Polybutylene pipe

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Due to the low cost of the material and ease of installation, polybutylene piping systems were viewed as the pipe of the future and were used as a substitute for traditional copper piping. Due to its inexpensive production cost and ability to withstand high water pressure, it was widely seen as a better, cheaper alternative to copper plumbing. It was inexpensive and offered plenty of advantages over other materials, such as flexibility, ease of installation, resistance to freezing. Polybutylene pipe tends to wear away from contact with oxidants discovered in public water materials.

Often, failure of the plumbing pipe takes place in the plastic fittings. A major plumbing problem with poly pipe is the pipe wears away from the within because the oxidants are held in the water, and the water is constantly running through the inside of the pipe. Typically it is gray in color and it was marketed as the “pipe of the future. Some experts believe as many as million homes were built with these pipes.

Many plumbing professionals at the time whole-heartedly recommended these pipes , often proclaiming they were the pipes of the future.

Problems with leaks and broken pipes led to a class action lawsuit, Cox v. Shell Oil, that was settled for $billion. The leaks were associated with degradation of polybutylene exposed to chlorinated water. The primary manufacturers of the pipe were Shell Chemical Company, Qest (pronounced quest), and Vanguard. Pipes leaked in thousands of homes across the United States.

Many of these suits were grouped into a Class Action. Learn the facts about Polybutylene Plumbing. Myth: Only systems with plastic fittings have problems: Not true! Systems with metal fittings fail as well. However, it is true that systems with plastic fittings have more components that fail, and our experience tells us that they do indeed fail at a greater rate than systems with metal fittings or manifold-type systems.

Should you buy a home with polybutylene piping? How much does polybutylene pipe replacement cost? Is polybutylene piping still used? What are PVC and polyethylene pipes?

Use this guide to help you find the pipe and fitting sizes you need! Free Shipping (No Exceptions), Big Selection, Low Prices. You may also hear or read polybutylene called “PB” or by the brand name “Quest” or “Qest.

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When it comes to removing polybutylene and installing a new plumbing system, our team of professionals exceeds all customer expectations. Inexpensive and easy to install, polybutylene pipes were used extensively in the construction of new homes in place of copper pipes. Knowing this, many insurance companies do not provide coverage for these pipes.

At King Street Agency, however, we do provide a plan that offers home insurance coverage for polybutylene pipes. Learn more below, and request a quote today. The second problem was the chlorine treated water (city water is typically treated with chlorine) made the pipe brittle and then they.