Advantages of ABS Pipe Systems
ABS fittings are renowned for their properties including:
- High Impact Strength
- Outstanding Abrasion Resistance
- Low Thermal Conductivity
- Halogen-free
- Safe & Simple Jointing Technology
ABS Pipe Systems resistance
ABS pipe fittings are resistant to the following:
- Most acid and aggressive agents
- Mineral oils
- Greases
- Aqueous saline solutions
Common Applications
Due to its robust qualities, ABS pipework is commonly used in:
- Water treatment
- Food industry
- Nautical sector
- Refrigeration
- Civil plant engineering
| ABS Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Range | 3/8" (min) - 8" (max) |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +70°C |
| Standard | Imperial |
| Manufacturing Standards | Solvent: BS5392 Part 1 |
| Threaded: BS21, DIN2999, ISO7 | |
| Pressure Rating | 1/2" to 8" Plain = 15bar |
| 10" Plain = 12bar | |
| Threaded = 12bar | |
| Fitting Material | ABS |
| Seal Material | EPDM, FPM |
| ABS vs PVC-U Pipe Fittings | ||
|---|---|---|
| ABS | PVC-U | |
| Temperature | -40°c to +70°c | +5°c to +60°c |
| Impact | 44 kJ/m² | 3 to 10 kJ/m² |
| UV | approx. 10¹³ Ω | ≥ 10¹³ Ω |
| Chemical Resistance | Lower | Higher |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Food Approval | Yes | No |
| ABS Average Values | |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.03 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | > 737 N/mm² |
| Impact Strength | 44 kJ/m² |
| Water Absorption | < 1% |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.170 W/m ‧K |
| Surface Resistance | approx. 1013 Ω |
| Flammability | HB UL94 |
| Working Temp. (°C) | Pressure De-rating |
|---|---|
| 20 | 1.00 |
| 30 | 0.85 |
| 40 | 0.72 |
| 50 | 0.58 |
| 60 | 0.45 |
| 70 | 0.28 |
Pressure rating always quoted at 20°C
Browse Our ABS Pipe Fittings Range
epco stocks one of the UK's largest ranges of imperial ABS pressure pipe fittings, available for industrial pressure pipe systems across water treatment, chemical processing, refrigeration, food production and manufacturing applications.
ABS GLUE
How to Glue ABS Pressure Pipe and Fittings
ABS Pipe and Fittings can be cemented together provided the sizes and tolerances are in accordance with the standardisation and tolerances given.
ABS glue softens the inside of the fitting and conversley, the outside of the pipe to form a joint chemically. Strength of the joint is reduced if surfaces are not cleaned and/or properly prepared.
We've prepared an in-depth article on how to glue pipe and fittings including precautions and relevant products you'll need.
B-25 ABS cement is a fast-setting, thixotropic and gap-filling cement and is WRAS-approved for the transport of potable water.

How to Glue ABS Pressure Pipe and Fittings
ABS Pipe and Fittings can be cemented together provided the sizes and tolerances are in accordance with the standardisation and tolerances given.
ABS glue softens the inside of the fitting and conversley, the outside of the pipe to form a joint chemically. Strength of the joint is reduced if surfaces are not cleaned and/or properly prepared.
We've prepared an in-depth article on how to glue pipe and fittings including precautions and relevant products you'll need.
ABS Application Consumption
For the production of one bonded joint the following approximate amounts of adhesive is required:
| 32 | 40 | 50 | 63 | 75 | 90 | 110 | 125 | 160 | 225 | 250 | 315 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Griffon B-25 | 650 | 290 | 160 | 100 | 90 | 70 | 40 | 30 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
Indication of the number of joints per 1L
ABS Cement Usuage Recommendations
The following is an estimation of the number of joints likely to be achieved per litre of solvent cement.
| Nominal Bore | No. of Joints per Litre | Type and Size of Brush | Number of People |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8" - 1/2" | 400 | 4mm Round | 1 |
| 3/4" - 1" | 400 | 8mm Round | 1 |
| 1 1/4" - 2" | 200 | 1" Flat | 1 |
| 2 1/2" - 3" | 60 | 2" Flat | 1 |
| 4" | 35 | 2" Flat | 2 |
| 5" - 6" | 20 | 3" Flat | 2 |
| 8" | 10 | 3" Flat | 3 |
How much ABS Solvent Cement and what Size Brush?
Download the epco Catalogue
Browse our Pressure Pipeline range, featuring over 3,000 products including Pipe, Fittings, Valves and more spanning U-PVC, ABS, C-PVC, Polyethylene and Polypropylene across their respective Metric or Imperial standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
ABS can withstand temperatures of between -40°C and +70°C.
ABS is not UV resistant and should not be exposed to direct sunlight. ABS pipe can be covered by a special water based latex paint to improve resistance.
ABS fittings are suitable for drinking (potable) water if they are WRAS approved. You can check a fittings specs on our website to see if they are WRAS approved.
No, CPVC (Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) is not considered as a food safe material. Check our other materials for better solutions.
ABS fittings offered by epco Plastics are a mid-grey colour.
ABS is best used below ground however it can also be used above ground if indoors (no direct sunlight) or if made to be UV resistant.
Where to buy ABS Pipe Fittings in the UK
If you need to purchase lengths of industrial ABS plastic pipe or fittings, epco-Plastics in Leeds UK would love to discuss any requirement you have. Our technical team has supplied industrial thermoplastic pipework throughout the UK for over 30 years, offering next-day delivery across mainland UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Why buy from epco?
- UK stock
- Next-day delivery
- Technical sales team
- 30+ years supplying industry
- Imperial ABS specialists
- Genuine European manufacturers/suppliers
Contact our experienced team during business hours, Mon - Fri. Contact Us here.