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ABS and PVC DWV Pipe

ABS and PVC DWV pipe are the two common plastic pipes for drain, waste and vent systems. This sheet covers how to tell them apart, the cement each uses, the main DWV fittings and the limits on mixing materials and using DWV for pressure.

Ref PV-0013ASTM D2661ASTM D2665

Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.

What it is

DWV (drain-waste-vent) pipe carries waste and venting by gravity. ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) DWV is black and made to ASTM D2661. PVC DWV is usually white and made to ASTM D2665. Both come in solid wall and cellular core versions; cellular core PVC is covered by ASTM F891. DWV fittings have long, gentle turns for flow and are not made for pressure service. Which material is allowed depends on the local plumbing code.

How to identify

Color is the first clue: ABS is black and PVC DWV is white or cream. Read the print line for the standard (D2661 for ABS, D2665 or F891 for PVC) and "DWV." Cellular core pipe has a foam middle layer visible at a cut end. Fittings are marked DWV and with the material.

Material and cement

Item	ABS DWV	PVC DWV
Color	Black	White or cream
Pipe standard	ASTM D2661	ASTM D2665 (solid wall), ASTM F891 (cellular core)
Solvent cement	ABS cement, ASTM D2235	PVC cement, ASTM D2564
Primer	Usually not required for ABS; follow local code	Required by many codes
Joining ABS to PVC	Transition cement where code allows, or a listed mechanical coupling	Same

Common DWV fittings

Fitting	Use
Sanitary tee	Horizontal branch into a vertical stack
Wye	Branch joins at 45°
Combination wye and 1/8 bend	Horizontal to horizontal or vertical to horizontal changes
Long sweep 1/4 bend	Direction change with low flow resistance
Closet flange	Toilet connection
Cleanout adapter and plug	Access for cleaning
P-trap	Seals out sewer gas at fixtures

Key points

DWV pipe and fittings are not for pressure water lines.
Fitting orientation matters. A sanitary tee placed flat on its back in a horizontal run is a code violation in most jurisdictions.
Cement choice and primer rules come from the pipe maker, the cement label and the local code. See the solvent cement and primer selection chart.
Transition cement for ABS to PVC is not accepted everywhere. Many inspectors require a listed mechanical coupling.
Fire-rated assemblies may require approved firestop systems where plastic pipe passes through.

Common mistakes

Using PVC cement on ABS.
Using DWV fittings on a pressure line.
Installing a sanitary tee on its back in a horizontal run.
Mixing ABS and PVC with ordinary cement.

Governing standards: ASTM D2661 (ABS DWV); ASTM D2665 (PVC DWV); ASTM F891 (cellular core PVC); ASTM D2235 and D2564 (solvent cements). Local plumbing code.

Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.

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