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.
PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride) is white, while ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is usually black or grey. ABS piping is typically stronger than PVC and is more resistant to thermal shock from extreme cold, but it may warp if left exposed to direct sunlight.
It depends, we still use ABS fairly commonly for drain lines. Most of the PVC you see is the water lines not the drains. That is because ABS isn't rated for pressure and you shouldn't be using it for pressurized water.
ABS, or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, is a black plastic pipe that is commonly used for drainage, sewage, and vents.
ABS pipes are black. PVC pipes, on the other hand, are typically white. While this is useful information for identification purposes, it shouldn't have any real influence on your decision-making process.
If you're plumbing in a new drain or vent and have to join two different kinds of plastic pipe, black ABS and white PVC, don't assume that you can simply glue them together. Most plumbing codes don't allow ABS pipe to be solvent-welded (glued) to PVC. Check with your local plumbing inspector.
Blue: Potable Water| White: Irrigation and Water. Green: Sewer. Purple: Reclaimed Water. Gray: Electrical Conduit.
PVC pipes are generally categorised into four: PVC-U unplasticised PVC), C-PVC (chlorinated PVC), PVC-O (molecular oriented PVC) and modified PVC. Besides sharing many of the same properties, each type of PVC has its own advantages for different applications.
Whereas plumbing issues are the main concern with polybutylene and galvanized steel pipes, lead pipes pose a different and much more serious threat. Lead is a toxic material to ingest. If your home is equipped with piping or plumbing fixtures that contain lead, this poison can end up in your drinking water.
Uses for PVC Pipes
Regular schedule 40 PVC pipe (here) is perfect for drains and wastewater. Like ABS pipe, PVC pipe is used for drain, waste, and vent piping systems and as insulation for electrical cables. It's versatile and durable and the choice for professionals and DIYers alike.
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.
The standard toilet drainpipe size is 3 inches in diameter, though some older homes may have a 4-inch drainpipe. Modern homes use a PVC schedule 40 drainpipe instead of metal.
It's possible to join ABS to PVC, but it's only supposed to be done with a mechanical coupling, not glued.
Black Pipe
They are also known as black steel pipes, black iron pipes or black malleable pipes. Used to transport natural and propane gas from the street or a tank to the home. Good for fire sprinkler systems because of heat resistance.
Black Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride (uPVC) Sheet is a durable and versatile material, offering excellent chemical resistance, rigidity, and mechanical strength. With a sleek black finish and Class 1 fire rating, this sheet is suitable for industrial, chemical, and ventilation applications.
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.
If you are finding particles in the water, or have the taste mentioned above, you could have black alkathene. Black Alkathene pipework was often used as the supply pipe to properties in the 1960, 70s and 80s.
CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE (PEX) Crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) is a high-temperature, flexible, polymer pipe. Crosslinking technology was first developed in Europe in the late 1960s and has since come into use around the world for a variety of applications.
The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze.
Furniture Grade Schedule 40 PVC Pipe in Black (2-Pack) /package($5.20 /ft.)
PVC pipes are white or dark gray in color. CPVC is off-white, light gray, or yellow in color. Both pipe types have technical specifications printed on the side for easy verification. Both pipe types are available in plain end and bell end.
Green – sewer lines. White – areas of proposed excavation. Remember to dig with care.
Schedule 40 PVC is usually white in color and has thinner walls, thus can handle less pressure than it's counterpart. Schedule 40 PVC pipe works best for low water pressure applications. By contrast, Schedule 80 PVC is usually gray in color and has thicker walls; therefore, it can handle higher water pressures.