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

In summary, the conversation discusses the best material to use for flexible downpipes in a home, specifically for toilets and kitchen use. The options available in the market are stainless steel or ABS, and the question is which material is more resistant to common home liquid wastes and chemicals. The conversation also mentions the importance of checking local building and plumbing codes to ensure proper installation and avoid any issues with home insurance claims. The recommended material is ABS, which should be rigid with glued fittings and not corrugated. It is also important to install vent stacks to prevent sewage gas buildup. The conversation ends with the advice to look up the local building codes for a safe installation.
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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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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)
 
  • #4
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.
 
  • #5
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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1. Is ABS or Stainless Steel more inert?

In terms of chemical reactivity, stainless steel is generally considered more inert than ABS. This is because stainless steel is a metal alloy that is composed of mostly iron, chromium, and nickel, while ABS is a plastic polymer made up of various monomers. The metal composition of stainless steel makes it less likely to react with other substances, thus making it more inert.

2. What does it mean for a material to be inert?

Inertness refers to the ability of a material to resist chemical reactions with other substances. An inert material does not react with other substances, making it stable and less likely to undergo chemical changes. This property is important in various industries such as food packaging, medical devices, and chemical storage where the material must not affect the products or substances it comes in contact with.

3. How does the inertness of ABS and Stainless Steel affect their applications?

The inertness of a material plays a crucial role in determining its potential applications. Stainless steel, being more inert, is commonly used in industries that require strong, corrosion-resistant and non-reactive materials such as construction, food and beverage, and medical equipment. ABS, on the other hand, is often used in applications that do not require high chemical resistance, such as consumer products and 3D printing.

4. Can ABS and Stainless Steel be made more or less inert?

Yes, both ABS and Stainless Steel can be manipulated to have varying levels of inertness. For instance, the composition of stainless steel can be altered to increase or decrease its reactivity with other substances. Similarly, additives and coatings can be used to change the chemical properties of ABS, making it more or less inert.

5. Which material is better for long-term use, ABS or Stainless Steel?

It depends on the specific application and environment. Stainless steel is known for its durability and resistance to corrosion, making it a top choice for long-term use in harsh conditions. However, ABS is also a durable material and can withstand wear and tear over time. Ultimately, the better material for long-term use would be the one that is most suitable for the specific application and environment it will be used in.

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