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Polybutylene Pipe Problems

If you are planning to sell your house, you should get polybutylene pipe replacements as soon as you notice any problem. If not, you may run into problems when you sell the house. People will be aware that you have plumbing problems. But don’t worry; this article will cover the various problems you can face with polybutylene pipes. Here are some common problems:


Having a home with polybutylene pipes can have significant consequences. For one thing, it can decrease the value of your home and even affect your ability to insure your home. However, your typical home inspection will not tell you if you have a polybutylene pipe problem. Because the deterioration of polybutylene pipes occurs on the inside, it’s important to have a plumber inspect the pipe.

Another thing that causes polybutylene pipes to become ineffective is that they become brittle over time. This leads to expensive damages that could have been avoided if you had replaced the pipes with more durable materials. You must also ensure that you have the money to fix the faulty pipe system before selling your property. The potential buyer of your home must be financially capable of paying the price for the new pipes, which may be quite expensive.

To identify whether your home is experiencing mold problems, it is important to inspect the pipe’s structure. If it’s cracked, it’s likely that mold will grow. Those leaking water may not realize it, but the moisture they produce will encourage the growth of mold. This is not only unhealthy for you, but it’s also potentially dangerous to your family’s health. If you breathe in a large amount of mold spores, you can develop various respiratory illnesses.


Those who use plumbing systems that contain polybutylene are at risk of experiencing a range of oxidant-related issues. Polybutylene is a thermoplastic material commonly used in commercial and residential plumbing systems. Experts believe that the problem is caused by the chlorine found in public water systems. In addition to causing leaks, polybutylene pipes can also cause other problems with your plumbing system.

While polybutylene was initially considered a pipe of the future during the 1970s, its use in the 1980s caused many homes to experience significant damage. Manufacturers of polybutylene pipe were forced to compensate for millions of dollars in lost revenue as a result of a faulty product. When polybutylene pipes come in contact with oxidants in the public water system, the material starts to react chemically and flake, eventually leading to a crack or leak.

These oxidants cause micro-fractures in the acetal and polybutylene piping systems. These cracks are so tiny that they often go undetected until they are too late to stop the damage. If you have polybutylene pipe in your home, you need to act now. If you have not taken action, failure is a big problem and could cost you a lot of money in the long run.


The freezing of polybutylene pipes can be disastrous for your home. The manufacturer of this material stated that failure will occur where the union or joint connects. Nevertheless, the pipes were installed in millions of homes across the country. Many homeowners were left with expensive plumbing problems and repair costs. This is why it is imperative to understand the process involved in repairing a frozen pipe and its potential risks. Here are some things you should consider before buying a home with polybutylene plumbing.

First, determine the freezing temperature of your pipe. Pipes that are not covered are more likely to freeze. In cold weather, they can freeze in as little as six to eight hours. If the temperature falls to zero degrees, water begins to freeze. Water pipes are particularly susceptible to freezing. Once frozen, a ruptured pipe can cause a huge leak or even flooding. If you cannot repair or replace the pipe, consider hiring a plumbing company to perform the repair.

Secondly, determine whether the temperature is below freezing. This will help determine how much water can be safely stored inside the pipe. If you leave a faucet running, this will prevent water from freezing. You should also consider lagging if the temperature stays below freezing. It is not very expensive to insulate a pipe. So, be sure to protect your pipe in cold weather! If you are concerned about freezing, consider a plumbing company in Chesapeake to install a pipe warmer than the freezing temperature.

Damage from freezing

While polybutylene pipes are extremely cheap, it’s important to keep in mind that they tend to develop small holes that grow over time. If these leaks do occur, you can expect extensive damage to your home. Over time, these pipes react to chemicals in water and can begin leaking on the outside of the pipe and inside the walls. In order to spot leaks and repair them, a plumber should use an infrared camera.

In a class action lawsuit filed against the manufacturers of the material, the manufacturer claimed that the leaks were caused by the unions and joints. The manufacturers were later found liable for these failures, which resulted in widespread property damage. In some cases, homeowners filed multiple lawsuits against the companies. The manufacturers were found to be responsible for thousands of failed pipes, and millions of dollars were paid out in settlements.

If your home has Poly-B piping, be sure to take precautions against frozen pipes. You should make sure to winterize your home if you plan to be out of town during cold weather. However, if you do notice a leak, don’t panic! If you’re in the market to sell your home, knowing what to do about the problem is crucial. So, what should you do to avoid freezing pipes?

Leaks at joints and unions

A significant number of failures of polybutylene pipes occur at their joints and unions. While the manufacturer states that most of these failures are located at these areas, a leak can occur anywhere. This can lead to micro-fractures in the pipe and render it useless. When a pipe fails, it is usually without warning, causing extensive damage to property. Leaks at unions and joints are a major cause of water loss in these situations. While a leak is hard to detect, a plumbing contractor is trained to identify polybutylene pipes.

To identify a leak at a union, turn off the water or gas to the joint. If the leak is occurring at a pipe union, turn the water or gas supply off. Then, place a soft brush in the pipe union and check for bubbles. After the bubbles have disappeared, you can tighten the pipe union with a wrench. You can also apply a pipe joint compound or Teflon tape to the leaky union.

Occasionally, polybutylene pipe will rupture. If this occurs, you may need to replace the entire plumbing system. This process could cost a few thousand dollars, but will save you a lot of money if the pipe ruptures. In addition to causing damage, failure of polybutylene pipes can cause significant water damage. Even if the leak is not apparent until it becomes severe, insurance companies may not cover damage caused by leaky polybutylene pipe systems.

Cost of repiping

Repiping your home with a modern, durable pipe like copper is a great way to prevent water leaks and ensure your plumbing system is functioning properly. Polybutylene pipes were common in homes from 1978 to 1995, but many of them were not manufactured anymore. Because they were not durable enough, they started to react to purifying chemicals and broke down. This made them a safety hazard. Besides, repiping polybutylene pipes in your home made it difficult to insure. Insurance companies have declared your home to be a high risk for pipe leaks.

Leaking pipes are a serious health and safety concern. If you notice that the water in your home has a discolored appearance, you should stop using it immediately. In addition, if you notice that some areas of your plumbing system are affected by water leaks, it’s a good idea to replace those pipes. Similarly, broken or misshapen pipes can cause wild swings in water pressure and gradual lowering of water pressure. These problems can lead to mold and rust.

The cost of repiping polybutylene pipe varies from home to home. The cost of repiping polybutylene pipe varies depending on a variety of factors, including the type of pipe you have installed and the layout of your home. However, you should keep in mind that polybutylene pipes are particularly vulnerable to leaks and will require a repipe in some cases.

Insurance coverage

Homeowners insurance coverage is an important part of homeownership, but you may not realize that it doesn’t cover polybutylene pipes. Polybutylene pipes were popular between 1978 and 1995, but they are not as durable as you might think. These pipes can be broken by oxidants and chlorine, so they are not covered by most home insurance policies. To get polybutylene pipe coverage, make sure you purchase additional coverage from your home insurance company. Your homeowners insurance should also cover any plumbing problems with your home’s structure. This coverage might also include your pipes, ceiling, walls, and appliances.

Your homeowners insurance may cover polybutylene pipe problems, but you should make sure that you disclose this information to your agent. Although polybutylene pipes are not excluded from coverage, you need to inform your insurance agent about them before they can quote you a price. If you have more than one home, make sure to tell them about the pipes on your application, otherwise you will risk denial of your claim.

If you have concerns about Polybutylene piping in your home, you may be able to receive a claim for replacement from your homeowner’s insurance. Polybutylene pipes have a gray color, and the clamps on the joints are brass or copper. In case of a leak, it’s best to hire a plumber who can assess the problem and decide if the pipes should be replaced. If your insurance doesn’t cover polybutylene pipes, you can negotiate replacement with the seller.