It is not in your best interest to use polybutylene piping in your home’s water supply and for your other plumbing needs. Quite a few homes built in past decades could have easily been constructed with polybutylene piping, though most modern homes are not equipped with this piping. The problems that come polybutylene piping are serious and we at M&C Orsack Plumbing Contractor would like to elaborate on this issue.
Polybutylene Pipe Lawsuit
Polybutylene piping, frequently known as PB, is not unheard of in older homes since it was commonly used in homes built from late-70s to the mid-90s for the residential water supply. At the time, industry leasers believed it to be a higher quality product and it was a cost-effective option along with the PB being easily installed. However, lawsuit claims were filed by the 1980s from thousands as the ruptured pipes resulting in water damage, cost hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs due to the defective product from manufacturers, and /or it being poorly installed. Although they would never acknowledge the defectiveness of the PB piping, manufacturers agreed to fund a class action settlement eventually for just under a billion dollars to settle homeowner claims and the filing claim came to a close in 2007.
Dangers & Health Risks of Polybutylene Pipes
Due to the chlorine or other oxidants in public water systems negatively reacting with the plastic, flaking occurred, and experts believe it stemmed from the brittleness and eventually compromised the integrity, however, the exact cause remains elusive. When the compromised pipe suddenly failed, a tiny fracture developed and over time with the constant expanding, caused severe water damage. This also presents a serious health risk. If a home becomes water damaged because of a broken polybutylene pipe, mold can grow in walls, beneath carpeting, inside ductwork, and other like places.
Plumbing Inspection to Identify & Replace Polybutylene Piping
M&C Orsack Plumbing Contractor recommends and encourages homeowners to have their piping inspected by a professional because of the problem’s polybutylene piping create. There are a few ways you can see for yourself, though we strongly suggest you hire a professional. Check for flexible gray pipes and any flexible gray pipes that have a copper-color band connection. Frequently, this piping extends into the cabinetry, particularly in a mobile home, it is easy to find. Make sure to look for blue or black color pipes, though the PB piping is often gray. The marking “PB2110” will be stamped on it and the pipe itself is ½” to 1” in diameter. In a site-built home, begin looking where the pipe feeds coming out of the wall to the water heater. An indicator is seeing the copper rings around the connections and marking. You may have to wipe away the dust to see which color the pipes are since they easily collect a lot of dust. Showing behind the shut-off valve, around sinks and toilets, is where PB piping can also be discovered. Additionally, it can be covered up by chrome escutcheon rings and the drain piping is rarely ever used with PB.
Plumbing Repair, Fixture Installations & Replacements & More in Spring, The Woodlands, Magnolia, Montgomery & Conroe Texas
The only course of action is replacing the water supply’s piping should you have a professional confirm the finding of polybutylene piping. This can cost between $4,000 to $5,000 for an averaged size home. Unfortunately, those with homeowner’s insurance can experience higher risk of denial of coverage or an extremely high deductible in worse case scenarios. Other common brands of pex style pipes are being found to have similar issues to the polybutylene piping. Contact M&C Orsack Plumbing Contractor to spare yourself from problems, and let our licensed plumbers inspect for PB piping and determine the best resolve.
