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Properties, uses, standards, defects, failure claims, class action

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ABS or black plastic plumbing pipes:

This article describes the properties of ABS plastic piping and tubing used in buildings. We include information about failures and problems with some generations of plastic pipes (ABS, polybutylene) and we describe good building practice installation details where plastic piping is being installed. We discuss distinguishing between leaky ABS drain piping and other under-building water or leak sources.

The articles at this website will answer most questions about plastic building water supply and building drain piping products, failures, and claims as well as many other building plumbing system inspection or defect topics.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

ABS Plastic Pipe Failures, Leaks, Claims, Settlements

ABS Drain Piping (C) Daniel Friedman

As our black ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) drain piping photo shows (above), some drain line leaks having nothing to do with product defects can occur in this system if the piping is not properly installed.

Field investigations of leak stains (as in our photo) as well as investigations of sewer gas odors have traced these problems to failure to properly clean, prime, and glue the pipe joints during construction.

However, "All Black -hit," defective black ABS plastic waste pipe manufactured in the mid 1980's failed by cracking, as Cranor's photo below illustrates.

"All Black -hit," defective black ABS plastic waste pipe manufactured in the mid 1980's failed by cracking. The result was litigation and some damage settlements, but currently it is unlikely that a homeowner will find legal relief for newly-discovered ABS drain waste vent piping cracks and failures.

History of ABS Pipe Failures: ABS Plastic Drain/Waste/Vent (DWV) pipe failure Brands

Our photo (left) illustrates a homeowner-installed water softener drain cut into an ABS drain line - an unsanitary cross connecction explained

at CROSS CONNECTIONS, PLUMBING.

ABS drain pipe material failures were reported for pipe made between 1985 and 1988. [1][2][5][6][7] below

Photo of a home water softener system

More information: U.S. CPSC Hot Line: 800-638-8270

ABS Plastic Pipe Leak Failures Still Being Discovered

Cracked leaking ABS Drain Piping (C) Daniel Friedman John Cranor The House WhispererABS plastic drain and vent line failures are still being discovered, as John Cranor's photo from 2011 illustrates.

Home inspector John Cranor provided theis photo of a cracked ABS drain line, commenting:

This photo of cracked ABS is damage that I feel has to be related to the defective ABS that was reported years ago.

I am in VA and have inspected close to 6000 homes and this was the first I have seen this issue here. I saw at least six spots on the drain pipe in the crawl space that had similar cracking and white crusty residue like shown in photo.

I know there was once a lot of information out there about this issue but now I cannot find hardly anything. The website abspipes.com is now owned by some plumbing contractor and it has no useful information about ABS or its issue.

The seller of the property where I took this photo has some plumber saying there is nothing wrong and that he has never heard of a problem as I described. He claims the white residue is mud and that he could see no crack.

Below: another cracked ABS pipe photo from Mr. Cranor, from an inspection performed in August 2020. He notes:

This ABS piping failure is on a home built in 1995. It's interesting how the cracks usually follow the glue line.

Cracked black ABS plastic pipe in a Virginia home (C) InspectApedialcom John Cranor

I see these cracks often here in VA, usually it's the 80's era homes but this one in 1995, although supposedly the defective pipe involved in that class action never made it to the east!

Watch out: plastic pipe glue manufacturers such as Oatey warn that using excessive amounts of solvents or glues can weaken the pipe. As we note the crack following the glue line we postulate that the glue may be a factor in this ABS failure. Here is an excerpt from the application instructions for Oateys solvent cement used in plastic piping systems:

5. Apply a liberal coat of cement to the pipe to the depth of the socket, leave no uncoated surface.

6. Apply a thin coat of cement to inside of fitting, avoid puddling of cement. Puddling can cause weakening and premature failure of pipe or fitting. Appluy a second coat of cement to the pipe.

Original source: Oatey product labels, also https://www.oatey.com/faqs-blog-videos-case-studies/blog/how-complete-perfect-solvent-cement-joint-every-time

How to Detect or Find ABS plastic pipe cracking failures

Plastic drain pipe mixup © D Friedman at InspectApedia.com Although the cracked ABS drain line is quite visible in Mr. Cranor's photo (above), or in some areas where piping is exposed (photo at left) there may not be ready access for visual inspection of all surfaces of all of the plastic ABS drain lines in a building.

Here are some tips that can reduce (not eliminate) the chances of missing faulty black ABS plastic drains:

ABS Class Action & Litigation

The prior class action litigation involved five of the six ABS pipe manufacturer's brands listed above: Centaur, Phoenix, Polaris, Gable, and Apache. (Spartan was excluded). We have not found evidence of an class action (June 2012). The attorney involved in prior actions, David Birke-White, indicated (paraphrasing) that defective ABS piping failures are a progressive problem and that piping that had not already failed will do so in the future.[1]

ABS DWV pipe failure references

Some "ABS Pipe Failure Leaks" may be from Other Causes

ABS sewer line repair in a basement slab (C) InspectApedia.com SGQuestion: How do I know if a wet area is from a plumbing leak or ground moisture

I purchased a condo last year, was aware that it had had this type of 2" sewer line replaced, when it failed big time, in April 2015. At the time we were advised that all the bad ABS had been replaced.

We now find that the 2 bathrooms still have this line running through the cement pad. We have been unable to view lines with scope due to (angles) curves in line.

The picture is of previous line repair (some of it) and dark area although showing moisture, also reflects overlap of cement fill. There has not been any overt wet areas, just damp, and demonstrated on water/moisture meter.

In addition the condos were built on a low lying foundation prone to moisture.

... when moisture (mold) showed up in my carpet, under a plastic chair pad, we found areas of moisture in all areas of room, as well as coming up around previously replaced lines, I began to wonder if plumbing an issue or ground moisture.

Plumbing seems to work without problem, even under load of bath tub empty or washer run. I am catching a whiff of rotten eggs from time to time, esp. in morning before I get up.

Short of jack hammering up both bathrooms (tub, shower, and sinks, as I understand the toilets would not have the at risk sewer line). Is there any option for determining if lines have failed?

I happened to track down the plumber who did the repair in past (prior to my ownership) and he confirms this information. He did not add any viscus plastic barrier before he put in new lines. Stated it was not standard of work. Many of the condos in my complex have similar issues-it is a big deal, all were built mid 1980's.

Appreciate any guidance into proceeding with these issues. - Anonymous by private email 2016/12/25

Reply:

Anon,

This apparent ABS sewer line leak sounds like a real headache. I would have speculated that the moist areas you report are more likely to be roof spillage or surface water collecting near and under the building, finding its way into the piping trenches and up under the basement slab, if not that you report a rotten-egg smell. Typically that odor is sewer gas.

If the sewer gas has been present (at least in wet weather) the odor still could be due to a combination of water under the slab and previous sewage effluent that leaked into the same space.

But if there was no odor after the repair in 2015, that is if the sewer gas like smell is new, I'm worried that there's a leak that was missed or a repair that failed.

I wouldn't give up on getting a scope through the drain line. Proper plumbing drain installation avoids sharp 90 degree turns because of the drain clogging problem that they cause, so it should be possible for an experienced technician to get a sewer line inspection camera through the lines.

See SEWER / SEPTIC PIPE CAMERAS

If you find that additional drain line repair is needed, it might be possible to re-line the piping in-place.

See TRENCHLESS PIPE REPAIRS

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2020-09-10 by (mod) - Anyone still having issues with defective ABS piping?

Yes, Cece, some defective ABS piping remains installed and produces an occasional failure; there's no assurance nor reason to think that all defective piping product has been found and replaced.

Inspect your piping, and if you're having multiple breaks, just as you described, then it'd be reasonable to replace all of it rather than to risk a costly leak and building damage or mold contamination issue.

On 2020-09-04 by cece

Anyone still having issues with defective ABS piping? What can I do about it?? I have had 4 pipe breaks right at the joints circumferentially. House built in the '80s. It's Polaris piping.

On 2020-08-14 9 by Anonymous

Russ
I agree that sounds very odd and possibly improper or unsafe. You need to follow the ABS pipe backwards to see where it originates.

On 2020-08-13 by Russ Manning

i'm a roofing contractor and on the job i'm doing the 6" "B" vent pipe has a 2" ABS pipe running through the center of it. why?

On 2020-07-10 - by (mod) -

No. For several reasons. Inadequate pressure, chemical risks, volume inadequate.

On 2020-07-09 by Jonathan

Hi, I was wondering if it's safe or non-toxic to use ABS pipes and glue to transport compressed air for breathing.

On 2019-11-15 - by (mod) -

Boo

How aggravating. And a surprise too. I can see encountering 1 1/4" diameter sink tailpiece and trap OR a standard 1 1/2" diameter sink tailpiece and trap - so is it possible that your measurement is a little off?

See if the old thread will catch a new 1 1/2" size trap part and see if what you have in hand is the smaller 1 1/4" size.

Let me know - attach a photo if you can.

On 2019-11-15 by Boodle

I have an older mobile home purchased with other property. The kitchen sink drain J-trap is thread on. The two plastic nuts froze and cracked.

The current replacement parts have a different size nut/thread on the going out side. The old thread is 1/16" larger. Why? It is black pipe, ABS. Is there a supply of the old nut out there?

On 2018-08-20 - by (mod) -

Perhaps try again to post your photo using the Add Image button.

IF the failure was in replacement ABS piping, he problem may not be defective material but instead inadequate support.

On 2018-08-16 by Joe

I live in southern Indiana and built my house in 1986. I have replaced all of the abs piping in the crawl space as it had cracked at the joint in several places. Now it has cracked again in the pipe left above the floor line (8/2018).

I have attached a photo of the most recent. I do have some mold damage and had to remove the wall to repair. I have two more locations in my baths that still have the old abs pipe in the wall. I was wondering if all abs manufactured at the time used the same formula and if any other places in Indiana may have experienced this problem that is known about.
thank you.
joe

On 2018-01-18 - by (mod) -

Sam:

You might have success borrowing a simple moisture meter - trace moisture up the wall and you can find the height at which it starts. I use a radio-signal type moisture meter that can penetrate masonry better than a pin type meter.

On 2018-01-18 by Sam Webb

I have a leak in a drain pipe inside a party wall that is showing up in basement above foundation. It appears the drain from Laundry on 2nd floor has drain pipe inside cinder block party wall. Is a remote camera the best way to find it? Other ideas will be appreciatied.

Question: defective ABS piping in 1986 home

(Apr 30, 2014) deborah doben said:

We have been advised by our contractor/plumber that our home built in 1986 has defective ABS piping and that is the cause of a severe leak which has caused damage to our kitchen floor, cabinet, drywall and concrete. What recourse do I have, if any. to help me with costs of these repairs and what else do I need to know to file a claim.

Reply:

Deborah, in the ABS PLASTIC PIPE FAILURES article above we describe several class action activities regarding failed ABS piping along with contact information or case status. Some of these settlements are closed out. What recourse you have depends on the brand of pipe installed, its age, its extent of & cause of failure, and the extent of building damage as well as the status of claims and settlement action.

Comments: about plumbers' experience with ABS pipe failures

(Apr 8, 2013) Plastic Pipe Fittings said:

Thanks for the sharing of such information. we will pass it on to our readers. This is a great reading. Thanking you.

* The above comment was posted by
The Plastic Pipe Shop, a U.K. firm who for our U.K. readers can be reached at Tel: 01786-472850 or by email to sales@plasticpipeshop [dot] co [dot] uk

(Sept 30, 2015) Anonymous said:
I remember cutting a bunch of this out in the 90's .Didn't last very long..

(Sept 30, 2015) Anonymous said:
Wow, the photo's here shows bad skills as a plumber.. Never mind the bad ABS.. Must of been some kind of rotor rooter plumber made repairs for thousands

(Sept 30, 2015) Anonymous said:
Please hire lic's plumbers ...The bathtub is a code violation ..

Question: likes ABS pipe information website pages

(May 13, 2014) Sara said:

Hi Deborah and editor

In googling the ABS defective pipes, I found this thread.

Deborah, I'm curious as to what kind of recourse you took as I just discovered (after fixing a leaky pipe) that my rental property (purchased in late 2012-built in 1984) has these faulty pipes.

Dan Joe, thank you for posting this information. It was very helpful.

Reply:

Thanks Sarah, we're glad to assist and welcome questions, critique, or content suggestions from our readers

Question: ABS ... still leaking after all these years

(Mar 31, 2016) TomNik said:
If anyone is still watching this ABS problem - I am wondering what folks are finding their insurance companies stance is on the failed ABS pipe and resulting damage as the settlement money of $70 million has expired. Now what do we do?? thanks

Reply:

ABS plastic drain and vent line failures are still being discovered, as John Cranor's photo (in the ABS PLASTIC PIPE FAILURES article) illustrates.


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