By Alan Trauger
Polybutylene Pipe (“PB”) is a non-rigid sometimes curved, usually gray (or possibly silver or black) plastic pipe used in indoor plumbing. The fittings / joints connected to the PB pipe, such as elbow and tee-shaped joints can either be gray acetal plastic inserts or copper / metal inserts. The poly pipe connectors are typically barbed with a crimp ring or compression with a plastic or metal ferrule.
The most effective way of identifying polybutylene pipe is to have your plumbing inspected by a plumber or knowledgeable home inspector. While inspectors generally can not determine if there is deterioration in poly piping, it can be confirmed if you have poly piping in your home. Poly piping can be used anywhere in the homes plumbing system – usually its presence can be ascertained by checking the attachments under household sinks, near hot water heaters, or leading into toilets. Other areas to observe could include basements, crawlspaces, or attics. Also look at exterior locations including the homes main water shutoff valve, or attachment to your homes water meter. Another area where poly piping may have been installed is the incoming water supply line to the home. If this incoming pipe is a light blue plastic pipe, it is likely that you have a type of poly pipe informally called “Big Blue”. This pipe is extremely prone to failure and unexpected bursting. If this type of pipe is observed as the incoming water supply line, it is recommended that it be replaced as soon as possibly. There is another type of piping, PEX piping – that is more reliable than poly piping but is also known to be colored blue. It should not be confused with poly piping.
Remediation / Replacement
The only way to eliminate the possibility of problems associated from deteriorating polybutylene piping is to replace the pipe itself. Fortunately, this procedure is relatively inexpensive and can be accomplished by a licensed plumber or re-pipe specialist. Poly piping runs behind the walls and under the floors of a home or building. It will be necessary to cut holes in the walls and floors to repipe, a professional can perform it with minimum of damage to walls, and other structures. Typically, it is not necessary to “chip up” slabs to replace the piping, as it can normally be accomplished through the attic, crawlspace, or trenching around the buildings exterior walls. The polybutylene class action law suit applied to homes with polybutylene installed between 1978 and 1995. There are still millions of homes with this installed piping across America. From a proactive position, it would be wise to have the home or building repiped prior to suffering water damage from burst piping. The average replacement cost for repipng an average one story home would generally be in the $3,000 range.
Alan Trauger is a Building Consultant that performs property condition assessments for residential and commercial properties. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes and issues related to building structures and their systems. An expert witness, trainer, and educator. To view past newsletters on construction and buildings.
http://newsletters.alantrauger.com/
To review authors bio, qualifications, and interest in receiving future email newsletters http://www.alantrauger.com
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