When was Polybutylene piping used?
Poly. piping was used from 1978 to around 1995 as it was thought to be the pipework of the future. Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping was viewed as a cost-effective substitute for traditional copper piping. Unfortunately, they failed to stand up to the test of time. Nowadays, polybutylene pipes are no longer accepted by the US building code and have been conceptually replaced with cross-linked polyethylene piping.
What is Polybutylene piping is found during a Home Inspection
Poly.e piping is still in use in many homes today. Frequently, polybutylene piping is found to be leak-free at the time of the inspection. This does not lessen the concerns about the piping, because it could fail at any time, and it’s impossible to see the condition of all the piping a most piping and fitting are typically concealed within a wall cavity.
If poly. piping is present on a home inspection, it should be raised and noted as a concern in the Home Inspector’s report. The problem with Poly. piping is that the material is suspected to react with oxidants in the water, like chlorine, causing it to become brittle, crack, which may eventually leak.
Where do I find information about the class action lawsuit?
You can click or search Google for Cox vs. Shell Oil Company (Polybutylene Pipe) for additional information regarding the lawsuit.
Does a Home Inspector need to recommend Polybutylene piping replacement?
If polybutylene piping is present on a home inspection, it should be raised and noted as a concern in the Home Inspector’s report. The problem with Polybutylene piping is that the material is suspected to react with oxidants in the water, like chlorine, causing it to become brittle, crack, which may eventually leak.
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Last Updated on 4 years ago
