Different Advantages of ABS & PVC Piping
Plastic pipes are used by both plumbers and homeowners in their plumbing projects for several reasons. Plastic pipes are inexpensive, lightweight, and do not corrode. Coldwater doesn’t form condensation on them, which is more common with metal pipes. They’re great at keeping hot water hot. Different plastic pipe materials are used for different applications. ABS and PVC exist in very different versions.
The PVC vs. ABS Pipe Debate
The most important difference between ABS and PVC in household plumbing materials is made of resin, which is either made with (bisphenol a) or without (bisphenol a). ABS pipe is based on BPA, while PVC pipe is based on silica.
There is a chemical called Bisphenol A present in plastic materials containing plastic food cans and water bottles. It hardens the plastic to prevent leakage. The risk to humans has not been established in humans, yet animal studies suggest a growing range of possible difficulties related to hormones, neurology, and cardiology, among other features. However, FDA has updated its BPA recommendations in recent years, though the endocrine-disrupting chemical is considered safe at current levels found in foods.
The local government might have already decided which material to use between ABS and PVC plastic piping before you even give it serious consideration. The building codes of some localities mandate drainage, sewage, or other plumbing projects to be carried out using one type of pipe over the other, although the choice is frequently left to plumbers and builders.
Plastic pipes – Strengths and Weaknesses
There is an easy way to distinguish ABS pipes from PVC pipes; ABS pipes are black, PVC pipes white. However, since pipes aren’t meant to be seen, plumbers are typically more concerned with other characteristics. It is noted that ABS is more shock resistant than PVC, but PVC is regarded as more flexible. ABS performs better at extremely cold temperatures; however, it can deteriorate with direct sunlight exposure. The sound of running water can be muffled better with PVC. However, in most North American markets, both types are often priced similarly. When significant price differences are found, they are usually the result of higher shipping expenses for one type.
Working with PVC or ABS Pipe
The biggest difference between them is the fact that the ABS pipe only has one step in connecting pipes, whereas the PVC process consists of two steps. PVC pipe ends must first be treated with a purple primer before they can be fixed with epoxy, but ABS pipe ends can be bonded instantaneously with a block of special epoxy. ABS can sometimes be the most cost-effective choice, even though the pipes themselves are more expensive than PVC because the primer is messy and must completely dry prior to the next step. For this reason, it can sometimes add extra labor to a project.
You can get help from your local Plumber in Allen to figure out which type of plastic pipe is best in your home, climate, and needs. They handle any plumbing project very well—no matter how big or small a job is. Contact us online.
