Frequently Asked Questions
Q. "What is ABS pipe?"
A. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) pipe is a black plastic pipe used for water distribution, drain, waste, vent and sewage applications. One of the benefits of ABS pipe is that if it catches on fire it does not give off toxic fumes; PVC does. Generally, ABS is a much safer product to use in homes.
Q. "Can I use PVC cement on ABS fittings?"
A. PVC cement is designed for PVC, not ABS, and so will not work properly with ABS fittings. Always use cements and glues designed specifically for the type of fitting you are using.
Q. "I see that you offer bath waste and overflow kits, but I only want to replace a small piece. Can you help me?"
A. We offer quality repair parts for bath waste and overflow systems on our page. These parts made by Watco are very nearly universal and will fit most common bath waste and overflow installations.
Q. "I want to order a brass drop cylinder for my trip waste and overflow but don't know what brand I have. Will the brass cylinder you sell fit all brands of trip waste and overflows?"
A. Not necessarily. All brands of trip wastes can use different lengths of drop cylinders depending on how the drain tee was made by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, the only way to find out if the brand we have will work for your waste and overflow is to install it and test it, which then makes it non-returnable because it has now been used. If you know the brand of drain you have then it's better to purchase that brand of drop cylinder. If you are unable to identify which brand you have and don't want to chance getting the wrong parts you will need to replace the entire drain assembly and start anew.
Q. "I notice that you offer polished brass, brushed nickel, and other designer finishes. Are they as durable as chrome?"
A. No, items with chrome finish are less likely to tarnish with proper care.
Q. "Will a Bath Waste & Overflow prevent water from overflowing the tub if the faucet is flowing water half to full force?"
A.The overflow drain on a tub will not prevent an overflow of the tub if the tub or tub/shower valve is flowing water faster than 2 or 3 gallons per minute. The main purpose of the overflow drain on a tub is to have a place for the water to exit as water is displaced when someone enters the tub. Most people fill up the tub and then turn off the water before entering the tub. The normal tub overflow is 1 1/2" diameter which can normally handle 2 to 3 gallons of water per minute if the piping is clean and free of any debris or hair. Many tub or tub/shower combination valves in use today were installed before water conservation laws were passed and are capable of allowing water flow rates of between 6 and 35 gallons per minute depending on the type of valve installed. As you can see, a normal, gravity fed, tub overflow will not be able to keep up if the faucet is running faster than 2 or 3 gallons per minute. To prevent a tub overflow we suggest you keep watch while your tub is filling with water.
