What Is 1 1/2 ABS Pipe and Which Should You Buy?
Looking for the right 1 1 2 abs pipe for your DWV project? Here are the top options available:
| Length | Best For | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | Small repairs | ~$1.69–$4.00 |
| 2 ft | Short runs, repairs | ~$4.96 |
| 10 ft | Standard installations | ~$14.99 |
| 20 ft | Large or commercial projects | Varies |
Key facts at a glance:
- Outside diameter: 1.9 inches (not 1.5 — that’s the nominal size)
- Inside diameter: 1.592 inches
- Wall thickness: 0.25 inches (Schedule 40)
- Max temperature: 140°F
- Use: Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) only — not for pressurized or potable water lines
- Standards: ASTM D2661, NSF-DWV, IAPMO, FHA accepted
ABS stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene — a rigid black thermoplastic used almost universally in residential and commercial DWV plumbing. It’s easy to cut, simple to join with one-step solvent cement (no primer needed), and handles cold temperatures better than PVC.
Whether you’re roughing in a new bathroom, replacing a cracked drain line, or finishing a basement laundry — 1-1/2 inch ABS pipe is one of the most common sizes you’ll reach for.
I’m Jacob Reese, VP of Standard Plumbing Supply and a third-generation leader in our family’s wholesale distribution business, where 1 1 2 abs pipe and DWV fittings have been among our most stocked items for decades. Let me walk you through the best picks and what to know before you buy.
1 1 2 abs pipe terms to learn:
Understanding 1 1 2 ABS Pipe Specifications and Standards
When you walk into one of our Standard Plumbing Supply locations in Utah, Idaho, or Arizona, you’ll notice that 1 1 2 abs pipe looks straightforward, but the engineering behind it is quite specific. Understanding the dimensions and ratings ensures your project meets local building codes and lasts for decades.
Nominal vs. Actual Dimensions
In the plumbing world, “1-1/2 inch” is a nominal size, meaning it’s the name we give the pipe, not its exact measurement. For a standard Schedule 40 1 1 2 abs pipe, the actual outside diameter (OD) is 1.9 inches. The actual inside diameter (ID) is approximately 1.592 inches. This leaves a wall thickness of 0.25 inches, providing the structural integrity needed for underground and in-wall applications.
Material Standards and Certifications
To ensure safety and performance, high-quality ABS pipe must adhere to several industry standards:
- ASTM D2661: This is the standard specification for ABS Schedule 40 plastic drain, waste, and vent pipe and fittings.
- ASTM D3965: Covers the rigid ABS compounds used to manufacture the pipe.
- NSF-DWV: This certification from the National Sanitation Foundation ensures the product is safe for drain, waste, and vent applications.
- IAPMO Listed: Indicates compliance with the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC).
- FHA Accepted: Meets the requirements for Federal Housing Administration projects.
If you want background on the material itself (and why it behaves differently than other plastics), a helpful reference is Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
Products like the IPEX 1-1/2 in. x 24 in. ABS DWV Cell core Pipe 179694 are excellent examples of pipes that meet these rigorous standards, offering reliability for both DIYers and professionals.
Key Applications for 1 1 2 ABS Pipe in Modern Plumbing
The primary home for 1 1 2 abs pipe is in DWV (Drain, Waste, and Vent) systems. These are gravity-fed systems designed to remove waste and provide ventilation to prevent sewer gases from entering the home. Because it is lightweight and corrosion-proof, it is a favorite for residential renovations and mobile home plumbing.
Common use cases include:
- Sanitary Sewers: Carrying wastewater from sinks and tubs to the main sewer line.
- Storm Drainage: Moving rainwater away from building foundations.
- Non-Pressure Applications: Any scenario where the liquid is moved by gravity rather than mechanical pressure.
For larger installations, pros often opt for the Charlotte Pipe 1-1/2 in. DX 10 ft. L ABS DWV Pipe, which provides a seamless run for long horizontal or vertical vents.
Residential DWV and 1 1 2 ABS Pipe Versatility
In a typical home, 1-1/2 inch is the “workhorse” size for secondary drain lines. While a toilet requires a 3-inch or 4-inch pipe, your bathroom sink, bathtub, and laundry tray almost always rely on 1-1/2 inch piping.
When connecting these lines, you’ll often need to transition between sizes. A 2-x-1-1-2-abs-red-coupling-02948 is essential when you are bringing a 1-1/2 inch branch line into a 2-inch main. Similarly, the 1-1-2-abs-st-san-tee-03112 is used to create a sanitary tee connection where a horizontal branch meets a vertical stack.
Temperature and Pressure Limits for 1 1 2 ABS Pipe
It is vital to remember that ABS is a non-pressure pipe. It is rated for a maximum working temperature of 140°F. While it can handle the occasional splash of boiling water from a kitchen sink, it should never be used for hot water distribution lines or any pressurized system (usually capped at 5 PSI for testing purposes only).
Its chemical resistance makes it excellent for household waste, but it should not be used for high-heat commercial kitchens or industrial chemical lines without verifying compatibility. For complex layouts involving multiple fixtures, a 2×1-1-2×1-1-2-dwv-dbl-fix-fi-05247 can help manage double fixture connections efficiently.
Comparing Foam Core vs. Solid Core ABS
When shopping for 1 1 2 abs pipe, you will likely encounter “Foam Core” (also called Cellular Core) and “Solid Core” options. Both are Schedule 40 and have the same exterior dimensions, but their internal construction differs.
| Feature | Foam Core (Cellular Core) | Solid Core |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Three layers: solid outer/inner, foamed center | Solid plastic throughout |
| Weight | Significantly lighter | Heavier |
| Sound | Better sound deadening | Louder water flow |
| Standard | ASTM F628 | ASTM D2661 |
| Cost | Generally more affordable | Slightly higher |
| Installation | Easier to cut and hang | More rigid |
Foam core pipe is the industry standard for residential DWV because it is easier to handle on the job site and reduces the “rushing water” noise inside walls. However, some heavy-duty commercial applications still prefer solid core for its slightly higher impact resistance. Regardless of the core type, you will use the same fittings, such as a 6-abs-coupling-03143 for larger main lines or standard 1-1/2 inch couplers for smaller runs.
Installation Guide for 1 1/2 ABS Pipe and Fittings
One of the biggest advantages of ABS over PVC is the installation speed. We often tell our customers at Standard Plumbing Supply that if you can use a saw and a paintbrush, you can install ABS.
The One-Step Solvent Cementing Process
Unlike PVC, which requires a purple primer and then cement, ABS uses a one-step solvent cement process.
- Cut Square: Use a fine-tooth saw or a plastic pipe cutter to ensure the cut is perfectly square.
- Deburr: Use a file or deburring tool to remove any plastic burrs from the inside and outside of the cut end.
- Dry Fit: Check your measurements by fitting the pipe into the hub without glue first.
- Apply Cement: Apply a thin, even coat of black ABS solvent cement to the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting hub.
- Join and Twist: Push the pipe into the hub and give it a quarter-turn to ensure the cement is spread evenly. Hold for 30 seconds.
Using the right fittings is just as important as the glue. For vertical-to-horizontal transitions, a 2-x-1-1-2-x-2-abs-san-tee-02760 allows for proper drainage flow, while a 3-abs-vent-elbow-03086 might be used in the venting portion of a larger system.
Essential Fittings for 1 1 2 ABS Pipe Projects
To complete a professional-grade installation, you’ll need a variety of specialized fittings:
- 45-Degree Elbows: Used to create offsets or “sweeps” in the line. The 4-abs-45-elbow-02888 is a common fitting for larger drainage changes.
- P-Traps: Vital under every sink to hold a water seal and block sewer gases.
- Cleanout Adapters: These provide access to the system for future maintenance. Interestingly, you can sometimes use a 2-pvc-dwv-cleanout-adapt-05923 if you are using a transition coupling, though staying within the ABS family is usually best.
Frequently Asked Questions about 1 1/2 ABS Pipe
Is 1 1/2 ABS pipe suitable for potable water?
No. 1 1 2 abs pipe is strictly for non-potable use, such as sewage and drainage. It is not manufactured to carry drinking water. Furthermore, ABS products often carry Proposition 65 warnings in California because the chemicals used in the plastic’s production are not intended for human consumption. For transitions to threaded fittings in non-potable systems, a 6-pvc-dwv-fpt-adapt-06147 might be used in specific hybrid drainage setups, but never for your kitchen tap water.
What are the advantages of ABS over PVC?
While both are popular, ABS has a few distinct wins:
- Impact Strength: ABS is tougher and less likely to shatter, especially in cold weather. This makes it ideal for our customers in colder climates like Wyoming or Northern Utah.
- Simpler Joining: No primer saves time and mess.
- Temperature Stability: It handles a wide range of temperatures (-40°F to 140°F) without becoming excessively brittle. In some cases, you might see specialized PVC fittings like the 3x3x2-pvc-dwv-low-heel-inlet-06042 in mixed systems, but for a pure ABS build, the speed and durability are hard to beat.
What lengths are available for 1 1/2 ABS pipe?
We stock various lengths to fit the scale of your project:
- 1 ft to 2 ft: Perfect for small repairs or “oops” moments.
- 5 ft to 10 ft: The standard for most residential bathroom or kitchen remodels.
- 20 ft: Primarily used by professionals for new construction to minimize the number of couplings needed.
Pricing typically starts around $1.69 per foot for bulk orders but can vary based on the core type and current material costs.
Conclusion
Whether you are a seasoned plumber or a weekend warrior tackling your first sink repair, 1 1 2 abs pipe is a reliable, easy-to-use material that will keep your home’s drainage system running smoothly. At Standard Plumbing Supply, we pride ourselves on carrying the highest quality brands like Charlotte Pipe and IPEX to ensure your work stands the test of time.
If you’re located in Utah, Idaho, California, or any of our nine service states, stop by one of our many locations—from Logan to St. George, or Boise to Phoenix. Our team is ready to help you find the right pipe, the right fittings, and the right advice for your next project.
Ready to get started? Shop 1-1/2 ABS Fittings and Pipe online or visit our store locator to find the branch nearest you!
