fbpx

Should Polybutylene Pipes be Replaced?

Polybutylene (PB) is a flexible plastic pipe used in the 1980’s and early 1990’s for water distribution systems within a home. Polybutylene was an inexpensive piping that offered ease of installation, resistance to freezing and versatile flexibility.

Research showed that oxidants within the water would cause the polybutylene to become brittle, and start to flake. This caused deterioration from inside of the polybutylene (PB) pipes which, in turn caused small cracks and eventually leaks. Because the damage to the piping was internal, it remained undetected until the piping ruptured under the pressure causing serious flooding problems and property damage.

Possible Cause of Leaks

When polybutylene piping was first installed, plastic fittings were utilized. The plastic fittings started to split and snap which initially was thought to be the culprit of the leaks. The fittings were changed to copper, which fit more securely around the pipes and had more resistance to splitting and snapping (see photo above) but the polybutylene pipes still leaked and many homes had catastrophic pipe failure. As a result, polybutylene piping was discontinued in new home construction.
Other issues that are believed to increase the potential for polybutylene pipe leak failure include:

β€’ Polybutylene pipes left in the sun for longer than 30 days
β€’ High levels of chlorine in the water
β€’ High levels of solvents and oils in the water
β€’ Pipe Dope (a thread lubricant that seals metal pipes to form leak-proof joints)

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

If your house was built during the time period that polybutylene piping was utilized; during the 1980’s and 1990’s and you can access your water distribution piping, you can check the pipe coloring.

Polybutylene came in three colors. If you have grey, you have polybutylene. If your pipes are black, it is rare, but could be polybutylene. If the pipes are white, like the pipes themselves have been painted, it is most likely polybutylene. If you are unsure it is best to have a certified plumber come out and take a look.
Okay, my home has polybutylene piping, now what?

The only thing to do if your home has polybutylene piping is to replace it. Most plumbers consider polybutylene piping a ticking time bomb and will explain it is not IF the polybutylene pipes will fail but WHEN. This is not meant to be a scare tactic to increase business, but a caution flag to homeowners with polybutylene piping.
Once the polybutylene piping is removed, it will be replaced with PEX or copper piping that typically comes with a nice warranty.

If you would like more information or you have any questions, please give Andy’s Pipe Dream a call. Andy and his team are expert plumbers are here to help you in any way they can.

Kansas City Metro

19959 W. 162nd Street.
Olathe, KS 66062
Phone:Β 913-210-5818
E-mail:Β dispatch@andyspipedream.com

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday:Β 8 am – 6 pm
Saturday: Closed (Emergency Service Available)
Sunday:
Β Closed (Emergency Service Available)

Emergency Service Available 24 Hours a Day / 7 Days a Week

Our COVID-19 Safety Practices

Follow Us on Facebook

Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons
This message is only visible to admins.
Problem displaying Facebook posts. Backup cache in use.
Error: Error validating access token: The session has been invalidated because the user changed their password or Facebook has changed the session for security reasons.
Type: OAuthException
11 months ago

π’ππ‘πˆππ† π’π€π•πˆππ†π’
Save money on your next Andy’s Pipe Dream Plumbing service call with our many coupons and deals.

In addition to providing the highest-quality professionalism & satisfaction on every service-call, we also want to help our customers get the best value for their money.

π•πˆπ„π– 𝐀𝐋𝐋 πƒπˆπ’π‚πŽπ”ππ“π’: bit.ly/3uVV19L

From drain cleaning specials to home appliance, bathroom, water heater, and sump pump discounts, we have a coupon for most everyone!

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#AndysPipeDream #ExpertPlumbers #PlumbingSolutions #KansasCityPlumber #PlumbingEmergency
#PlumbingDiscounts #MainDrainCleaning #SumpPumpInstall
#BidetToiletInstall #GarbageDisposalInstall
... See MoreSee Less

11 months ago

We strive to provide the best service possible - the kind words from countless homeowners & businesses over the years reflects that!

Read more reviews or leave your own comments about your experience with Andy's Pipe Dream Plumbing: bit.ly/andys-pipe-dream-leave-a-google-review

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: bit.ly/book-plumbing-service
... See MoreSee Less

We strive to provide the best service possible - the kind words from countless homeowners & businesses over the years reflects that!

Read more reviews or leave your own comments about your experience with Andys Pipe Dream Plumbing: https://bit.ly/andys-pipe-dream-leave-a-google-review

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: http://bit.ly/book-plumbing-serviceImage attachment
12 months ago

Another happy customer!! Thank you so much for your kind words. ... See MoreSee Less

Another happy customer!! Thank you so much for your kind words.
1 years ago

Andy’s Pipe Dream understands the importance of convenience, reliability and durability when it comes to your plumbing. This is especially true when it comes to your outdoor water hydrants and faucets.

Visit our website for helpful resources on faucets & hydrants; including indoor/outdoor applications, discounts, helpful guides & much more...

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: bit.ly/book-plumbing-service

#bestoutdoorfaucets #frostfree #faucets #andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #outdoorfaucets #faucetrepair #faucetinstall
... See MoreSee Less

Andy’s Pipe Dream understands the importance of convenience, reliability and durability when it comes to your plumbing. This is especially true when it comes to your outdoor water hydrants and faucets.

Visit our website for helpful resources on faucets & hydrants; including indoor/outdoor applications, discounts, helpful guides & much more...

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: http://bit.ly/book-plumbing-service 

#bestoutdoorfaucets #frostfree #faucets #andyspipedream #plumbingsolutions #outdoorfaucets #faucetrepair #faucetinstall

Comment on Facebook

Always great, reliable, affordable service. I've used them for years and have been unfailingly pleased with their work!

1 years ago

πŸ‘πŸŽπŸŽ+ 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠π₯𝐞 π‘πžπ―π’πžπ°π¬

Thank you to so many valued clients for leaving thoughtful feedback, praising our expert technicans and experiences during service visits with Andy's Pipe Dream Plumbing.

We strive to provide the best service possible - the kind words from countless homeowners & businesses over the years reflects that!

Read more reviews or leave your own comments about your experience with Andy's Pipe Dream Plumbing: bit.ly/andys-pipe-dream-leave-a-google-review

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: bit.ly/book-plumbing-service
... See MoreSee Less

πŸ‘πŸŽπŸŽ+ 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠π₯𝐞 π‘πžπ―π’πžπ°π¬

Thank you to so many valued clients for leaving thoughtful feedback, praising our expert technicans and experiences during service visits with Andys Pipe Dream Plumbing.

We strive to provide the best service possible - the kind words from countless homeowners & businesses over the years reflects that!

Read more reviews or leave your own comments about your experience with Andys Pipe Dream Plumbing: https://bit.ly/andys-pipe-dream-leave-a-google-review

CALL TO SCHEDULE SERVICE: (913) 210-2086
OR SCHEDULE ONLINE: http://bit.ly/book-plumbing-service