ABS vs PVC DWV plumbing

Moved from Technology Corner

PCV does not handle vibration as well, but I suspect most of it is simply cost.

http://drainwastevent.com/

PVC appears to be superior to ABS and is an accepted replacement.
I think the glue might be a bit different so watch the transition.

May have to do with UV exposure for outside use with the tanks. Could also be that sealers used at tank connections work better with ABS.

White PVC is not good when exposed to sunlight. Grey PVC (more expensive) is for exterior use.

That is something to consider in the overall cost of keeping 2 different construction materials stocked for separate indoor and outdoor use.

ABS is more impact resistant and probably has more wall strength but I'm not sure about the latter.

Strength

ABS piping has a higher impact strength than PVC, especially at lower temperatures. However, ABS can deform under sun exposure.

Durability

ABS is highly durable with high impact strength. PVC is less durable, as it is designed to be flexible and softer than usual plastics. However, both plastics are resistant to chemical and water degradation.

Doug

My experience has been that most manufacturers and professional plumbers use ABS and home handymen use PVC. My guess is cost and availability.

Water supply lines, hot and cold, are not going to be PVC or ABS in any building or RV. Instead a flexible line is used and unfortunately this practice has extended to residential construction with PEX where it is a poor substitute for copper piping. Waste lines outside the living space are always done with ABS pipe where the installation is a permanent one and not easily repaired or replaced.

I have a sprinkler system at my house for which I naturally used PVC. All the exposed pipe has become brittle in less than a year's time. I would not want PV used in a RV for pressure lines.

PVC also loses strength with temperature. A pipe that has a PSI burst strength of 450 PSI at 73 F (temp used for standards) will have a pressure rating of 337 PSI at 100 F.

PCV also expands with temperature and a 100' length can expand 4 inches with 140 degree water inside (or less with outside air temps over 100 F) and with an RV a 20' length could still expand an inch and cause a problem.

With an RV the manufacturers err on the safe side to avoid plumbing problems that could be prohibitively expensive to repair with the very limited access with most RV's.

PVC and ABS are now being replaced by PEX. I had to learn a whole new process this spring.
Bill

I am renovating an 14 ft 1968 Chateau TT. Probably had copper in it but that was poorly replaced with PVC. I have removed all the PVC and will be replacing it with PEX. After looking at all the posts and doing a little research of my own, it looks like that is the best bet. It should be easier to install and will last longer.

BTW. It anybody out there has any info on old Chateau trailer, please share. I am most interested to know what make and model the original furnace and fridge were.

Thanks