being sold as “cellular core” or “foam core.” This type of pipe is not solid. It is made with an inner PVC/ABS skin and an outer PVC/ABS skin with a foam/cellular core in between.

Is PVC pipe the same as ABS pipe?

After all is said and done, there isn’t a huge difference between PVC and ABS pipe in drain, waste, and vent applications. PVC is definitely the more common of the two. But, as long as your building code allows it, either should work fine.

What is ABS pipe?

ABS stands for Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene, which is a thermoplastic resin. These pipes were originally developed to be used in the oil fields and chemical industry in the early 50s. The strength and durability of this material was proven when a popular Arizona builder, John F. Long, used ABS pipes for an experimental residence.

When was PVC pipe first used?

In fact, the first city-wide implementation of PVC pipes for drinking water and sewer pipes was from 1936 to 1939 in Central Germany.

What is PEX tubing made of?

PEX tubing is made from crosslinked HDPE (high density polyethylene) polymer. The HDPE is melted and continuously extruded into tube. The crosslinking of the HDPE is accomplished in one of three different methods. PEX plumbing has been in use in Europe since about 1970, and was introduced in the U.S. around 1980.

What is Pex piping?

Pex material is the most widely used piping today for new residential construction – since it was introduced over 30 years ago it has become the largest supplier of water distribution piping.

Can copper pipes be left exposed?

Copper pipes are quite aesthetically pleasing so you can leave them exposed if you want and are also allowed as exterior and underground buried installation

Is ABS pipe used for drinking water?

ABS piping is for dra in piping only and is not used for potable drinking water. Whenever a house is found to have cast iron from the 50-60’s any repairs are typically replaced ...

Why replace aging pipes with ABS?

A former contractor friend suggested I replace the aging, patched-up pipes (the exposed ones near the control system, not the underground pipes) with ABS because it is apparently less vulnerable to cracking in the cold should some water remain, and is softer, allowing it to absorb some of the initial shock of pump's pressure when first activated.

Can plastic pipes freeze?

Both types of plastic are generally considered for low pressure applications, if you are having consistent freezing problems, neither pipe is meant to withstand routine freezing of water in-pipe.

Is PVC good for a house?

PVC is a good choice, provided that it is properly installed and maintained. A proper installation includes shielding the PVC from UV light, which is the primary means of premature aging. UV light will eventually turn PVC into a brittle mess.

Does ABS brittle in the sun?

ABS on the other hand tends to not become brittle with sun exposure, but to deform and is generally softer. As a result, buried ABS pipe seems to be at a higher risk of crimping, impeding water flow.

What about ABS to PVC Cement?

If you stop by any home improvement store, you’ll be able to find a green cement that will connect ABS to PVC. It might even have an IAPMO approval stamp on it (UPC), so what could the problem be? I mean, if it’s approved, it’s approved, right?

What is the standard for solvent cement for ABS?

So according to this, you can glue ABS using something that meets ASTM D 2235 (the standard for solvent cement for ABS).

What glue do plumbers use?

For most systems, a plumber will use one material or the other, but not both. This makes all of the connections simple; the plumber uses a solvent cement (aka glue) made just for that material, things stick together, and everyone is happy…. Until then the “handy” homeowner comes along and messes it up.

What plastics are used for drains?

There are two commonly used plastics for drain, waste, and vent pipes inside of homes: ABS (black) and PVC (white, mostly). These two plastics are almost all that is ever used in new residential construction here in Minnesota, and I suspect for the rest of the country as well. For most systems, a plumber will use one material or the other, ...

Can ABS be joined to PVC?

It is possible to join ABS to PVC, but it is only supposed to be done with a mechanical coupling, not glued. If you just came here for that answer, you can stop reading… but I think you want the whole story, so here’s that. There are two commonly used plastics for drain, waste, and vent pipes inside of homes: ABS (black) and PVC (white, mostly).

Can you glue PVC?

So as long as you use the right purple primer, you can also glue PVC. You also need to use a glue that meets ASTM D 2564, the standard for solvent cement for PVC, of course.

Can you separate ABS from PVC?

The easiest section to separate was the PVC to PVC without purple primer. Next was the ABS to PVC without purple primer. The ABS to PVC connections with purple primer were as strong as the PVC to PVC connections with purple primer, if not stronger. It actually seemed to pull the surface of the ABS right off of the pipe. The only connection that refused to come apart was the ABS to ABS; the plastic would probably rip apart before that connection would fail.

What is ABS Pipe?

ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is a thermoplastic resin. This plastic material is used to make ABS pipe, which has been used since the 1960s to make drainpipes due to its shock resistance and strength.

Why is ABS Pipe Prohibited

In some areas, California for instance, ABS pipe is prohibited (illegal) to use. Because ABS is often a recycled or “regrind” plastic resin (to make it cost-competitive with PVC), it was essentially weakened. This caused instances of pipe fatigue and failure which led some areas to ban its use. Essentially, it’s not as durable as once thought.

How to Work with ABS Pipe

To cut and attach ABS pipe, you’ll need to know how to connect fittings using a miter box or tube cutter. The tools you’ll need include a tape measure, backsaw and miter box, hacksaw, or pipe (tube) cutter, deburring tool or emery cloth, and a marker (for measurements).

Final Thoughts

I hope we’ve answered the question, “What is ABS pipe?” and much more. Knowing this will help you make smarter decisions on how to repair your drain pipes and if ABS is the material that’s right for your plumbing and drain situation.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help with repairing or installing ABS drain pipes.