Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 29, 2000 06:22am | #1

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   PVC is all that is used in our area.

   near the stream,

   aj

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   Guest_ | Aug 29, 2000 08:03am | #2

   *I've been told that PVC melts together when glued, where ABS is just sorta surface glued. If that makes any sense! Just been told the PVC glued joints will be a better bond. ......someone explain to me what the hell I mean????Jeff

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   Guest_ | Aug 29, 2000 08:51am | #3

   *I understand ABS was one of the first plastic materials to be used to make DWV pipe and that PVC came later. I also understand ABS produces very toxic fumes when it burns and, for that reason, is no longer allowed in new construction in some areas. The only place I have seen ABS lately is in mobile homes. There may be regional preferences. When I lived in New Mexico (15 years ago) ABS was the product of choice. I have since lived in Florida, Illinois, and Arkansas and have not seen ABS in new construction in any of those areas.

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   Guest_ | Aug 29, 2000 11:48pm | #4

   *Jeff: You are right; both are welded with solvents that soften the plastic and allow it to stick together. Both materials bond equally well. THe Purple Passion used for PVC improves the bond because the solvents allowed are not strong enough for a really good solvent weld. The choice seems to be regional, more than anything else.In the midwest, we see only PVC. Out in California, my contacts say that Homer's place only has ABS. They both have their good and bad points.* PVC is getting bad-mouthed by the Green parties, for the alleged dioxin and other materials that leach out into the sewer system. And, when it is in a fire it releases corrosive gasses. Several telephone exchanges were put out of business from corrosion, before they changed to other insulation on their wires. However, it is very easy to extrude into the shapes needed, and it can be filled with one heck of a lot of cheap filler, so it has become the material of choice.* ABS is a a rigid plastic, and is really tough. Your suitcases and telephones are typically made from this stuff. It has less stuff to (allegedly) leach out into our waste water. It does burn, and when it burns, it does emit some noxious odors and materials, but the toxicity is comparable to red oak if I remember properly some work I did many years ago.

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   Guest_ | Aug 30, 2000 07:03am | #6

   *Both are in use here. Typically, abs is black or gray. Pvc is white.Pvc, when burnng, releasing chlorine gas. Abs does not. If that is a concern, don't worry. If you're still in the house by the time the pvc burns, you are already dead. near the ditch...James DuHamel

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   Talus_Lowman | Aug 30, 2000 07:03am | #5

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   I am a general contractor/carpenter who needs a little insite from learned plumbers. Which is a better product and why... pvc or abs pipe for waste in a residential setting?