PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) are both types of plastic plumbing pipes, but they have different properties and are used in different situations. Here’s a comparison of the two:
PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Color: Typically white or light gray.
• Flexibility: PVC is more flexible than ABS, making it suitable for a variety of plumbing applications, including water supply lines.
• Strength: PVC is strong, but less impact-resistant than ABS.
• Temperature Tolerance: PVC can handle a range of temperatures but is more prone to cracking in cold environments.
• Chemical Resistance: PVC has good resistance to many chemicals and is often used for both residential and commercial plumbing.
• Noise: PVC pipes are quieter when water flows through them.
• Joining Method: PVC pipes are typically joined using a two-step process involving a primer and cement.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
• Color: Usually black.
• Flexibility: ABS is more rigid than PVC.
• Strength: ABS is very strong and more impact-resistant, making it suitable for underground applications.
• Temperature Tolerance: ABS performs better in colder temperatures and is less likely to crack under freezing conditions.
• Chemical Resistance: ABS is also resistant to many chemicals but may degrade under prolonged exposure to sunlight (UV light).
• Noise: ABS pipes are noisier when water flows through them.
• Joining Method: ABS pipes are typically joined using a single-step solvent cement, without the need for a primer.
How to Identify Your Plumbing Material
1. Color: The easiest way to tell is by the color. If your pipes are black, they are likely ABS. If they are white or light gray, they are probably PVC.
2. Markings: Check for any markings on the pipe. Both types usually have manufacturer markings that include the type of plastic.
3. Flexibility: If you gently flex the pipe, you might notice that PVC has more give than ABS.
4. Location: Consider where the pipes are located. ABS is more common in underground installations, while PVC is often used for above-ground water supply.
PVC is white. ABS is Black
