4 Reasons You Need to Replace Polybutylene Pipes

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

Polybutylene pipes were a popular choice for plumbing systems between the 1970s and 1990s

4 Reasons You Need to Replace Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene pipes were a popular choice for plumbing systems between the 1970s and 1990s. This is because they were easy to install and were relatively inexpensive. However, over time it became apparent that the risks of using these pipes far outweighed the benefits. If the plumbing in your building in Kansas City, MO, uses this material, you will need to have it replaced for the following reasons.

1. They Can Contaminate Your Water

As polybutylene pipes age, they will begin to deteriorate. As this continues, they will start leaching chemicals into your water. This can be especially troublesome if you use this water for drinking. It is a good idea to have these pipes replaced to prevent any problems caused by unwanted chemicals in the water.

2. They Break Easily

The deterioration that these pipes experience is not only bad for your water. Chemicals used for water treatment can cause the material of these pipes to become brittle which makes them more likely to crack or break. Because of this, if they are not replaced, they can cause quite a bit of water damage.

3. They Are Old

Pipes made from this material have not been installed for decades. This means that any currently in use are aging. Old pipes of any type are more likely to break and since these are more prone to damage than other pipes, this becomes even more of a problem.

4. They Are Not Recognized by Building Codes

As this material is no longer recognized by building codes in the United States, you will always be required to install new plumbing if it is used in your current system. They cannot be repaired, so the sooner you have them replaced, the better.
If you know that you have polybutylene pipes, you should have them replaced as soon as you can. If you have experienced any damage because of a broken pipe, a water damage remediation company can perform cleanup and repairs.