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ABS Pipe, The Material Of Choice For Piping Systems

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ABS pipe is the shortened term for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene pipe. Today it is used for all manner of uses in the construction industry thanks to its relative affordability, light weight and ease of fitting. The properties of ABS pipe make it perfect for piping systems in both the residential and commercial sphere.

The construction industry has embraced ABS pipe wholeheartedly. Plumbing suppliers are now stocking ABS pipe and fitting components as a matter of course to ensure their customers have enough materials to get the job done. Thanks to an extensive variety of diameters, ABS pipe and fitting components can fulfil the needs of almost any plumbing system. Combined with the relatively low cost in comparison to pipe materials of old, the ABS solution becomes even more preferable to those in the construction world.

The light weight of ABS pipe and fitting components is also a powerful lure for those in the construction industry. Being so light means that transportation costs are reduced immensely, reducing overheads on any building project. In addition, the light weight makes handling the material while it is on site easier, meaning efficiency is increased and the amount of machinery need on site to move materials around is reduced.

Fitting ABS pipe together is also a simple and effective method for constructing piping systems. There is no welding or threading pipes together meaning that a relatively unskilled worker can construct a piping system in no time. Current estimates believe that a worker who has worked with ABS pipe before can carry out the construction of an entire residential piping system in around six hours. This rapid fitting means that site managers save more money in man hours, reducing overheads further and making the building project more profitable.

Even though ABS pipe and fitting components are light, they are still strong. The resistance of ABS plastic to high impacts and temperatures makes it perfect for underground applications. During the process of installation, pipes are often put under a great deal of strain and thankfully ABS can stand up to these stresses. The chemical compound of ABS pipe means that it can happily carry both hot and cold liquids as well as household cleaners and even industrial chemicals.

A recent study into ABS pipe and fitting components found that after being exposed to household cleaners, it stood up to them for extended periods of time without any wear. In the same study an experiment was carried out where a section of pipe was submerged in water over a twenty four hour period, after the experiment was completed it was found that the section had only absorbed 0.005 percent of the water, making it the perfect material for use in sewerage systems.

ABS pipe does however have some weaknesses. When being stored it is important to keep stocks out of the sun as being made from plastic this can lead to warping, subsequently making the pipes useless. In addition, if left for extended periods of time, it must be stored on a level surface as the pipes have a tendency to sag. The final downside is the care that must be taking when transporting the material around the building site, if dragged along the ground, ABS plastic is susceptible to abrasion.

When you are fitting an ABS system it is important to measure exactly and only cut when you are sure of the measurements. Unfortunately once the pipe is cut to a certain length there is no way to remedy any shortcomings, so when fitting, ensure your measurements are correct.

Thanks to the development of new plastics like ABS it is possible for the construction industry to reduce their overheads and speed up their work. The properties of this material make it the ideal solution for many involved in building piping systems who want a material that is hardy and long lasting.



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How The ABS Pipe Has Revolutionised Construction

how to get perfect abs
Thomas Pretty asked:


Abs pipe or Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene pipe is used today in all manner of drainage, wastewater and venting systems. Its wide and diverse properties make ABS pipe the perfect solution in residential and commercial buildings as well as recreational vehicles.

ABS pipe has become the building material of choice for many in the construction industry for a number of reasons. It is readily available through many plumbing suppliers and comes in a variety of diameters depending upon your needs. The different sizes of pipe are also inter-connectable making it perfect for constructing complete systems. It is also lightweight making it cheaper to transport and much easier to handle once on site. Its ease movement makes it simple to assemble and install, with no need to weld or thread connections.

The affordability of ABS pipe is also a major reason for its popularity, especially when compared to metal pipe fixtures. In addition to this, the ease of installation means less time is spent in construction, further reducing overheads. On average a complete domestic home system will take around six hours using an ABS system.

Remarkably the light weight of ABS pipe belies its strength; it has great levels of impact resistance and can resist cold temperatures excellently, up to around minus forty Fahrenheit. Subsequently it used extensively in construction where it may have to endure the stresses and strains of installation. Its excellent temperature resistance is ideal as ABS pipe is often used in systems that carry both hot and cold substances. Added to this temperature hardiness, an ABS system is also able to resist household chemicals and even industrial liquids.

Looking into this chemical resistance was a study by the ABS institute in America; the findings of the study were thus. In terms of domestic uses, pipe segments were exposed to regular sink and bowl cleaners and the pipe were not harmed in any way. Water also has an insignificant effect on ABS pipe, after twenty four hours of immersion it was found that the sample only absorbed 0.005 percent of water by weight. Industrially it was found that the hardiness of this type of piping system was resistant to many industrial chemicals and abrasive liquids, making it perfect for use in sewage systems.

Another reason that ABS is so popular in the construction industry is its ease of storage. Thanks to its hardy properties it can be stored either inside or outside and will stand up to the elements effectively. It must be protected from direct sunlight however as this can lead to warping of the pipes. Also it should be stored on a level support to prevent any sagging that could occur. It is also advisable not to drag it across rough ground as it may be prone to abrasion.

Fitting an ABS pipe system requires exacting measurement. Cutting the pipe is a final solution and unlike some systems, once cutting has occurred it is impossible to stretch or warp the pipe to fit into a system. When you are measuring it is advisable to account for the sockets and fixtures as well as the pipes. Cutting the pipe is relatively easy with a saw or specialist pipe cutting tool. Remember to keep such tools sharp as excessive stress on the ABS when cutting can lead to distortion.

Whatever the cons of ABS it has definitely made life easier for those in the construction industry. Its many uses and affordability has made it a popular material. Thanks to excellent properties it can now be seen as the pipe of choice for many involved in the construction process.



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