Polybutylene Water Pipes — Part 2 of 2

For Part 1 of 2 — Click Here: AlsPlumbing.com Polybutylene Water Pipes — Part 1

To See PB Pipes Installed In A Home, Click Here: PB Pipes Installed In A Home

The Article Provides In-Depth Information About Polybutylene Water Pipes.   Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.    Additionally, we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX; and Frisco, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no additional travel charge.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service.

As with most industries — plumbing products evolve over time.  In most cases, the new products are less expensive to make and /or easier to install.  In both cases, they reduce the cost to add plumbing to a home.  Additionally, there are many instances where the new product is superior to what it replaced.

For Example: When PVC (white plastic) sewer lines were invented — they became a new industry standard.  Not only are they less expensive to make than cast iron sewer pipes — they are much easier to install.  They also outlast cast iron by as much as triple the lifespan.

One Of The Worst Plumbing Product Failures In U.S. History Was

Polybutylene Water Pipes

Pin Holes & Cracks Often Formed In PB Pipe Due To Incorrect Installation

Polybutylene Water Pipes are subject to degradation when exposed to chlorine.  Additionally, incorrect installation was a problem.  Many contractors used workers to install Polybutylene Water Pipes that were not plumbers. Some of the worst installations had; pipe being bent — instead of using a fitting, pipe not supported as required, crimp-rings not being installed correctly — or missing, crimping too tight — resulting in cracked PB pipe and/or fittings, not crimped enough — resulting in the pipe coming loose from fittings.

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See An Unsupported & Sagging PB Pipe.   PB required a strap every 32″ (and when filled with water, the pipe still drooped). 

https://www.google.com/search?q=pb+pipe+in+attic&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjMzaDYre3nAhVBZ60KHQpjCBEQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=pb+pipe+in+attic&gs_l=img.3…29909.34757..34955…0.0..0.63.842.17……0….1..gws-wiz-img…….0i67j0j0i30j0i5i30j0i8i30j0i24.dEiQArEai3g&ei=rWpVXozDJ8HOtQWKxqGIAQ&bih=554&biw=1097#imgrc=BguvHzzjo003uM

**Source: https://www.homeinspector.org/Newsroom/Articles/Take-Another-Look-at-Polybutylene-Plumbing/955/Article

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See A Crack & Pinhole In A PB Pipe (not bent):

https://www.google.com/search?q=polybutylene+leaking+pipes&sxsrf=ACYBGNS4u_KNj_BjcuOrRhhH0W-dicFh0Q:1581958032966&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjm2Or0hNnnAhUQjq0KHQMTD20Q_AUoAnoECAwQBA&biw=1097&bih=554#imgrc=4IE-u0GNoi48mM

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See A Large Split In A PB Pipe (not bent):

https://www.google.com/search?q=polybutylene+leaking+pipes&sxsrf=ACYBGNS4u_KNj_BjcuOrRhhH0W-dicFh0Q:1581958032966&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjm2Or0hNnnAhUQjq0KHQMTD20Q_AUoAnoECAwQBA&biw=1097&bih=554#imgrc=-jsT83nM

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See A Pin Hole Leak In PB Pipe — At A Bend:

https://www.google.com/search?q=pin+holes+in+polybutylene+pipe&sxsrf=ACYBGNRlYwfesVMZ6PSbVjIEkTMmm4mTiQ:1581957650158&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi69KW-g9nnAhVFRqwKHWPYCNkQ_AUoAXoECA0QAw&biw=1097&bih=554#imgrc=eUnmU4f6DkYXpM

Factors That Contributed To Polybutylene Water Pipes Systems Failures

Chlorine Caused PB Pipe & Plastic Fittings To Fail:

• When the inside surface of Polybutylene Water Pipes is exposed to chlorine over 2 ppm — its antioxidants “burned off”.
• Once the antioxidants are gone — the interior surface of PB pipe begins to degrade and become brittle.
• Over time, the cracks in the pipe moved deeper into the wall of the pipe — often eventually cracking all the way through.  Then leaks begin.

• Polybutylene pipes (PB) expected lifespan = 25 years with water containing up to 2 ppm chlorine. *2  PB-1 maximum temperature = 210°F

(As Compared) PEX pipe’s expected lifespan = 50 years (with ASTM F2023 Rated) — with water containing up to 4.3 ppm of chlorine.)  Maximum temperature = 200°F. *3

The U.S. EPA capped U.S. drinking water chlorine at 4 ppm.

Exposure To Sunlight Degredated PB Pipe.  PB was not to be exposed to sunlight for more than 30 days.  Sunlight exposure typically occurred before or during installation. *5 

*2 Source: https://www.pbpsa.com/uploads/files/resources/pbpsa-pb1-faq-en-2.pdf   Source: PB Piping Systems Association.

*3 Source: https://plasticpipe.org/pdf/tn-52-guide-pex-high-temp.pdf

*4 Source: https://plasticpipe.org/pdf/tn-53-pex-chlorine-ratings.pdf

*5 Source: https://www.homeinspector.org/Newsroom/Articles/Take-Another-Look-at-Polybutylene-Plumbing/955/Article

Some Polybutylene Water Pipes Installation Errors Were Caused By The Original Crimping-Tool (That Secured The Rings To The Fittings)

Because It Was Too Large To Be Used In Small Spaces.

• Many PB pipe systems were installed incorrectly.  Because the crimping-tool (used to secure the metal bands) was so large that it could not always be positioned correctly.

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See An Earlier Crimping Tool Used For PB Pipe:

https://www.google.com/search?q=crimping+tool+for+pb+pipe&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjGyJ68xe_nAhUCcq0KHdTzCL4Q_AUoAnoECA4QBA&biw=1097&bih=554#imgrc=ZwZov1HA7sCxuM

• ‘This resulted in some metal bands being crimped too tight, too loose and/or at an angle.

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To See A Metal Band) Installed Incorrectly (at an angle):

https://www.google.com/search?q=polybytelen+pipe+metal+bands+crimped+wrong&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiZmo6e06_sAhUH0awKHaR1CQAQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=polybytelen+pipe+metal+bands+crimped+wrong&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1COqQJYruECYP3kAmgEcAB4AIABTogBjQeSAQIxNZgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=5ZuEX9mTAoeiswWk6yU&bih=646&biw=1280#imgrc=8Bo2cB6wFLfNbM&imgdii=tDtCmkA6CAy_lM

Additionally:

• Over-crimping Polybutylene Water Pipes caused hairline-cracks in the fitting and /or pipe.
• Bending PB pipe, when changing direction, stressed the pipe at the bend — which made it susceptible to forming pin-holes or cracks at the bend.
• Changes in direction were to include a fitting — not bending the pipe.
• Installation near heat sources, water heaters and in areas of excessively high temperatures.

What Happens Over Time:

• Small fractures in either the plastic fittings and/or the Polybutylene Water Pipes deepen over time — and work their way to the pipe’s exterior
• The fittings were plastic in earlier installations.  Later the plastic fittings were eliminated and metal fittings were used.

This Was The Correct Installation For PB Pipe:

• PB systems were installed much like a copper water pipes — with straight sections of pipe between two fittings.
• Turns were to be made with elbows, and branch connections with tees.
• Connecting to fittings were done with a new crimping-tool & method.  This allowed the pipe & fittings to be put together without glue.
• The new process required crimping a small metal band at the fitting near the end of the pipe.

• Initially, aluminum crimp-rings and Acetyl Resin (plastic) fittings were used for PB pipe connections.
• Over-crimped (too much pressure was applied) showed up later as split or broken fittings.
• Under-crimped (too little pressure was applied) or missed crimps later began leaking.

• Measures to stop PB problems were put into place.
• The PB Pipe Industry’s solution was to use copper or brass fittings & copper crimp-rings. **13
• The original crimping-tool was replaced with a smaller version.  Additionally, special crimping-tools were designed for separate uses.

NOTE: Some homes have copper “stub out fittings” added by some plumbers — so little or no PB pipe was exposed.   When the drywall went up the house appeared to be piped entirely in copper.

Insuring A Home With PB Pipes

• When purchasing a home built between 1975 — 2000, pay special attention to the plumbing system. 

• Most Home Owner’s Insurance Companies Won’t Cover Water Damage Caused By Leaking PB Pipes.  Many Won’t Insure The House At All. 

• In some locations — PB Pipe disclosure from the homeowner or Realtor may not be required.

You will likely have only two options when it comes to insuring a home with PB pipes:

• Option A: Replumb the house.

• Option B: If you can find an insurance company — most will include a water loss exclusion.
• This means that if the polybutylene plumbing fails, and causes water damage, the insurance company won’t cover it.

Copy The Link Below Into Your Browser To Read An Article About H.O. Insurance Not Covering Water Damage Caused By PB Pipes:

https://www.policygenius.com/homeowners-insurance/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-plumbing/

Main Points Of The Article (link just above) Include:

• “When leaking plumbing damage isn’t covered: PB plumbing damage likely is not covered if it ruptures and causes damage.

• That’s because this piping is notoriously faulty and viewed as high-risk to insurers.

• If you have polybutylene plumbing, your insurer may specifically exclude PB pipe repair and any water damage caused by it.

Buying Or Selling A Home With PB Pipes:

• Polybutylene piping affects a home’s value.
• Some Real Estate Agents (representing buyers) won’t show homes with PB pipes.

• Many Real Estate Agents (representing sellers) require a PB pipes disclosure — to protect the agent from liability.
• Laws in some locations require the seller to disclose that the home has PB pipes.  See details for Texas just below.

Texas Home Sellers Disclosure Says:

3. “Are you (Seller) aware of any known defects/malfunctions in any of the following?  Write Yes (Y) if you are aware, write No (N) if you are not aware.”

• Interior Walls, Ceilings, Floors
  Exterior Wall,s Doors, Windows
  Roof Foundation/Slab(s), Sidewalks
  Walls/Fences, Driveways, Intercom System
  Plumbing/Sewers/Septics
• Electrical Systems/Lighting Fixtures

A Word Of Caution To BUYERS:  The Seller can’t disclose defects they are not aware of.

A Word Of Caution To SELLERS:

• If you’ve had water leak(s) repaired — it’s likely a Plumbing Permit(s) was issued by your city.
• Permit information is typically recorded by the city — and becomes part of the home’s documented history.
• Disclose to buyers if the home had water leaks repaired.  You can bet an Attorney will, if you get sued for non-disclosure.

Copy The Link Below  Into Your Browser To See Texas Sellers Disclosure Form:

https://www.trec.texas.gov/forms/sellers-disclosure-notice

NOTE:  We are not lawyers — nor do we make any representations regarding property disclosure laws.  Consult with your Real Estate Agent and/or a Lawyer.

A Home Inspection Often Determines If A Home Has PB Pipes — Particularly With Attic Installations.

Click Here To See Photos Of Attic Installation Of PB Pipes: Attic Installation Of PB Pipe (top row of photos — third from left)

Leaking Water Pipes Can Cause Additional Serious Problems

This part of our article highlights the next problem to possibly arise due to leaking water pipes — mold.  With leaks inside walls, mold can grow unnoticed until there’s visible evidence of the leak.

Here Is A Mold Insurance Company Lawsuit That Gained National Attention

Mary Melinda Ballard, husband Ron Allison, and their son Reese Colton Allison owned and lived in a mansion at: 1800 Deerfield Rd, Dripping Springs, (Hayes County) Texas 78620 (near Austin).  The 11,000 square foot, 22-room mansion was a replica of “Tara” — in the movie: “Gone With the Wind”.   As a result of numerous leaking water pipes, the home became infested with Stachybotrys mold.  Although the home was demolished in 2004 — a Google Map still shows the home’s foundation.

Note: While there’s no indication if the home had PB water pipes — the home had a lengthy history of leaking water pipes.

In 1990, Melinda Ballard bought the home for $275,000 in a foreclosure sale.  In 1996, the house had a leaking water pipe.  The couple fixed the leak and didn’t file a claim.  A few months later, the hardwood floors on the ground floor began to warp and buckle.  Ballard filed a claim with Farmers Insurance Group.  During 1996 and 1997, Ballard filed two more claims for plumbing leaks.  A 3rd clam was in December 1998.

In early 1998, a moisture reading of the home’s hardwood floors was 19–20% (normal is 12%).  The damage to the wood floor was so extensive that the floor had to be replaced.  ”In March 1999, a Farmer’s Insurance investigator(while looking for the source of the water leaks)  pulled out the refrigerator — and revealed the wall behind it was black with mold.  The home was determined to have Stachybotrys (pronounced Stack-ee-bot-ris) is an especially lethal mold.  It’s part of a family of molds that produce airborne toxins, called mycotoxins, that can cause serious health problems.

In April, 1999, the family moved from the main house into the nanny’s apartment above the garage.  After mold was discovered in the nanny’s apartment, the family moved to a hotel.   Later two more water leaks were discovered.   A few months later, there were two additional leaks found in the water heater room.  Investigators cut square holes in nearly every wall in the home.  When removed, the drywall revealed a coating of mold on the other side.  Mold flourishes when it encounters steady & significant amounts of water. A leaking water pipe can be that source of water. **

In November of 2000, a claim for the appraised value of the home ($1,287,000.00) was reached in arbitration.  The Ballards did not sign off on the claim, and the case went to court.   The case proceeded to trial on May 7, 2001.   The jury returned a verdict in favor of Ballards in one day.  In October, the District Court rendered a final-judgment for over $33 million. This amount included punitive damages for mental anguish and attorney’s fees.

Upon Appeal from Farmer’s Insurance — the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals reduced Ballard’s award to; a $4 million award, for actual damages.   The court also threw out assorted small fees and ordered that $8.9 million in attorney’s fees be recalculated.  $17 million from the original settlement (for mental anguish and punitive damages) was thrown out.

In 2004, the home was demolished.  In 2013 — Melinda Ballard died at the age of 55.

** Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2001/08/12/magazine/haunted-by-mold.html

** Source: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/tx-court-of-appeals/1258239.html

SUMMARY

FITTINGS:

There appears to be agreement that Acetal Resin fittings often fail due to damage due to exposure to chlorine. 

There appears to be agreement that improper installation of Acetal Resin Fittings may have contributed to their failure.  

There is no way to know which fittings were installed in a home.  Most of the PB water lines systems are hidden behind walls. 

PB PIPE:

We have presented samples of pinholes, cracks or ruptures In PB pipe. 

Because PB pipe was flexible, some installers bent the pipe — when a fitting was required for a direction change.   

We’ve noted that U.S. tap water can have chlorine levels up to double what PB can tolerate.

Ample evidence shows that PB pipe will eventually fail due to exposure to chlorine. 

How long PB Pipe lasts may partially be attributed to the amount of chlorine in the tap water and / or water pressure.

We’ll Leave You To Draw Your Own Conclusions About PB Water Pipes Systems.

** 6 Source: https://www.pbpsa.com/uploads/files/resources/pbpsa-pb1-faq-en-2.pdf   Page 3 (of 17) in the report.

**7 Source:  https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/public/chlorine-disinfection.html

**8 Source:  https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/12/22/national/chlorine-level-1600-times-normal-found-drinking-water-served-infants-nursery/#.XkQhIDJKiUk

**9 Source: https://qz.com/619014/chinas-tap-water-could-be-a-major-breeding-ground-for-superbugs/

**10 Source: https://greentumble.com/10-countries-with-the-best-quality-tap-water/

**11 Source: https://www.pbpsa.com/polybutylene-faq

**12 Source: https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/PB_Piping.php

**13 Source: http://www.ashireporter.org/HomeInspection/Articles/Take-Another-Look-at-Polybutylene-Plumbing/955

This Article Was Part-2 Of 2 — About Polybutylene Water Pipes

Al’s Plumbing, Heating & A/C in Plano, Texas provides maintenance & repairs for all brands of Central A/C, Gas & Electric Furnace, and Heat Pumps.    Additionally we sell and install new HVAC Systems from American Standard (same company as Trane), Ameristar (same company as American Standard) and Coleman HVAC (same company as York HVAC).

Al’s also provides full-service plumbing maintenance, repairs and replacements for every plumbing component in your home.  Al’s sells and installs Rheem Professional Series gas & electric water heaters, and tankless water heaters.  Al’s is near your home in Plano, TX; Allen, TX; and Frisco, TX.  We service all homes in southern Collin and Denton Counties with no additional travel charge.

Call Al’s today to discuss any concerns or problems you have with your HVAC System or Plumbing.  We will arrange an appointment at your convenience and offer 24/7 Emergency Service.

As with most industries — plumbing products evolve over time.  In most cases, the new products are less expensive to make and /or easier to install.  In both cases, they reduce the cost to add plumbing to a home.  Additionally, there are many instances where the new product is superior to what it replaced.

For Example: When PVC (white plastic) sewer lines were invented — they became a new industry standard.  No only are they less expensive to make, they are much easier to install.  They also outlast cast iron by as much as double the lifespan.