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USES/APPLICATIONS
ABS pipe and fittings have become a leading material for DWV applications because they offer an outstanding combination of properties. Contractors have installed more than 10 billion feet of ABS pipe in residential and commercial construction. ABS pressure pipe is also available for certain industrial applications. ABS pipe is sold in 10' and 20' lengths, plus 12' lengths in Canada.

ABS pipe is available in solid-wall and cellular-core construction in Schedule 40 dimensions. These two forms may be used interchangeably for DWV applications.

ABS pipe may be used in buried or above ground DWV applications. It may be used outdoors if the pipe contains pigments to shield against ultraviolet radiation, or jurisdictions may require the pipe to be painted with water-based latex paint for outdoor use. Check with the pipe supplier for details about local regulations for this material.

Specifying ABS pipe is a relatively easy task as the pipe wall of Schedule 40 ABS DWV pipe is the same thickness as Schedule 40 (IPS) steel pipe.

Architects, mechanical engineers and builders should incorporate ABS pipe and fittings into their specifications by a reference similar to the following: "All soil lines, waste lines, vents, and building drains shall be installed with ABS pipe and fittings conforming to Schedule 40 ASTM F 628 or ASTM D 2661. All products shall bear the seal of a nationally-recognized listing or certifying agency."

CODE STATUS
ABS is recognized as acceptable for use in DWV systems in all major model plumbing codes.

AVAILABILITY
ABS is available from plumbing supply houses and retail home supply stores throughout most of North America.

MARKING
The standards for plastic pipe generally require that the product be marked so that it can be readily identified, even if cut in short pieces. Most of the standards require at least the following items:

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE
According to studies performed by the ABS Institute, ABS pipe was shown to be unaffected by commonly used household chemicals - including drain and bowl cleaners, such as:

FIRE-RATED CONSTRUCTION
When properly installed in compliance with building and fire codes, ABS can be used in fire-rated construction, such as high-rise dwellings. Schedule 40 ABS DWV systems are suitable for fire-rated wall, floor and ceiling assemblies.

ABS pipe must be heated to over 871°F (465°C) before it will self-ignite. In comparison, the types of wood commonly used in home framing self-ignite around 500F (260°C). In an out-of-control fire, temperatures reach well over 1,000F (540°C), at which point all combustibles burn.

ABS DWV pipe systems typically represent less than 1% of the total combustible products in wood-frame construction. In addition, ABS DWV piping systems are installed behind walls, under floors and above ceilings; therefore, ABS pipe will melt and collapse long before it burns, preventing flame spread up vertical stacks or along horizontal waste lines.

Like all combustible materials, ABS pipe releases gaseous products when burned. Although no nationally recognized standard exists for measuring toxicity, testing indicates that gases released from burning styrene-based plastics, such as ABS, present no greater hazard than gases released from common building materials, such as the wood used in wall construction.

STORAGE & HANDLING
You can store ABS pipe and fittings either inside or outside. Protect the material from direct sunlight as exposure to the sun can cause uneven expansion. Store ABS pipe on a level support to prevent sagging or bending.

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