What is Polybutylene Plumbing?
Polybutylene is a type of plastic resin that was widely used in the manufacturing of water supply pipes from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s.
Polybutylene pipes are typically gray, blue, or black and were used in both residential and commercial properties. They were commonly installed in the southern United States.
The Problems with Polybutylene Plumbing
Polybutylene plumbing has become notorious for its failures. Over time, it degrades and become brittle, leading to a higher risk of leaks and bursts. The primary issues with polybutylene plumbing include:
1. Chemical Reactions: One of the biggest problems with polybutylene is its reaction to chemicals commonly found in public water supplies, particularly chlorine. Chlorine can cause the pipe material to deteriorate from the inside out, eventually leading to leaks or catastrophic pipe failures.
2. Brittleness: As these pipes age, they become brittle, causing them to crack under pressure or stress. Even slight movements in the home’s foundation or temperature changes can cause these pipes to fracture.
3. High Failure Rate: Due to the material’s tendency to degrade, these systems have a high failure rate. These failures can result in significant water damage to a home, leading to costly repairs.
4. Class-Action Lawsuits: The widespread failure of polybutylene plumbing led to several class-action lawsuits in the 1990s.
What to Do if You Have Polybutylene Plumbing
If your home was built between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, there’s a chance it could have polybutylene plumbing. Here’s what you should do:
1. Get an Inspection: If you’re purchasing an home, hire a licensed home inspector to conduct a thorough inspection prior to closing. They can identify the type of pipes used and assess their condition.
2. Consider Replacing the Pipes: If your home has polybutylene plumbing, you should consider replacing the pipes, especially if they show signs of wear or have already failed.
3. Disclose Polybutylene Plumbing When Selling: If you’re planning to sell your home, you are typically required to disclose the presence of polybutylene plumbing to potential buyers. It could also prevent the new buyer from obtaining home owners insurance.
Conclusion
Polybutylene plumbing, has proven to be a significant liability for homeowners. If you suspect that your home has polybutylene pipes, have your plumbing inspected and consider replacing the pipes.
