Choosing Between ABS And PVC Pipes In Washington DC
Washington DC has very many plastic plumbing pipes. Many people prefer plastic pipes because they are cheap to buy, easier to install, and can withstand huge temperature variations. Plastic pipes keep hot water hot and they do not from as much condensation as metallic pipes during the cold season. The two most popular plastic pipes in Washington DC are ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) and PVC (polyvinyl chloride) pipes.
The main difference between the two types of plastic pipes is that ABS pipes are made with Bisphenol A or BPA, which is a chemical commonly used to harden plastic. BPA is present in many plastic materials because of this property. And although it’s safe for humans to use plastics with BPA, animal studies indicate that this chemical can cause a wide range of health problems at certain quantities. But you should not be worried about these problems when choosing a plumbing pipe in Washington DC. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still considers the current BPA levels safe to humans. You should be more concerned about the following qualities when choosing between ABS and PVC pipes in Washington DC.
Strength
As mentioned above, ABS pipes are made with BPA to make them harder or to harden them. This means that ABS pipes are stronger than PVC pipes. ABS pipes are ideal for many commercial DC plumbing projects because they are stronger and can withstand more pressure. Experienced plumbing companies like Plumber In DC know the best pipes for different plumbing projects. Reviews can be seen at https://goo.gl/maps/Y9tPbYn3UrL6eWHc8.
Shock Resistance
The other major concern when choosing between ABS and PVC plumbing pipes in Washington DC is shock resistance. Remember that these pipes will be handling lots of clean water or wastewater. Mostly, fluids flow at high pressure in the plumbing system. This is what keeps everything flowing in the plumbing system. When it comes to shock resistance, again ABS is at the top of the game. The pipe is harder and stronger, which means that it can withstand greater shock than PVC.
Connection & Binding
When you are buying any type of plumbing pipes in Washington DC, you should always think about the pipe connections. Remember that these pipes will have to be connected somewhere in order to function in the plumbing system. When it comes to ABS pipes, they need a one-step process connection. You can easily bond ABS pipes with special cement and install them where you want. But PVC pipes require a two-process connection. You will have to first treat the pipe ends with purple primer before applying the cement. And remember that you have to wait for the primer to dry totally before applying the cement.
Cost
There are no major cost differences between the ABS and PVC plumbing pipes in Washington DC. But because of the two-step connection for PVC pipes, there can be additional labor and binding material and this can make them a little bit more expensive than ABS plumbing pipes.
Withstanding Temperature Variations
The harder ABS pipes can withstand very cold temperatures in Washington DC. But they can warp when exposed to direct sunlight. Also, PVC pipes muffle the sound of running water.