Foam core ABS

[Joe.B]

I just got a call from a construction supply yard asking if "Foam Core" ABS is permitted instead of "regular" ABS. I've never seen it or heard of it, apparently it's an East Coast product. Is it treated the same a ABS from a code enforcement standpoint? Thanks.

 

[cda]

Maybe same as cellular core?

 

[Joe.B]

According to google, yes that is the same. Problem is code doesn't list either of those as an allowable material for DWV piping. My book lists ABS (schedule 40), Co-Extruded ABS (schedule 40), or Co-Extruded Composite (schedule 40) among the listed "approved" materials. I'm leaning towards allowing it but just looking for anybody with experience using, or approving this product. Thanks.

 

[classicT]

FYI, Foam Core is typically the same thing as Co-Extruded.

Now, to get to it... here is an example material submittal form from Charlotte Pipe and Foundry.



For acceptable materials for DWV/sewer (if you use the UPC), see Table 701.2 (below)


Now, putting the two images above together, we can see that the Charlotte Pipe and Foundry Foam Core ABS is tested to ASTM D2661 (fittings) and F628 (pipe). The same ASTM are referenced for Co-Extruded ABS under Table 701.2.

Therefore, if following the UPC, no issue. Can not definitively say the IPC is the same, but I would not suspect any difference.

 

[classicT]

Co-Extruded ABS (schedule 40)

As I mentioned in the above post, Foam-Core = Co-Extruded

 

[Keystone]

2018 IPC, Coextruded ABS is an approved material

CHAPTER 7 SANITARY DRAINAGE - 2018 INTERNATIONAL PLUMBING CODE (IPC)

ICC Digital Codes is the largest provider of model codes, custom codes and standards used worldwide to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures.

codes.iccsafe.org

I’m on the East Coast and haven the seen ABS used except for the far and between DIY job trying to mix ABS and PVC because that’s all Billy Bob’s hardware had and they said I’d be okay to use both.

 

[Joe.B]

As I mentioned in the above post, Foam-Core = Co-Extruded

Excellent! Thank you so much!

 

[steveray]

All in the ASTM # on the pipe

 

[Mr. Inspector]

I only saw this type of pipe once. The plumber could not pass a pressure test with air. I don't know why. It kept leaking at the fittings no matter what he did. After a few tries he ended up tearing it out and replacing it with PVC.

 

[Joe.B]

I only saw this type of pipe once. The plumber could not pass a pressure test with air. I don't know why. It kept leaking at the fittings no matter what he did. After a few tries he ended up tearing it out and replacing it with PVC.

That brings up another question. How common is testing plastic piping with air pressure? CA plumbing code (based off of UPC) specifically prohibits it, but occasionally I get someone who adamantly insists "that's how it's done." Does IPC allow this?

 

[Mr. Inspector]

90% of testing I see is with air on plastic pipes. When I was a brand new inspector and failed my first pressure test for using air my boss asked me if I wanted to continue working as an inspector. Since then I worked for 4 different inspection companies where all of the inspectors are OK with it. Also it is below freezing for 1/3 of the year.

 

[Joe.B]

 

[Keystone]

Majority of tests my way are air.

 

[north star]

@ ~ @ ~ @

Joe.B, ...what does your legally adopted Codes
say about using air to test with [ i.e. - follow
what has been legally adopted in your AHJ ] ?

@ ~ @ ~ @

 

[Mr. Inspector]

Just what the IRC says. But sometimes you need to do other to keep your job.

 

[Joe.B]

Air testing plastic DWV pipe is expressly prohibited by CA plumbing code (2019 CPC 723.1)