Should I Buy A Home in Florida with Polybutylene pipes?
What Exactly Does “Polybutylene Pipe” Mean?
Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was used extensively in the manufacture of water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. 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. It is most commonly found in the “Sun Belt” (Florida) where residential construction was heavy through the 1980’s and early-to-mid 90’s, but it is also very common in the Mid Atlantic and Northwest Pacific states.
Are They bad?
They were inexpensive and easy to install–but homeowners and plumbing professionals have discovered one serious flaw: Over time, the pipes undergo a process called dezincification.
Will insurance companies insure a home with these types of pipes?
In general, polybutylene pipes make it very difficult to get covered by homeowners insurance. Most homeowners insurance companies view them as too liable to fail and cause damage.
Curious to see what your insurance quotes could look like? Our colleague, Paul Hursta, is a Risk Management Specialist and can provide you with insurance solutions to fit your needs.
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What Happens if I Buy A Florida House With Poly Pipes?
If you are considering a home with poly pipes, you must be aware of what is involved in replacing them. Consulting with a professional is your first line of defense.
Here’s why: Polybutylene pipes will eventually fail. They are vulnerable to what is called a dezincification process, whereby zinc leaches from brass…thereby creating a white powdery buildup on the inside of the fitting and weakening the brass fitting.
How to tell the home has polybutylene or Pex pipes
If you’re looking at buying a new home, your inspector will be able to tell you what type of pipes the home has, but if you want to see for yourself you can also look at the pipe directly.
- Near the water heater
- Connecting to sinks and toilets
- Running across the ceiling in an unfinished basement
- At the main shut-off valve or water meter