There are many different types of plastic pipes on the market in recent years, but two stand out for their versatility and utility – ABS and PVC pipes.
How do the two compare to each other and to metal pipes, however, which type of pipe is right for you and what else do you need to know about them? To find out, we’ve compiled a quick but extensive comparison of ABS and PVC pipes below.
What is an ABS pipe?
ABS or Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene pipes are one of the two most common types of plastic pipe in construction and plumbing today.
They are made of extra durable plastic and are often used by plumbers and construction workers for cold water at high altitudes, for drains or sewers, as a vent pipe, for areas at higher risk of shock or corrosion and so on. Let’s first see some of its benefits and drawbacks.
The benefits of ABS pipe
- Made from extra durable plastic, ABS pipe is highly impact resistant, hard to bend and also does great in cold temperatures – more so than not only PVC pipe but also most types of metal pipe which tend to be vulnerable to condensation and cracking.
- With an ABS pipe, the risk of a leak is almost non-existent with proper maintenance and the life expectancy is similar to that of most metal pipes – around 50 years.
- The fact that ABS pipes are very easy to install is another big benefit. Unlike metal pipes that often require a lot of work at the joints, and even unlike PVC pipes, installing and joining ABS is really just a simple one-step process. That’s because all ABS pipes need is a special cement that allows them to join easily and securely at any angle and in any environment.
- This ABS pipe cement is also quite affordable as ABS pipes themselves, at least in most areas. This makes installing and repairing ABS pipes both easy and economical.
Disadvantages of ABS pipe to note
As great as they are, ABS pipes also have their drawbacks, which is why they aren’t the only major option, and why PVC and metal types are often chosen over them. Here are the two main things to remember:
- ABS pipes are made with BPA (Bisphenol A). Not everyone sees this as a major drawback, as BPA is seen as «acceptable at current levels» by the Federal Medicines Administration.
It is a highly controversial chemical, however, with many animal studies showing hormonal, neurological, cardiological and other problems related to BPA. For many people, especially homeowners, this is reason enough to avoid ABS piping for residential use, or at least limit it to sewage and sanitary waste.
This is also why your local government may have restricted the use of ABS pipes in your area. - Direct sunlight is also a problem for ABS pipes, as they do not handle heat as well as PVC pipes. So while ABS pipes are usually preferred for colder temperatures and conditions, they really should be avoided for above-ground areas exposed to direct sunlight or in warmer climates.
Besides these two major drawbacks, ABS pipes really have a lot to offer. To determine if there are other minor disadvantages to consider, let’s first look at their main alternative – PVC pipes.
What is a PVC pipe?
Polyvinyl chloride or PVC pipes for short, are probably the most well-known non-metallic pipes in use today. It also has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The benefits of PVC pipes
- Durable, flexible, lightweight, long-lasting and easy to use, PVC pipes are used for drainage, hot water, sewage and electrical insulation around the world.
- PVC pipes are also much more soundproof than ABS pipes and metal pipes, which makes them fantastic for indoor use as they block out water noise. PVC is also much easier to bend than rigid ABS plastic, so PVC pipe is much easier to place around corners and other difficult areas.
- PVC is also free of BPA or other controversial and potentially harmful chemicals. This is an important reason why many people prefer PVC over ABS for residential use and especially for drinking water.
- Another major benefit here is that PVC pipes are not nearly as vulnerable to heat and direct sunlight as ABS pipes. So if you need your pipes to run above ground or in hot areas, PVC is definitely the way to go.
Disadvantages of PVC pipes to consider
All these benefits do not mean that PVC is always the best choice, and there are indeed some clear disadvantages of these plastic pipes compared to ABS or metal pipes:
- Connecting PVC pipes is a two-step process compared to the much faster one-step process with ABS pipes. This is because PVC pipes also require a special purple primer to be applied before the connection cement.
This may sound like a minor drawback, and it technically is – PVC pipes are still easier to connect than most other metal alternatives. However, in a direct comparison with ABS pipes, it must be said that the latter are easier to work with.
If you only have one or two pipes to lay, you won’t feel the difference, but if you have a lot of pipes to deal with, the difference in both monetary and labor investment will become noticeable. - Also, PVC pipes are not as rigid and shock resistant as ABS pipes. This disadvantage is usually considered worth it, since PVC pipes are also easier to bend and more flexible. And in general, they are still considered more than durable enough for most situations. However, if durability to external shocks is a must, ABS pipes would be safer.
- Also, PVC is not as cold resistant as ABS tubing. This trade-off is quite clear, as PVC does better in sunlight and heat. So, very often, the choice between the two types of pipes depends almost entirely on the temperatures you expect in your area.
Comparison of ABS vs PVC pipes
With the major properties and occasional drawbacks of both types of pipes, let’s see how Compare ABS vs PVC pipes:
1. Temperature and environment
The biggest difference between ABS and PVC pipes is the temperatures and environmental exposure they can withstand. ABS pipes do better in the cold because they can safely operate at temperatures down to -40°F while PVC pipes start to freeze when the temperature drops below 20°F.
The higher temperature tolerance of both is quite similar—around 140°F—but PVC is often chosen over ABS in areas with abundant sunlight and surface heat because ABS pipes do not handle direct sunlight well.
2. Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the main advantages of PVC pipes over ABS, while the latter shines with its greater resistance to shocks. So when you need pipes that are highly resistant to physical stress, ABS is the way to go, but PVC is better if you need pipes that are easier to bend and curved when necessary.
3. login process
The connection process is another major age difference here for ABS. Since PVC pipes require an additional component to connect, the process becomes more complicated and expensive, although not by much. However, if you have a lot of pipes to install, this becomes significant.
4. Price
In terms of price, ABS and PVC pipes are very comparable. The need for a primer when connecting PVC pipes can increase their price a bit, but generally the main price factor comes from logistics – ABS pipes are more expensive in some areas and PVC in others.
5. Environmentally friendly
Another difference is the presence of BPA in ABS pipes. If that bothers you, it’s best to go with PVC and restrict ABS pipes to waste water only.
In addition, please note that connecting PVC and ABS pipes is not recommended. So if your installation already has one or the other, it’s better to just go with the type you already have.
Finally, remember that the first step forward choosing between ABS and PVC pipes you should only check your local building codes. Chances are there are some local regulations put in place by your local government regarding the use of ABS and PVC pipes by both homeowners and professional plumbing services.
In many cases, the choice could have been made for you in such plumbing codes, and reading a comparison article could end up being pointless. So before seeking referrals, always check local regulations first.
Bottom line – should you get ABS or PVC pipe?
As you can see, there is a reason why builders and homeowners often gravitate towards ABS and PVC pipes. The lightweight nature, ease of use, affordability and flexibility of these plastic pipes make them ideal for many types of construction and plumbing projects.
As similar as ABS and PVC pipes, there are, however, some very important differences between them, such as the cold resistance and vulnerability to sunlight exposure of ABS pipes, the more complex connection process of PVC pipes, the presence of the chemical BPA in ABS pipes and others. Such differences and disadvantages are crucial when choosing the right material for your home or project.
