ABS Pipe Guide 101
Older homes built before 1970 used ABS pipes for water supply. It still can be used, but it isn’t recommended. There are even some countries and areas where ABS is wholly prohibited, and higher requirements for residential drainage system pipes are requested.
We are going back and learning more about these pipes, getting the full ABS pipe guide, and understanding the main differences between ABS and PVC pipes.
What are ABS pipes
ABS stands for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Most people know it as a thermoplastic resin. Since 1960, ABS has been used by residents to supply water. During that time, it was known as the advanced drainage system. We can still buy and use ABS pipes, principally outdoors. ABS pipes are known to be black.
These pipes are known to be durable during extreme cold temperatures and are also rust-resistant. However, when it comes to sunlight, it isn’t as long-lasting. ABS will warp if these pipes are placed in direct sunlight for long. It is also known that you can hear the water flowing through the pipes, knowing that it isn’t a quiet pipe.
History of ABS in plumbing
To understand why ABS is not recommended for households anymore, it is essential to understand the history of ABS pipes. According to experts, ABS pipes have been used since 1950. It was first used for chemical transfers in the chemical industry and oil transport over long distances. During this time, the Arizona builder, John F. Long, thought that ABS could be used for more than chemical transfers. He tested these pipes for residential plumbing and was successful.
The research was done, and the FAA, or Federal Housing Administration, has approved ABS pipes for household plumbing. Over an extended period, more research was done on ABS pipes and households. The effect it has on people, animals, and the environment. The approval stays for outdoor plumbing services.
Are ABS pipes prohibited?
Many reports state that ABS pipes are prohibited. Is this true, and how can you know if it is not permitted in your country? In many countries and states, ABS is prohibited, meaning it is illegal to use. The main reason is because the pipes are made from recycled or regrind plastic resin. This can cause the pipe to be less effective and cause faster failure than PVC.
Another reason why ABS pipes are banned in some countries is because studies have shown that the material used in ABS is exposed to animals, and it can cause hormonal and neurological problems in the long term. At the moment, there aren’t any side effects for humans.
This doesn’t mean that if your home has ABS pipes, you must replace them immediately. It can be used as long as you don’t have any problems with the pipes. However, you can’t buy ABS at any hardware store anymore.
Uses for these pipes
Some of the uses of ABS pipes include residential drainage systems, sewage systems in residential and commercial buildings, and vents. When ABS pipes are used outdoors, they need to be installed underground. To protect the pipes from damage caused by the sun and heat. Nowadays, these pipes are mostly used for DWV systems. This is designed to remove wastewater from the home or business.
Sizes of ABS Pipes
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) pipes come in various sizes to suit plumbing and drainage needs. Here are some standard sizes of ABS pipes:
1 ¼ inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 1.660 inches, Schedule 40
1 ½ inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 1.900 inches, Schedule 40
2 inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 2.375 inches, Schedule 40
3 inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 3.500 inches, Schedule 40
4 inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 4.500 inches, Schedule 40
6 inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 6.625 inches, Schedule 40
8 inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 8.625 inches, Schedule 40
10 inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 10.750 inches, Schedule 40
12 inch – Outside Diameter (OD): 12.750 inches, Schedule 40
These sizes indicate the nominal pipe size, the outside diameter, and the wall thickness as per Schedule 40 standards, which is typical for ABS pipes. These dimensions ensure compatibility and standardization for various applications in plumbing and drainage systems.
Advantages and disadvantages of ABS
Some of the advantages that ABS pipes offer include:
- Most people prefer ABS pipes because they can handle impact. It is shock-resistant and can even survive minor earthquakes.
- Because ABS pipes are made from plastic, they will not rust or crack in any way. Only steel pipes have the risk of rusting and cracking. This causes less maintenance of the household supply.
- During winter times, cold and frozen pipes can cause cracks and failure. ABS pipes are cold-resistant. And it will not get damaged in freezing weather. This is the main reason why cold countries are considering using ABS a lot more than other pipe options.
- ABS pipes are flexible and lightweight. It makes installation easier than PVC pipes that aren’t accessible. Installing ABS pipes will also be done a lot faster than other pipe types.
Disadvantages of ABS pipes include:
- ABS pipes might be cold-resistant, but they are not scratch-resistant. It can cause the pipes to warp and break. This is why using it outdoors means burying it underground.
- ABS can only be used outdoors and not indoors. It is designed for drains and sewage. You hear the water run through the pipes, which can become frustrating indoors.
- Every ABS pipe has a dangerous ingredient. It contains BPA, and this material is banned in many countries. Bisphenol A, also known as BPA, is the chemical to make plastic hard. BPA can be dangerous for humans and animals when their drinking water gets contaminated with BPA.
Differences between ABS and PVC
Many beginner plumbers think that ABS and PVC are the same materials. They are used for the same reasons, so they assume they’re both made from the same materials. PVC stands for Polyvinyl chloride. This is a polymer and is now one of the most produced plastics in the world. It is known that PVC is a non-brittle material that is durable and resistant to water, chemicals, and heat. There are some differences between these two pipes;
- PVC is less flexible than ABS, making it easier to install and less likely to crack or break. PVC will also be better when the pipes are under pressure.
- PVC is not as brittle as ABS and can withstand higher temperatures before deforming and cracking.
- ABS can be installed in places where it needs to bend. PVC isn’t, therefore, making installing at specific points hard.
- ABS are used for outdoor plumbing, while PVC is used for indoor plumbing.
Using ABS, the pipes need to be installed underground. Heat and sunlight can ruin these pipes easily, and they need replacement much more than PVC. PVC pipes can be used indoors because they are less likely to break. This is also the reason why PVC is known to be above-ground.
Conclusion
This is everything about ABS pipes. It is supposed to be used in drinking water, and isn’t direct sunlight. There is a vast difference between using it for drinking and draining water. There is no reason to worry about the tap water still using ABS. Most companies are busy switching water pipes or installing PVC pipes instead of ABS.
FAQ about ABS pipes
Some frequently asked questions about ABS pipes need to be answered.
What is the main reason why ABS pipes are banned in some countries?
The ABS pipes are made from BPA. BPA is a compound. There are different conflicts about the ABS pipes and the BPA that it contains. Researchers have proof that BPA can harm animals in the long run. It is also made from recycled material, making it weaker than usual.
What is the one place where you can’tcan’tABS pipes?
It would be best never to use ABS pipes to clean your household water supply due to the BPA in these pipes. You also cannot see the pipes in the sunlight; it will cause them to crack and weaken.
Which pipe is the most cost-effective?
Typically, ABS pipes are cheaper to purchase. However, because of its restrictions and limitations, it also needs other essentials. It makes the PVC more economical, even if the price of PVC is higher than ABS.
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