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.

Mar 18, 2025 · ABS stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. It's a type of black-colored plastic used to manufacture pipes and fittings primarily for drainage, sewage, and ventilation. You'll find ABS pipes in many home drain-waste-vent (DWV) systems. These systems remove wastewater from buildings and carry it to local city sewer lines.

Mar 19, 2020 · The biggest difference between ABS and PVC piping is that ABS pipe contains a chemical called bisphenol A, also known as BPA, and PVC doesn’t. BPA is used in various types of plastics and resins because it creates durable pipes.

Aug 30, 2023 · Follow our expert advice for choosing between ABS and PVC drainpipe. You have to consider your local plumbing codes, material availability, ease of use and other factors.

Dec 21, 2022 · What is ABS Pipe? ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is a thermoplastic resin. You would use this plastic material to make ABS pipe, which people have been using since the 1960s to make drainpipes due to its shock resistance and strength.

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. Tough, rigid, low cost. PVC and ABS pipes are resistant to most acids, alkalis and salts.

Dec 26, 2024 · ABS pipe, or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene pipe, is a thermoplastic piping material that is favored for its strength and lightweight nature. It is commonly used in drainage, waste, and vent applications.

Dec 6, 2021 · When choosing a plastic pipe for your plumbing system, you have several choices: PVC, CPVC, and ABS. All have similar uses and can work both indoors and outdoors. PVC …

Sep 22, 2024 · Material: ABS is a terpolymer made by polymerizing styrene and acrylonitrile with polybutadiene, creating a strong, hard-wearing, and resistant material. Color: ABS pipes are generally black in color which helps in absorbing and holding heat.