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Re: PB Plumbing for New Houses

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Plumbing
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 22 May 2001
Time: 09:38 PM

Comments

Polybutylene pipe, or PB as it's known in the industry, is a flexible tubing introduced into the market during the 1970's. An estimated 6 million homes use this type of plumbing system, including many tract homes. Connections are made with crimped "Ts" or sometimes to a master manifold (which tends to be more reliable due to fewer crimps).

The problem with PB is that many installations are not done properly, resulting in leaking at the joints. In fact, according to a report by the University of Arizona, PB is now banned in many new construction projects due to a poor track record in service. Several class-action lawsuits have been brought against the manufacturers and some insurance companies will not insure repairs due to leaks caused by PB tubing.

PB became popular because of its relatively low materials and installation costs, making it attractive for large-scale projects where saving several hundred dollars per home could amount to millions in savings for the contractor.

Builders Websource prefers plumbing installations based on traditional copper with soldered joints or CPVC where secure, glued joints have proven the test of time.

Of course, any plumbing system is susceptible to leaking, including copper and CPVC due to improper installation, a cold solder joint, or insufficient glue.

However, PB has received a particularly bad reputation (perhaps unjustly) due to substandard installation practices.

The bottom line is: buyer beware. Check with your insurance company to confirm that damage resulting from joint leaks are covered in your policy. Average repair costs have been $4,000. Also, if there are existing homes in the area by the same builder which used PB, you might find out what, if any, issues there have been to date.

To read the full article, please refer to:

http://ag.arizona.edu/AZWATER/awr/nov94/leaks.html

You'll find it particularly informative.

Builders Websource

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