What is ABS pipe?

ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is a black plastic pipe material widely installed in Ontario drain and waste systems, particularly in older residential installations and some municipal utilities. It handles the transport of grey water, sewage, and venting gases from fixtures to municipal mains or septic tanks.

In Ontario plumbing practice, ABS competes with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) as the standard plastic choice for drain-waste-vent (DWV) lines. While both are rigid thermoplastics, ABS differs in composition and performance characteristics. ABS remains more impact-resistant in cold temperatures, a practical advantage during Ontario winters, and resists certain solvents better than PVC. However, PVC has become the more common material in newer installations across the province due to cost and wider code acceptance in recent years.

ABS pipe is joined using solvent cement (glue) rather than threaded connections, and it connects to cast iron, copper, or PVC fittings via adapters. The material does not corrode like metal pipes and does not require the insulation concerns of older galvanized steel drain systems.

If you encounter ABS during home inspection, renovation, or repair work, note that it is still serviceable and code-compliant in Ontario. Plumbers familiar with drain and sewer work can repair, extend, or replace ABS sections as needed.