The Risks of Poly-B Piping: What You Need to Know

Poly-B piping, also known as polybutylene piping, was a popular material used in the plumbing systems of homes built between the 1970s and 1990s. While this type of piping was marketed as a low-cost alternative to traditional copper pipes, it has been found to have serious flaws that can cause problems for homeowners. Here are the risks of poly-B piping that you need to know about.

1. Poor Quality Material: Poly-B piping is made from a cheap, low-quality material that is prone to breaking and cracking over time. This can result in leaks that can cause serious damage to your home and your possessions.
2. Poor Durability: Poly-B piping has a tendency to deform and break under stress, which can lead to leaks and other problems. This is especially true in areas where the pipes are exposed to extreme temperatures, high pressure, or rough handling during installation.
3. Poor Water Quality: Poly-B piping is known to have issues with water quality. It can degrade over time and can cause the water in your home to have a yellow or brown tint. This can also result in a foul odor in your water and can even affect the taste.
4. Poor Resale Value: Homes with poly-B piping are often difficult to sell, as many potential buyers are aware of the problems associated with this type of piping. This can lower the resale value of your home and make it more difficult to sell in the future.
5. Costly Repairs: Replacing poly-B piping can be expensive and time-consuming, as the entire plumbing system may need to be replaced. This can be a significant expense for homeowners, especially if the pipes have leaked and caused damage to other areas of the home.

If you live in a home with poly-B piping, it’s important to be aware of these risks and take action to address them. If you suspect you may have poly-B piping in your home, consider having it inspected by a licensed plumber. If necessary, replace the pipes with a more durable and reliable material, such as copper or PEX piping.

By taking the steps to address the risks associated with poly-B piping, you can protect your home and your family from potential water damage, improve the resale value of your home, and ensure that you have a safe and reliable plumbing system for years to come.

As a buyer, having a home inspector is the first step towards catching poly-b. A seasoned REALTOR® like one of our agents can help you along with the process.