Polybutylene Pipe | Plumber Arlington

Polybutylene pipe is a blue (outdoor), grey or black (indoor, but may be outdoor also) pipe no longer in use. Manufacturing ceased in 1995, however supplies were sold until 1999. If the structure in question was constructed between the late 1970′s and 1999, Polybutylene pipes may have been used, and may still be in use. It was extensively used in homes and especially mobile homes due to its low cost. Polybutylene piping has an abnormally high rate of failure under typical operating conditions, resulting in severe damages. Replacement by a qualified plumber in Arlington is the only solution to the risks of water damage to your home that the pipe presents.

Homeowners should be aware that copper pipe may have been utilized as a “stub out”, with copper exiting the wall to the fixture, and Polybutylene in the wall. This means you may have Polybutylene and not realize it.

Frequently, the failure of the pipe takes place in the plastic fittings, though it does occur in the piping itself. However, metal fittings may have been used with the pipe material, and the pipe should be replaced whether metal or plastic fittings were used. A major plumbing problem with Polybutylene pipe is the pipe wears from the inside out due to exposure to oxidants in the water. This makes it difficult to determine the pipe condition from an outside examination.

Leaks that occur in the pipe are often very severe and occur without warning. Claims for damages can be exceedingly costly, as high as $100,000 plus in damages is known. While there are identifiable factors that will degrade Polybutylene pipe, any home with this pipe material should have a complete piping replacement by a qualified plumber in Arlington to avoid severe damage to the home and its foundation. The pipe should not be considered reliable under any circumstances, and should be replaced as soon as possible. Known factors to have a negative effect on Polybutylene are:

• Poor installation.
• Water chemistry.
• Age of the pipe and fittings (polybutylene was known to fail with major leaks within 3-5 years of installation, though the majority occurred in the 10-15 year time frame).
• Degeneration of pipe fittings.

Polybutylene pipe can react with chlorine and minerals in tap water, becoming fragile, with potential scaling or flaking. This inner surface of the pipe begins to fracture exposing the inner layers to the water chemistry resulting in further degeneration, eventually resulting in leaks. You can count of Polybutylene leaks to occur eventually. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for replacement of Polybutylene pipe. Our licensed, experienced plumbers can provide an efficient, professional repipe on your home with guaranteed results.

When considering the purchase of a home with Polybutylene pipe, you should consider that insurance companies have been known to cancel policies, or refused to grant policies for homes with the recognized presence of this pipe. Not surprisingly, a home with this pipe is likely to be depreciated in value, and difficult to sell.

When you own a home, or purchase a home with Polybutylene, your best option is to hire a plumber in Arlington for repiping with a reliable modern pipe material as quickly as possible. There are a number of reliable pipe materials to consider for replacement. Copper, PVC, and PEX are the most common. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for further information of modern pipe materials. Our plumbers will provide the information and assistance you need to make an informed decision selecting the best alternatives for your home.

Identifying Polybutylene

Polybutylene is typically stamped with “PB” and a series of numbers. The most common was stamped “PB2110”.

If your home contains Polybutylene pipe, the only solution is to replace it as soon as possible. Repiping will be the most cost effective solution in the long run, if provided before damage occurs. Contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for a plumber in Arlington to provide an estimate for replacement. Our plumbing services are backed by the Benjamin Franklin 100% satisfaction guarantee. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.