45°ELBOW

Key Features and Characteristics

Material: ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Durability: ABS is a tough, rigid plastic that offers high impact resistance, even at lower temperatures.

Corrosion Resistance: It is immune to rust and chemical degradation from household drains, soils, and vents, making it ideal for DWV (Drain, Waste, and Vent) systems.

Lightweight: Easy to handle, transport, and install compared to metal alternatives.

Smooth Interior: The smooth inner wall minimizes friction, allowing for efficient flow and reducing the risk of clogs.

45-Degree Angle:

The primary function is to create a gentle, 45-degree turn. This is less abrupt than a 90-degree elbow, which helps maintain better flow velocity and reduces the likelihood of debris catching at the joint.

Connection Method: Solvent Welding

ABS fittings are primarily designed to be joined using a specific ABS solvent cement.

The process involves applying the cement to both the fitting's socket (hub) and the pipe's end. The cement chemically melts the surfaces, and when joined, they fuse together to form a single, monolithic, and leak-proof seal that is often stronger than the pipe itself.

Common Specifications and Sizes

Diameter: Available in a wide range of sizes to match the pipe, commonly from 1¼ inches up to 6 inches or more for residential and commercial use.

Schedule: Most commonly Schedule 40, which is the standard wall thickness for pressure and DWV applications.

Pattern: They come in different connection types:

Hub x Hub: Both ends are socket-style to accept a pipe.

Hub x FIPT: One end is a socket, the other is a Female Iron Pipe Thread for connecting to threaded metal pipes or fixtures.

Hub x MIPT: One end is a socket, the other is a Male Iron Pipe Thread.

Primary Applications

ABS 45° elbows are almost exclusively used in non-pressure plumbing systems:

Drain, Waste, and Vent (DWV) Systems: This is their most common application.

Drains: Under sinks, lavatories, and floor drains to navigate cabinet spaces and wall cavities.

Waste: In toilet and shower/bathtub drain lines to direct flow towards the main stack.

Vents: In plumbing vent stacks on rooftops to change direction where they exit the roof.

Sewer and Main Drain Lines: Used both inside and underground to guide the main effluent flow from the house to the municipal sewer or septic tank.

Industrial Drainage: Used in certain chemical drainage systems where ABS's chemical resistance is beneficial.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Installation Quick Guide

Dry Fit: Assemble the pipe and fitting without cement to ensure a proper fit and correct layout.

Prepare Surfaces: Use a clean, dry rag to remove any dirt or moisture from the pipe end and the fitting's socket. Lightly deburr the pipe end.

Apply Cement: Apply a uniform, heavy coat of ABS solvent cement to the outside of the pipe end and a medium coat to the inside of the fitting socket.

Assemble Quickly: Immediately insert the pipe into the fitting with a slight twisting motion (about a quarter turn) to ensure even distribution of the cement.

Hold & Set: Hold the joint together firmly for 15-30 seconds to prevent it from pushing out.

Wipe Excess: Wipe away any excess cement from the joint bead for a clean finish.

Cure Time: Allow the joint to cure for the time specified on the cement can (usually 2-24 hours) before pressurizing the system with water.