Between 1975 and 1995, a new revolutionary piping was used in most home construction – polybutylene piping. Contractors and plumbers loved this new piping because of its low cost and easy installation. But, over time, it was discovered that polybutylene piping can cause several problems, the biggest of which being that these pipes react with water and become brittle, causing the pipes to fail without warning. For this reason, it is very important to know if you have polybutylene piping in your home.
This article from EzineArticles.com explains how you can spot this faulty piping.
You may be able to spot this type of piping on your own. There are a few things you can look for to help you identify polybutylene in your home. Then, once you have confirmed it, you can have a professional check for any potential damage and help you figure out a solution.
- Polybutylene underground water main pipes tend to be blue in color, but can also be gray or black. Black poly should not be confused with polybutylene.
- The pipes tend to be half an inch to an inch in diameter, and can be seen entering the home through the basement floor or wall, through a concrete slab, or even through a crawlspace. Generally, it will come through the home near the water heater, which is a good place to start looking. There are some cases where copper piping is used near the home, and polybutylene piping is used near the water meter, so it is important to check both ends.
- Polybutylene piping can also be used inside the home, and is most easily found near the water heater. It can also be found running along the ceiling in uncompleted basements, and coming out of the walls to provide water to sinks and toilets.
In the end, the best way to recognize polubutylene is to have a professional plumber inspect your home. If you have any questions or think you may have polybutylene piping, contact Mahon Plumbing by clicking here today!