Avoid a Leak and Ditch Polybutylene Pipes

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Checking if you have polybutylene pipes can better prepare you for upgrades that may be needed

Leaking pipes can quickly lead to water damage in your Millville, OH, business. If left unchecked, it may require extensive cleanup by water damage and mold remediation restoration specialists. While any older pipe has the potential to eventually burst or leak, if your plumbing was installed between 1978 and 1995, there is a good chance they are polybutylene pipes, which generally only have a 10-to-15 year lifespan.

Determine Piping Type

During that time frame, this kind of piping became popular because it was cost-efficient, flexible, freeze-resistant, and easy to install. Over time, it became evident that the material wasn’t the best choice. The chemicals used in water treatment caused polybutylene pipes to get brittle, resulting in cracking and breaking. If your building still has them, they are long past due on being replaced. Unfortunately, repair is not an option for this type of plumbing. To determine if your pipes are made of this material, look for the letters PB on a pipe. Locations to check include:

• Around the water heater.
  
• In the basement entering through a wall.
  
• At the main shut-off valve or water meter.
  
• Behind sinks and toilets.
  
  

Time for Change
Although the thought of new plumbing may be overwhelming, the potential savings in water damage is worth the consideration. If a pipe bursts, it could lead to extensive downtime, which can be detrimental to a business. Contact a trusted plumbing professional to access the situation. If you are already dealing with leaks, it’s best to just modernize the system. A professional plumber will remove existing pipes and replace them with durable pipes and fittings that adhere to building codes. The replacement process usually takes two days, as well as another few days for the restoration of walls.
At the first signs of a leak, checking if you have polybutylene pipes can better prepare you for upgrades that may be needed. Although seemingly daunting, the long-term benefits are often worth the effort.