ABS Pipe Inch

ABS pipes and fittings supplied by Pipestock conform to recognised British and international standards, including:

• BS 5391 - ABS pressure pipe specification
• BS 5392 - ABS fittings for pressure systems
• EN 10226-1 - Pressure-tight pipe threads
• DIN 2999 - Parallel and taper thread standards
• DVS 2204-3 - Adhesive bonding of ABS pipe systems

ABS inch pipework is widely used across multiple sectors, including:

• Food and beverage processing
• Potable water distribution
• Water and wastewater treatment
• Industrial process pipework
• Cooling systems and chilled services
• General industrial plumbing

Our ABS pipe is non-toxic and fully compliant with UK and European requirements for contact with potable water and foodstuffs. The material meets the toxicological and food-use standards of the British Plastics Federation and the British Industrial Biological Research Association (BIBRA) codes of practice, making it ideal for:

• Chilled food and beverage production
• Potable water distribution
• Water treatment systems
• Process pipework in hygienic environments

Approvals include:

• WRAS approved material

All ABS pipes in this section are manufactured to British Standard inch sizing, which is based on nominal bore (NB) rather than the actual outside diameter. This ensures compatibility with corresponding ABS fittings and valves across the system.

Choosing the correct ABS pipe class is essential for long-term performance and safety:

Class C ABS Pipe

• Pressure rated to 9 bar at 20°C
• Suitable for general pressure applications
• Widely used in water treatment and industrial services

Class E ABS Pipe

• Pressure rated to 15 bar at 20°C
• Designed for higher-pressure systems
• Ideal where increased safety margins are required

Class T ABS Pipe

• Pressure rated to 12 bar at 20°C
• Features thicker wall construction
• Can be threaded and machined, making it suitable for bespoke assemblies and specialist installations

All pressure ratings reduce as operating temperature increases:

ABS pipework performs reliably across a wide temperature range:

• Operating temperature: -40°C to +60°C
• Maintains impact strength at low temperatures
• Suitable for chilled and cold-room environments

This makes ABS a popular alternative to PVC in applications where low-temperature performance is critical.

ABS offers good resistance to most diluted inorganic acids, salts, animal fats, oils and organic acids, making it suitable for many industrial and process applications.

However, ABS is not recommended for use with:

• Organic solvents
• Alcohols
• Petrol
• Acetic acid
• Vegetable oils

Our technical team can provide guidance on chemical compatibility for specific media, ensuring the correct material selection for your system.

ABS pipe systems are well known for being lightweight, rigid and easy to install, reducing labour time and installation costs compared to metal alternatives.

Key installation benefits include:

• Simple solvent-cement jointing
• Smooth internal bore for low pressure loss and high flow rates
• Low moisture absorption
• High impact strength
• Clean, professional finished installations

The table below shows the recommended maximum spacing between horizontal pipe supports, based on the pipe size and the operating temperature of the fluid (°C). As temperatures increase, ABS pipe becomes more flexible, so support centres must be installed closer together to prevent sagging or undue stress on joints. Larger diameter pipes also require more frequent support due to their increased weight when filled.

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