Is ABS or Stainless steel more inert? (moved to Engineering)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison of ABS and stainless steel as materials for flexible downpipes in home plumbing, specifically regarding their inertness to common household liquid wastes and chemicals. Participants explore the implications of material choice in the context of plumbing codes and safety considerations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about which material, ABS or stainless steel, is more inert to common home liquid wastes and cleaning chemicals.
  • Another participant suggests checking local building and plumbing codes, indicating that these codes may dictate acceptable materials for plumbing installations.
  • A participant expresses a lack of awareness regarding plumbing codes in their country and mentions not having home insurance, implying a different risk perspective.
  • Another participant asserts that ABS is preferred in their country, emphasizing the importance of using rigid fittings and adhering to specific standards for installation.
  • One participant challenges the notion that plumbing codes are not applicable in the inquirer’s country, suggesting that all developed countries have such regulations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the superiority of ABS or stainless steel regarding inertness. There are differing views on the relevance and existence of plumbing codes in various countries, indicating unresolved disagreements.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about local plumbing codes and their implications for material choice. There is also a lack of clarity regarding the specific chemical interactions of ABS and stainless steel with household wastes.

kenny1999
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I'm going to purchases some flexible downpipe for my home, for toilets and kitchen, in the market I can find mainly stainless steel or ABS, which material is usually more inert to common home liquid wastes and chemicals? From time to time I will flush some drain unclogger or other cleaning chemicals down the pipes.
 
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Have you checked your local building and plumbing codes? They might specify what materials you are allowed to use. Not following codes could mean that your home insurance won't pay in case of a future claim.
 
anorlunda said:
Have you checked your local building and plumbing codes? They might specify what materials you are allowed to use. Not following codes could mean that your home insurance won't pay in case of a future claim.
I haven't heard about this in my country. I don't have home insurance either, nothing valuable, or too valuable that it is priceless to be claimed (e.g. old pictures)
 
In this country, ABS is a preferred material. It should be rigid with glued fittings, not flexible and definitely not corrugated. Look for ABS pipe, fittings and glue marked DWV (drain, waste and vent) and don’t forget to install vent stacks through the roof to prevent sewage gas buildup. You should look up your local building codes to ensure a safe installation.
 
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kenny1999 said:
I haven't heard about this in my country. I don't have home insurance either, nothing valuable, or too valuable that it is priceless to be claimed (e.g. old pictures)
Your country, like every other developed country, has a plumbing code. Search term (your country) plumbing code will easily find it.
 
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