Which is better PVC or ABS?

PVC is more flexible than ABS, but ABS is stronger and more shock resistant. 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.

Can you use ABS and PVC pipe together?

It is possible to join ABS to PVC, but it is only supposed to be done with a mechanical coupling, not glued. There are two commonly used plastics for drain, waste, and vent pipes inside of homes: ABS (black) and PVC (white, mostly).

Is PVC and ABS the same?

Although many pipes are plastic, not all plastic pipes are the same. The two most common types of plastic pipe, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC), have small differences depending on the use, but the main difference is that ABS pipe contains BPA while PVC does not.

What lasts longer ABS or PVC?

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. Unlike PVC drain pipe, which requires purple primer and cement, ABS black plumbing pipe is joined with cement only.

Is ABS pipe stronger than PVC?

ABS is considerably stronger than PVC when exposed to frigid weather, but is also weakened by exposure to sunlight. So much so that many southern states exclusively use PVC.

Why is ABS pipe banned?

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. The California ban takes effect January 1, 1995.

What is ABS plastic pipe used for?

ABS is used in drain-waste-vent pipe systems and sewer systems. It is also used as electrical insulation. PVC is also used to produce pipes such as for drain-waste-vent systems and for insulation on electrical cables.

Should you prime ABS pipe?

Primer: Primer is used to clean and soften the surface of the plastic to ensure a good solvent weld. It’s used with both PVC and CPVC, but is not required with ABS.

Can I use PVC for shower plumbing?

PVC can be used only for drain lines (including indoors, despite what the answer below says). If you want to use it for your tub and shower drain, you can. CPVC can be used for water supply lines, and you can use it for the connection between the shower valve and the shower spout.

What is ABS piping used for?

Is ABS OK for sewer pipe?

It’s an ideal choice for use outside, underground, in the extreme cold, and where it isn’t in direct sunlight. It’s often the choice of plumbers for use in drain, waste, and vent piping systems. You’ll also find that ABS pipe is frequently used in sewer systems for drainage and as electrical insulation.

Why does California use ABS pipe?

(A) Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (“ABS”) drain, waste, and vent plumbing pipe is used to drain or vent wastewater from kitchens, bathrooms, washers, and plumbing fixtures found in the home.