Okay, what’s the problem?Polybutylene.
What’s the problem? Polybutylene
If you own a home in Boise, Idaho, and the surrounding Treasure Valley, including rapidly growing cities like Meridian, Star, and Eagle and it was built in the 1980’s or 1990’s, there is a good chance that polybutylene pipes were installed for your water supply system as a cheaper alternative to copper. Easy to identify, these gray (household piping) and blue (main water supply from the city to the house), flexible plastic pipes were widely installed but are now considered a significant liability due to several inherent issues.
Problems with Polybutylene Pipes
Oxidative Degradation:
The most critical problem is that common oxidants found in municipal water, such as chlorine, react with the polybutylene material.This reaction causes the pipes to do two things: it becomes brittle and prone to cracking, particularly at stress points like fittings as well as frequent pin hole leaks.Improper Fittings:
The plastic fittings, often used with these pipes, are also susceptible to cracking and failure. This issue is exacerbated by improper installation, which was common due to the inexperience of many installers with this new material.Catastrophic Failure:
The degradation and cracking often lead to sudden, catastrophic leaks that can cause significant water damage to homes. Unlike a slow drip, these failures can release a large volume of water in a very short time.
The Solution
The only permanent and recommended solution is the complete replacement of the polybutylene plumbing system with a modern, durable material like pex. This proactive measure prevents unexpected leaks and avoids the costly and disruptive water damage that inevitably occurs. While this is a significant expense, it's a necessary step to protect a home's value and structural integrity.
Don’t wait until a small crack becomes a big problem.
Contact us for your free estimate!
