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Polybutylene Plumbing – Issues and Concerns

What are Polybutylene Pipes?

Polybutylene, or PB, are plumbing pipes produced between the years of 1978 and roughly 1995. Because Polybutylene was relatively inexpensive while providing good flexibility and low temperature resistance, it was installed in millions of homes throughout the United States.

However, in 1996 various claims about issues with polybutylene pipes have surfaced, causing multiple allegations from homeowners. Later it was determined that homes with such plumbing, had to have all piping replaced. As a result, repiping of the old plumbing system turned out to be the only way for homeowners to avoid major plumbing failure, such as pipe bursting, leaking, and flooding.

Why Polybutylene fails?

After many studies have been conducted, the University of Illinois at Chicago published a paper about this piping material. The paper proved that it is possible for some disinfectants to react with the polybutylene material in piping and eat away portion of the piping system. In this way pipes begin to break and leak at multiple locations.

In addition, according to a White Paper about Permeation & Leaching, published by EPA 98% of permeation incidents happened to pipes composed of polymeric materials (or plastics). Such materials include polybutylene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). In addition, the paper also discloses that there were no reported accidents of permeation through pipes that were based on metal.

Now let’s explain what permeation and leaching are

Permeation is the passage of contaminants, external to the pipe, into drinking water. And leaching is the mixing of toxic chemicals & metals with drinking water.

Consequences from Permeation and Leaching:

• Increased VOC content of distributed water
• Vinyl Chloride formation
• Aesthetic issues (taste, odor, film formation)
• Higher lead and copper levels
• Increased asbestos levels
• High organic contaminants from PE pipe
• Increased metals levels from cement pipe or linings
• Brings organic contaminants from organic linings

How do I know if I have Polybutylene pipes in my home?

First and foremost, all polybutylene pipes have a stamp that reads “PB2110”. However, if you don’t see a stamp anywhere on your pipes, look for the following:

• Pipes are usually grey in color. However, it is possible to see white, black, blue or silver coloring as well. Furthermore, be aware that the color varies depending on the location. A good example is how in California, this piping is almost never grey, even though grey is quite common in other regions
• Usually range between ½ to 1 inches in diameter
• Easy to spot because they could be curved and easily bended
• Common places to look for the type of your house plumbing pipes are near the water heater, close to the main water shut off valve, at the water meter, under sinks or near toilets

Do I need to repipe my house?

In conclusion, since polybutylene pipes are unsafe and the reason for many pipe leaks, flooding, mold and water damage, they should be replaced/repiped. In addition, having polybutylene pipes in your house can also lower the value of your home and even raise your homeowners’ insurance premiums over time. Therefore, with this in mind, it is smart to consider repiping your house as soon as possible. The cost of whole house repipe could vary between several thousand dollars, and depending on the size of your house. However, it is smarter to repipe polybutylene piping before they break or start leaking.  At the end this will turn out to be the less expensive option for any homeowner.

Advanced Pipe Restoration & Repipe can offer an EcoSmart Repipe solution for your polybutylene pipes! Our Repipe process includes a free repipe consultation, project management, and complete restoration of units to its original condition. We work with homeowners, property managers, Home Owner Association professionals, and engineers from start to finish. We pride ourselves in delivering unsurpassed customer service experience at competitive rates.  Call our repipe experts in California & Nevada, including Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Henderson & all surrounding areas. Contact us today for you free repipe consultation at (888) 445-8720 or visit us at Advancedrepipe.com.