ABS/PVC are they safe?

[reefburnaby]

Hi,

There are potable versions of ABS and PVC. Not all piping in PVC is potable - for example, large drainage pipes. In fact, non-potable 1/2" and 3/4" PVC is easily available at HD since it is much cheaper than the potable PVC (2x cost). It is mainly used for outdoor water sprinklers. So, don't be fooled in saying all PVC is good and ABS is an unknown.

On the flip side, there are versions of ABS that are also potable. If you check the ABS piping, it should have a potable label. Being non-potable does not mean that is not potable, but it just means that it is untested.

In certain countries, PVC is discouraged since PVC manufacturing is quite environmentally damaging. It is much worse than the manufacturing of ABS.

- Victor.