Should I use cell core ABS or solid core PVC for DWV in bathroom remodel?

[MG70]

I'll be plumbing two back to back bathrooms in a mid 70's house that originally used ABS for DWV. I'd planned on using ABS but didn't really compare prices and availability with PVC. I was going to place the order today at Home Depot but the only ABS pipe I could find was of the "cell core" variety. Apparently Home Depot, Lowe's and Ferguson's now only carry "cell core" ABS pipes. I haven't checked the other two stores but a quick search revealed Home Depot still sells a 3" X 10' length of "rigid" PVC to which I assume is "solid core."

I don't know how long "cell core" ABS has been used but I don't want to have similar issues to what my brother had with polybutylene pipes in his house. From what I read, I can easily connect PVC into the ABS waste stack by using a different cement. I also have no problem having to prime and cement when installing PVC. It's in my own house and I do this kind of work slow anyway. The plumbing in question is not exposed to any sun light, it's in the ceiling of an unfinished portion of a basement and is DWV only.

If it were your house and the difference in price between cell core ABS and solid core PVC were not a factor, what would you use? If ABS for some reason is a superior material, do you know if the solid core is still available for sale and where, or should I just use the cell core and be done with it?

Thanks for your opinions and I hope everyone has a safe weekend!

 

[Reach4]

Solid ABS, if available, is very rare. PVC is available as DWV-only foamcore, and as pressure-rated/DWV solid schedule 40. There is also thinner PVC available for DWV. Schedule 40 is a size, and can be ABS or PVC.

Some places will allow interconnections with green transition cement. Some want only one such transition. AFAIK, conversion via shielded coupling for DWV is allowed by everybody.

I would used whatever is customary in your area.

Solid may be overkill, but I like overkill too.

I find https://www.menards.com/main/plumbi...ipe/pvc073000600hc/p-1444426392542-c-8571.htm but they don't serve MD.

I am finding 3" x 10' solid PVC schedule 40 pipe at HD. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Charlot...C-Schedule-40-DWV-Pipe-PVC073000600/100348476

I find https://www.lowes.com/pd/Charlotte-Pipe-3-in-dia-x-10-ft-L-260-PSI-PVC-Pipe/3135451

 

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[Jeff H Young]

Personally if I had a house to plumb unless it was my own and I wanted to do a little research it would be ABS its basically all i ever see . Other places id follow local convention most likely. I think abs might have installer preferance but no quality advantage just my guess a little bath remodel / addition id go with abs if thats whats in the house.
ABS ive never seen solid core

 

[MG70]

Thank you Reach4 and Jeff H Young!

I doubt I'll last another 30 years, even if I wanted to, but right now I'm thinking of switching to solid core DWV PVC and buying it quickly, before manufacturers decide all they're going to make is foam core! I'll check out the foam core ABS when I go into one of the big box stores next week. Btw, the stuff I'm removing is Bestron Absolite Sch 40 Type I Grade II ABS DWV ASTM D 266 12474 (which I assume is date of manuf). It looks new and cuts like the thick PVC Sch 40.

I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!

Cheers

 

[RetiredInGueydan]

I'll be plumbing two back to back bathrooms in a mid 70's house that originally used ABS for DWV. I'd planned on using ABS but didn't really compare prices and availability with PVC. I was going to place the order today at Home Depot but the only ABS pipe I could find was of the "cell core" variety. Apparently Home Depot, Lowe's and Ferguson's now only carry "cell core" ABS pipes. I haven't checked the other two stores but a quick search revealed Home Depot still sells a 3" X 10' length of "rigid" PVC to which I assume is "solid core."

I don't know how long "cell core" ABS has been used but I don't want to have similar issues to what my brother had with polybutylene pipes in his house. From what I read, I can easily connect PVC into the ABS waste stack by using a different cement. I also have no problem having to prime and cement when installing PVC. It's in my own house and I do this kind of work slow anyway. The plumbing in question is not exposed to any sun light, it's in the ceiling of an unfinished portion of a basement and is DWV only.

If it were your house and the difference in price between cell core ABS and solid core PVC were not a factor, what would you use? If ABS for some reason is a superior material, do you know if the solid core is still available for sale and where, or should I just use the cell core and be done with it?

Thanks for your opinions and I hope everyone has a safe weekend!

I have been there and done that, use only red print charlotte pipe to make the transition. Oatey green transition cement is a must to prevent glue joint failure, the difference in price will let you sleep at night.

 

[John Gayewski]

Solid pvc all the way.

 

[MG70]

Thank you both! I'll add the green transition cement to the shopping list!

I wish everyone a safe weekend!