ABS pipe

Entry in Drain pipe and retired pipe · Updated October 29, 2026 · Written by the Know Your Pipes editors from the sources listed under References

ABS pipe is black acrylonitrile butadiene styrene plastic pipe used in drain, waste and vent (DWV) systems; in the ABS vs PVC choice for drains, it does the job of white PVC DWV pipe in Schedule 40 sizes.^[1] One maker describes ABS as the more usual drain plastic in western states.^[1]

ABS is a drainage material, not a water supply pipe: the maker's ABS lines are for nonpressure systems and DWV purposes only.^[2]

1 Standards and forms

ASTM D2661 covers solid-wall ABS Schedule 40 DWV pipe and fittings, while ASTM F628 covers co-extruded ABS DWV pipe with a cellular (foam) core.^[1] A third product, made to ASTM F1488, is a composite pipe with ABS skins over a PVC core.^[2] Foam-core pipe of either plastic carries no pressure rating.^[1] The PVC counterpart, ASTM D2665, covers pipe and fittings for draining and venting sewage and certain other liquid wastes.^[3]

All entries in the table come from the same maker's technical manual.^[1] In its foam-core ABS line, a 4 in pipe has an outside diameter of 4.500 in and a 0.237 in wall, the same outside diameter as 4 in PVC.^[1]

2 Joining

ABS is joined by solvent-weld joints using an ABS cement made to ASTM D2235; the maker lists no primer for ABS.^[1] PVC uses a different cement, ASTM D2564, normally with a primer to ASTM F656.^[1] The two cements are not interchangeable.

Joining ABS to PVC is a transition fitting question rather than an ordinary cemented joint. The usual methods are a mechanical coupling, such as a shielded no-hub coupling, or a cement made and listed specifically for the ABS-to-PVC transition. Whether either is accepted, and where, depends on the local plumbing code, so check with the building department before mixing the two plastics.

3 Limits

The maker gives 140°F as the maximum operating temperature for ABS, the same as PVC.^[1] Sunlight discolors ABS, CPVC and PVC only in a surface layer some 0.001 to 0.003 in thick, and latex paint is the common protection for exposed runs; petroleum-based paint does not bond.^[1] Paints, sealants, caulks, foam insulation and other products touching the pipe should be confirmed chemically compatible with ABS first.^[1]

4 Code status

According to the maker, all three national model codes it names (UPC, IPC and NSPC) permit ABS drain systems both buried and above ground, on the same footing as PVC.^[1] Local adoption of a plumbing code, with amendments, decides what an inspector accepts.