The Differences Between ABS and PVC Plastic Pipes
There are heaps of reasons why mortgage holders and handymen alike utilize plastic pipes in their pipes ventures. Plastic funnels are economical, lightweight and will never erode. ABS, UPVC pipes and PVC are both quite common in the pipe system industry. Their versatile and durable qualities make them an easy and cost-effective choice of material. At first glance, the obvious difference between these two composites is the color. ABS pipes are typically black, while PVC is usually white or cream-colored. Aside from this, it’s hard to recognize any other distinctions between the two plastics.

When it comes to longevity, either choice is just as active. When installed correctly, both ABS and the PVC pipes will stand the test of time. If you have a plumbing project coming up, or either you need a comparison chart, you can now have it here. So, what exactly is the difference between them both? And which one you need for PVC pipe connectors? How do you choose between the white ones and the black ones? Let’s look at what each acronym stands for first…
Comparison
ABS pipes
ABS is the acronym for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene. This is a strong thermoplastic polymer material that is extremely durable even at low temperatures.
Primary use
• Children’s toys
• Kitchen appliances
• Instruments
• Golf club heads
• Headgear
• Car bumpers
• Canoes
- Indoor piping

Appearance & features
• Black in colour
• Stronger
• Shock resistance
• Tough
• Rigid
• Cost effective
• Light
PVC Pipes
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. This is, without doubt, one of the world’s most common plastic materials. In fact, PVC is the third-most common synthetic plastic polymer across the globe, behind polyethylene and polypropylene. You can find this material in two basic forms — rigid and flexible.

Primary use
• Pipes
• Cable insulation
• Clothes
• Children’s toys
• Shower curtains
• Kitchen utensils
• Car interiors
• Drinking water systems
• Garden piping
Appearance & features
• White in color
• Flexible
• Available in specifications like, “40mm PVC pipe” or “20mm PVC pipe”.
• Strong
• Rigid
- Cost effective & affordable

This type of plastic is tough, rigid and very cost effective. The one major downfall with ABS in comparison to PVC is that it is more likely to deform if exposed to baking sunlight. For this reason, the material is rarely used outside or above ground.
Which One is the Strongest?
Without question, ABS channels have a higher effect quality than the PVC elective. This is particularly valid at low temperatures. They are likewise a considerable measure less demanding to introduce with a speedy one-stage joining process. On the drawback however, the materials quality can be debilitated when presented to the sun and you may encounter distortion. Henceforth, why you once in a while observe ABS outside!

Plastic Pressure Pipe System Specialists
When you’re in the market for a new pipe system or PVC pipe and fittings, it is extremely important that you obtain a professional service from highly-experienced industry experts. Established in 1994, epco are a major UK provider of ABS and PVC plastic pipe systems. The company provides an extensive range of pressure pipes, imperial valves and pipe fittings — all available in either ABS or PVC.

