PLASTIC PIPES, PROS AND CONS
A comprehensive examination has been undertaken of the criteria for thermoplastic piping for residential plumbing systems. Four thermoplastics that are widely used for residential plumbing are: acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) for drain, waste, and vent systems; chlorinated PVC for hot- and cold-water distribution systems; and polyethylene (PE) for underground water service piping. These corrosion-resistant, lightweight piping have some potential disadvantages, the most serious of which is the potential it offers for spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases in a burning building. Five endurance tests have been performed and it is concluded that drain-waste-vent piping systems with lateral penetration sizes of 5 centimeter diameter or less should meet the 1-hour fire resistance test in wood-stud-and- gypsum-board walls provided the hole around the piping where it penetrates the wall is sealed and the studspace is of sufficient depth so the piping hubs do not penetrate the walls. Provided certain precautions are taken, plastic piping for residential plumbing can be an effective substitute for metallic piping in selected wall and chase construction.
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Corporate Authors:
National Bureau of Standards
Department of Commerce, Office of Technical Publications
Washington, DC United States 20234 - Publication Date: 1975-9
Media Info
- Features: Figures; References;
- Pagination: 3 p.
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Serial:
- Dimensions NBS
- Volume: 59
- Issue Number: 9
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Acrylic resins; Building materials; Drainage structures; Dwellings; Ethylene resins; Fires; Gases; Pipe; Plastics; Plumbing systems; Polyvinyl chloride; Smoke; Thermoplastic materials; Toxicity; Ventilation systems; Water pipe
- Uncontrolled Terms: Criteria; Polyethylene
- Old TRIS Terms: Plumbing
- Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Terminals and Facilities;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 00127962
- Record Type: Publication
- Files: TRIS
- Created Date: Mar 10 1976 12:00AM