Black Plastic Piping: What Is It?

Black plastic piping is most commonly referred to as ABS, short for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, a sturdy plastic that was one of the first to be used for residential plumbing. It is always black in colour and tends to be softer than PVC piping. It is mainly used for vent and drain lines, as well as other outdoor applications where cold temperatures are common.

Explore related products

Polyethylene Pipe 3/4 " X 400 ' 160 Psi For Drinking Water

$202.59

Cresline Polyethylene Pipe 1 " X 100 ' 80 Psi Not For Potable Water

$46.45

Cresline Polyethylene Pipe 1 " X 100 ' 100 Psi For Drinking Water

$64.62

Watts ASC1 ANKA Series High Pressure Poly-Pipe Straight Coupling, 1" x 1" Black Insert Fitting w/ Blue Tapered Nut Seals, High Grade Glass Fiber Reinforced Nylon, Agriculture & Irrigation

$10.35

1"x300' 160psi Pipe

$319.02

Cresline 100 ft. L Polyethylene Pipe 125 psi

$49.89

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS)

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, commonly abbreviated to ABS, is a thermoplastic polymer. It is comprised of three monomers: acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene. Acrylonitrile and styrene give ABS stiffness, toughness, and chemical and thermal stability, while butadiene particles provide elasticity and impact resistance.

ABS is commonly used in injection moulding and 3D printing applications due to its low melting point and ease of use. It can be easily moulded, sanded, and shaped, and its glossy surface finish is compatible with a wide range of paints and glues. ABS is also lightweight and can be manufactured in a variety of colours and textures, making it a versatile choice for many industries.

One of the key advantages of ABS is its impact resistance, which can be amplified by increasing the proportion of polybutadiene in relation to styrene and acrylonitrile. This versatility means that ABS can be prepared in different grades to suit specific applications. For example, ABS can be used to create products that can withstand heavy use and adverse environmental conditions, such as protective headgear, power tools, and automotive components.

ABS is also commonly used in the manufacture of plastic tubing and corrugated plastic structures in the construction industry. It can be easily cut to size and is available in a range of colours and finishes. Additionally, ABS is often used in the production of small kitchen appliances, musical instruments, and plastic toys, as it can stand up well to rain, storms, and winds. However, to prolong its life outdoors, it must be protected from UV rays and extreme weather conditions.

While ABS offers many advantages, there are some concerns about its decomposition. If exposed to temperatures of 400 °C (750 °F), ABS can decompose into its constituents, some of which are known to be carcinogenic to humans. Ultrafine particles (UFPs) may also be produced at lower temperatures, such as during 3D printing, and these have been linked to adverse health effects.

Explore related products

HD160 (SIDR-9) Plastic Polyethylene Pipe

$160.13

HD-CTS (SDR-9) Plastic Polyethylene Pipe

$248.38

Cresline Polyethylene Pipe 1-1/4 " X 100 ' 160 Psi For Drinking Water

$263.97

Dripworks Drip Irrigation Tube 100' Roll, Black (3/4" Mainline Tubing, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE))

$54.95

1/2-Inch Drip Irrigation Supply Tubing, 250-Foot, (.500ID)(.625OD) for Irrigation Drippers, Drip Emitters, Irrigation Parts, and Drip Systems, Black Polyethylene - Matte Black Half Inch

$44.99

John Guest Black 100 ft/roll 3/8 Polyethylene Tube Tubing Drinking Water RO Reverse Osmosis DI Aquarium Pipe LLDPE by John Guest

$52.84

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

Polyvinyl Chloride, commonly known as PVC, is a high-strength, economical, and versatile thermoplastic polymer. It is the third-most widely produced synthetic plastic polymer in the world. PVC is widely used in the building and construction industry, as well as in healthcare, electronics, automobiles, and other sectors.

In the construction industry, PVC is used for pipes, siding, fascia, gutters, downspouts, and waste pipes. It is also used for blood bags, tubing, wire and cable insulation, windshield system components, and packaging. PVC is well-suited for these applications due to its strength, resistance to moisture and abrasion, and versatility. It can be modified by chlorination to increase its chlorine content, resulting in chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC), which has enhanced durability, chemical stability, and flame retardancy.

PVC is produced by polymerization of the vinyl chloride monomer (VCM). Vinyl chloride is derived from salt and ethylene, which is derived from natural gas. PVC is available in two broad categories: flexible and rigid. Flexible PVC is formed by adding plasticizers to PVC, which lower its crystallinity. Rigid PVC, also known as UPVC or uPVC, is a stiff and cost-effective plastic with high resistance to impact, water, weather, and chemicals.

PVC has been used since the early 20th century, but its processing challenges initially thwarted commercial use. In 1926, Waldo Semon and the B.F. Goodrich Company developed a method to plasticize PVC by blending it with additives. Today, PVC is widely used and has replaced traditional building materials such as wood, metal, and concrete due to its desirable physical and mechanical properties. However, concerns have been raised about the health risks associated with vinyl chloride exposure, particularly in the workplace and manufacturing plants. Regulatory authorities have set standards and regulations to address these concerns.

Explore related products

PIPE POLY3/4"X100'NSF200 by CRESLINE MfrPartNo 18005

$64.23

Plastic 18515 HD-CTS (SDR-9) Plastic Polyethylene Pipe

$59.93

Endot PBJ10041010002 Polyethylene Pipe 160 PSI 1-In x 100-Ft

$73.88

Metpure 1/4" OD x 25 Feet Length LLDPE Polyethylene Tubing for Reverse Osmosis De-ionized Water Filtration Systems, Refrigerators, and Other Appliances (1/4" OD, 25', Black)

$9.99

Landical 2 Pcs 3 Inch x 1 ft ABS Drain Pipe Black Plastic Pipe for Drain Waste and Vent

$28.99

VENTRAL DWV Drain Pipe - Black ABS Custom Size and Length 1-1/2" (1.5) Inch 1.5" x 2' Feet

$12.35

BPA-free PVC

Black plastic piping is often made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride). While PVC is the most common plastic piping used in plumbing, other types include ABS and PEX.

PVC is considered the most toxic plastic for our health and the environment. It is used to make products ranging from floors and pipes to medical products and food packaging. Pure PVC is 57% chlorine, a toxic substance that produces significant pollution during manufacturing. PVC also requires toxic additives, including heavy metals such as lead, endocrine-disrupting phthalates, and toxic flame retardants, to be processed into stable and usable consumer products. These additives are released during both the use and disposal of PVC products.

Phthalates, in particular, are chemicals used to soften or plasticize PVC products that can be released into the air and cling to dust, leading to potential inhalation by humans. Studies have linked PVC and phthalates to respiratory problems, and Congress has banned the use of phthalates in toys.

However, it is important to note that PVC pipes used for plumbing are rigid and typically do not contain BPA (Bisphenol A). BPA is found in polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which are used in food and beverage containers, as well as in the coating of metal products like food cans, bottle tops, and water pipes. While BPA has been linked to potential health risks, the specific health hazards of PVC pipes have been debated, with some arguing that the concerns are exaggerated or disproven.

To identify BPA-free products, you can check the recycling number at the bottom of the container. Numbers 1, 2, or 5 indicate that a plastic product is BPA-free, while a number 7 suggests the possibility of BPA being used.

Explore related products

Landical 2 Pcs 1.5 Inch x 2 ft Black ABS Pipe DWV Drain Pipe Plastic Fittings for Drain Waste and Vent

$34.99

Rectorseal 55938 1/4 Pint 647L Low Voc Abs Solvent Cement

$10.53

VENTRAL DWV Drain Pipe - Black ABS Custom Size and Length 2" (2.0) Inch 2" x 5' Feet

$25.95

VENTRAL DWV Drain Pipe - Black ABS Custom Size and Length 3" (3.0) Inch 3" x 1' Feet

$15.15

VENTRAL DWV Drain Pipe - Black ABS Custom Size and Length 1-1/2" (1.5) Inch 1.5" x 1' Feet

$8.85

VENTRAL DWV Drain Pipe - Black ABS Custom Size and Length 1-1/2" (1.5) Inch 1.5" x 3' Feet

$17.45

CPVC

One of the benefits of using CPVC is its low cost, typically ranging from $0.50 to $1 per square foot. It is also easy to work with, requiring no special tools or risky soldering. However, due to its flexibility, it needs more support than copper or galvanized steel, with additional support required every 32 to 36 inches. CPVC is also more brittle than metal pipes, so care must be taken to avoid striking it with a hammer or puncturing it with nails or screws.

When installing CPVC, it is important to use a slow-drying adhesive to ensure a strong bond. This can take up to eight hours to dry completely. Overall, CPVC is a safe and cost-effective choice for plumbing projects, particularly in tight spaces where its flexibility and ease of installation provide significant advantages.

Explore related products

NIBCO - I05555H U5807 3 HXH 90 ELBOW ABS, Black, 3" (U58073)

$10.36 $14.37

NIBCO Fig No U5801-7, 1-1/2 in. ABS DWV Trap Adapter Hub x Slip Joint

$8.29

VENTRAL DWV Drain Pipe - Black ABS Custom Size and Length 2" (2.0) Inch 2" x 1' Feet

$9.65

VENTRAL DWV Drain Pipe - Black ABS Custom Size and Length 2" (2.0) Inch 2" x 2' Feet

$15.35

Charlotte Pipe ABS 03300 0200 DWV Foam Core SCH 40 Pipe, 2', ABS, 3", Black

$19.95

Lasalle Bristol 632451 1-1/2X90 ABS 90 degree Elbow

$5.51

HDPE

One example of an HDPE pipe is the Aqua-Jet high-density polyethylene pipe, which is manufactured in the USA. It is NSF-approved for potable water use and offers higher pressure ratings, resulting in more durability, strength, and burst resistance. HDPE pipes are also commonly used in pipe bursting, where their flexibility and durability are advantageous.

Frequently asked questions