If your home has polybutylene pipes, it might be time to consider replacing them.
There’s a certain sinking feeling that comes along with realizing that a pipe has burst and your home is flooding. There are, thankfully, a whole host of ways to prevent this from happening to you. It can be simple tips like leaving some hot water running out of certain faucets in the winter to prevent freezing but there are other solutions that require a bit more knowledge about your home, like polybutylene pipes.
Homes built between 1978 and 1995 may have these kinds of pipes in them and they could put you at a higher risk for pipes bursting. Read on to understand why you may want to consider removing your polybutylene pipes if your home has them.
What Are Polybutylene Pipes?
These pipes were created with plastic resin decades ago and were used because of their relative low cost, resistance to freezing, and easy installation. Many people began using them as a replacement for traditional copper pipes. To the average homeowner, you may not be able to tell the difference between PVC piping and polyethylene pipes. If you’re unsure, you can check to see if your pipes are stamped with a code: PB2110. Pipes that curve can also stand out since polyethylene is very flexible. It’s important to note that these pipes are only ever used to bring water into your home or to specific fixtures.
Where Did the Design Go Wrong with Polybutylene Pipes?
While this design was promising, problems soon began to arise. Pipes began to burst and were causing extensive water damage to homes. More worrisome, though, were the studies that indicated certain chemicals and disinfectants in most water supplies could cause polybutylene to flake and fracture from within. The result were pipes that were prone to bursting and causing tons of damage, which is why manufacturers ditched the material in the end after having to pay out numerous homeowners for the costs of damages.
Why Replace Polybutylene Pipes?
Even if your home has had polybutylene pipes for years without problems, you never know when they may end up bursting, especially since that likely means they are old and wearing out. Damages that can build up from burst pipes can end up costing you a boat load so it’s best to spend some money in advance and replace them in order to prevent problems in the future.
A RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL PLUMBING COMPANY YOU CAN TRUST
Alpha Plumbing is a full-service plumbing and contracting company serving the Baltimore and Annapolis metro area with expertise in all aspects of plumbing. We’re family-owned and operated since 1991 from our office in Pasadena. We offer quality plumbing services at reasonable rates in a timely fashion. Our trucks are equipped with GPS systems to ensure we’re prompt and on time. No job is too large or too small! We maintain a fleet of well-stocked trucks and also own and operate our own backhoes for jobs requiring excavation.
For more information and to get a free no-obligation estimate, you can contact us on our website, send us an e-mail, or give us a call at (410) 255-5998.