ABS Pipe Fittings Inch

Our ABS pipe fittings are available in sizes ½" to 8", offering a durable, lightweight and versatile solution for a wide range of industrial and commercial pipework installations. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) provides a long 50-year design life, excellent temperature performance, and impressive resistance to impact and mechanical shock - making it a trusted material across water treatment, processing industries and general engineering.

Key Performance Ratings:

• Pressure Rating: 15 bar @ 20°C
• Operating Temperature: –40°C to +60°C
• Standards: EN ISO 1452, EN ISO 15493, BS 5392, BS 5391
• Approvals: WRAS Approved (where applicable, WRAS 1703088)

ABS products are easily recognised by their light grey colour, and are installed using a simple and robust solvent-cement welding process to create strong, permanent joints (for the plain ended options).

ABS offers good resistance to diluted inorganic acids, salts, oils and many industrial fluids. It is not suitable for use with organic solvents, alcohols or petrol.

• Temperature range: –40°C to +60°C
• Thermal expansion: 10.1 × 10⁻⁵ m/m °C

No - ABS fittings cannot be used with PVC pipe, and the two materials must not be glued together.

This is because:

• ABS solvent cement is formulated specifically for ABS only
• PVC solvent cement contains different solvents designed to soften PVC material, not ABS
• The chemical softening required for a welded joint will not occur correctly if the wrong cement is used
• Attempting to bond ABS to PVC results in weak, unreliable joints that are prone to failure

In short:

ABS cement cannot be used on PVC, PVC cement cannot be used on ABS, and ABS–PVC joints should never be solvent-welded together.

Plain-ended ABS fittings are designed to be joined to ABS pipe using ABS solvent cement, which creates a permanent, high-integrity weld between the pipe and fitting. When applied correctly, the resulting joint is often stronger than the pipe itself.

Why Solvent Cement Works

• The cement temporarily softens the outer layer of the pipe and the inner socket of the fitting
• Pushing the two components together causes the softened surfaces to chemically fuse, forming a seamless, leak-free weld
• ABS pressure systems use an interference fit, meaning the pipe and fitting are deliberately sized to create a tight, secure connection

Before You Begin

1. Ensure the pipe and fitting are clean, dry and free from grease
2. Only use ABS-specific solvent cement and a suitable cleaner
3. Do not use sealing pastes or oils - these can damage ABS material

Step-by-Step Overview

• Cut & prepare
  • Cut the pipe square, deburr, and chamfer the leading edge (30°–40°)
• Dry-fit
  • Push the pipe fully home and mark the depth on the pipe - this ensures proper engagement during bonding
• Roughen the surfaces
  • Lightly rub the pipe end and fitting socket with emery cloth to remove gloss without changing the fit
• Clean thoroughly
  • Use cleaner to degrease both surfaces and allow it to evaporate completely
• Apply cement
  • Stir the ABS cement, then brush an even layer over both prepared surfaces. Avoid over-application
• Assemble the joint
  • Push pipe and fitting together firmly and hold for 30–60 seconds depending on size
• Curing time
  • Let the joint stand for at least 10–15 minutes before handling
• Allow 8 hours minimum before pressurising, ideally 24 hours for best results

• Do not:

  • Connect joints in wet or damp conditions

  • Use dirty brushes or cleaning rags which are dirty or oily

  • Use the same brush for different solvent cements

  • Dilute or thin solvent cements with MEK cleaner

  • Leave solvent cement tins open

  • Use near a naked flame, or smoke whilst jointing

  • Make joints in a confined space

Safety tip: Solvent cements and cleaners release fumes - always work in a well-ventilated area.

An indication of the number of joints likely to be made per litre of solvent cement is:

Composite fittings combine a moulded ABS body with a precision-machined brass threaded insert. This hybrid construction allows ABS pipework to interface with metal components while retaining corrosion resistance and chemical stability on the plastic side of the system.

Typical Uses:

• Connecting ABS pipework to pumps, valves or plant with metal threads
• Systems requiring a durable mechanical connection where solvent welding is not appropriate
• Applications needing enhanced strength at a transition point

Technical Notes:

• Brass inserts use BSP parallel or taper threads for compatibility with standard metal pipework
• The ABS body remains solvent-weldable to the rest of the system
• Ideal for higher-stress connection points where pure plastic threads may be unsuitable

Threaded ABS fittings allow for mechanical assembly where a removable or non-permanent connection is preferred. They are manufactured to recognised thread standards such as EN 10226-1, DIN 2999, and BSP formats.

Why Choose Threaded ABS Fittings?

• Enable easy disassembly for maintenance
• Suitable for equipment connections, isolation points and instrument take-offs
• Useful in systems where heat or movement makes welded joints less practical

Technical Characteristics:

• Threads are typically BSP, providing compatibility with a wide range of industrial components
• Should be used at lower temperatures and pressures compared to solvent-welded joints
• Thread sealants must be ABS-safe - avoid pastes that may attack the material

Threaded fittings are not intended to replace solvent welding throughout an entire system but are invaluable where serviceability and adaptability are required.