Do you have polybutylene pipe as your
plumbing? Polybutylene is a form of plastic
resin that was used extensively in the
manufacture of water supply piping from 1978
until 1995. it was a very inexpensive option at
the time. These pipe are usually gray or white
in color and have a dull finish. Some plumbers
used copper "stub outs". This is where the
pipe exits a wall to feed a fixture. So if you see
copper here does it not mean that you do not
have polybutylene. It is believed that oxidants
in the public water supplies, such as chlorine,
react with the polybutylene piping and acetyl
fittings and this is what causes them to scale
and flake and become brittle. Micro-fractures
can be the result, and the basic integrity of
your water system becomes reduced. The
plumbing system becomes weak and can fail.
This may happen without warning, say in the
middle of the night or when you are on holiday.
In the 1980's lawsuits were filed alleging
defective manufacturing and defective
installation caused hundreds of millions of
dollars in damages. The manufacturers have
never admitted that polybutylene is defective,
they have agreed to a Class Action settlement
with an initial and minimum amount of $950
million. It is my understanding that the time
apply has passed. You may wish to contact
the appropriate settlement claim company to
find out if you can qualify under this settlement.
If you are a handy person it is possible for you
to replace at least some the pipe in your
home. At this time most polybutylene is being
replaced with PEX pipe. At first glance PEX
looks similar to polybutylene, do not let looks
fool you. PEX pipe is also connected by the
use of crimp rings and this requires a special
tool. These tools can be rented.
I would suggest that you should hire a
professional plumber. After all, your plumbing
is vital and buried in your floors and walls. The
extra cost of hiring a pro is well justified.
