Plastic Pipe and Tube Summary

ABS

A material typically used for residential drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems.

ABS Usage

Used in residential DWV applications.

ABS Sizes

Available in sizes ranging from 1 ¼ to 6 inches in 12-foot lengths.

ABS Colors

Usually black pipe with yellow solvent.

ABS Max Working Temperature

Maximum working temperature of 82 degrees Celsius.

ABS Joining Method

Joined by solvent cement, hot air weld, or mechanical joints (MJ).

PVC

A versatile material used for both DWV and pressure systems.

PVC Usage

Used for DWV and pressure applications.

PVC Sizes

Comes in sizes from 1 ¼ to 24 inches, in lengths of 12 or 20 feet.

PVC Colors

Color can be white or grey, depending on the use.

PVC Max Working Temperature

Maximum working temperature of 60 degrees Celsius.

PVC Joining Method

Joined using primed solvent cement, mechanical joints (MJ), or threaded connections.

CPVC

A material suitable for domestic hot and cold water, as well as hydronic lines.

CPVC Usage

Used for domestic hot and cold water and hydronic systems.

CPVC Sizes

Available in sizes from ¼ to 8 inches, in 12 or 20-foot lengths.

CPVC Max Working Temperature

Maximum working temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.

CPVC Joining Method

Joined only using CPVC solvent, compression, or threaded methods.

PE

A material used for various plumbing applications including DWV and water distribution.

PE Usage

Used for DWV plumbing, water distribution, gas service, and water service.

PE Sizes

Size varies: lab DWV from 1 ¼ to 12 feet, semi-rigid from 1.2 inches to 4 inches.

PE Max Working Temperature

Maximum working temperature of 55 degrees Celsius.

PE Joining Method

Joined using socket or butt fusion, crimping, compression, or other fittings.

PE/AL/PE

A composite material used for water service or compressed gases.

PE/AL/PE Usage

Used for water service or compressed gas applications.

PEX

A flexible material used for hot or cold domestic water and radiant heating systems.

PEX Usage

Used for hot and cold domestic water and radiant floor heating.

PEX Sizes

Sizes vary from 3/8 to 1 inch in flexible form and ¼ to 2 inches in rigid form.

PEX Colors

Available in red, blue, white, and black (UV protected).

PB

A material no longer used; report if found.

PB Usage

Used for hot and cold water services.

PB Colors

Typically grey in color.

PB Max Working Temperature

Maximum working temperature of 82 degrees Celsius.

PB Joining Method

Joined using insert fittings, compression, or fusion weld.

PP

A material typically used in lab DWV or distilled water applications.

PP Usage

Often used in laboratory applications for DWV or distilled water.

PP Sizes

Available in sizes from 1 ¼ to 4 inches in 12-foot lengths.

PP Colors

Color is usually brown unless in distilled water use, which is unpigmented.

Proxylene

A material exclusively used for laboratory DWV applications.

Proxylene Color

Typically blue in color.

Proxylene Joining Method

Joined using socket, butt fusion, or mechanical coupling.