Polybutylene – Fact or Fiction
Plastic fittings are the only problem:
Fiction. The systems with metal fittings fail as well. However, it is true that systems with plastic fittings have more failures, experience tells us that all Polybutylene Piping Systems, whether they have metal fittings or are manifold-type systems will fail. Both metal fitting systems and manifold systems contain polybutylene piping and can have plastic valves, both of these are subject to failure.
Replacing your polybutylene pipes is expensive:
Expensive is a term that only you can define. The actual cost of repipe (including drywall and paint), is usually much less than installing vinyl windows or basement waterproofing, providing you use a contractor that is familiar with repiping and is able to do the complete job including the drywall repairs and repainting. They have the personnel to give you a quality job, and they will do it more efficiently, with less damage, inconvenience, and most importantly, for less cost.
Polybutylene problems occur because of poor installation:
Fiction. Although installation quality may be a factor in poly leaks, in most cases installation is not the primary cause. Factors contributing to the leaks include degeneration of piping and fittings, water quality, chlorine levels, and age. Over time, some or all of these factors will contribute to the systems failure.
I inspected my own pipes and they look fine:
Fiction. The problem is that most failures occur in pipes that look fine even to a plumbing professional, so unless you have x-ray vision, a visual inspection is almost pointless.
The polybutylene in my house has lasted for more than ten years, so it’s fine:
Fiction. Depending on the water quality in your home, it can take years for polybutylene piping to fail. It may leak within a few years of installation, but the majority of leaks start to occur in the 10-15 year time frame.
You can easily sell your home with poly:
Most real estate agents tell us that homes with poly have sold for less and may take longer to sell. A home inspector may flag the problem, and the homeowner has the pipes replaced before the house gets marketed. The seller and the buyer may come to an agreement to have the pipes replaced or negotiate the price. We have no informatin on how many prospective buyers will simply ignore homes with polybutylene pipes because they recognize it as a potential problem from the start.
My insurance covers the damages if the pipes leak:
Fact. Water damage from leaking pipes is typically covered by most homeowners policies. But the your insurance company may decide to increase your premium after a claim, or they may decide not renew your policy.
Click Here to Go to Polybutylene Main Page
