Knowing The Facts About Polybutylene Pipes

Polybutylene (PB) is a type of plastic resin that was commonly used as water supply pipes in residential construction between the late 1970s and mid-1990s. Identified by their blue, gray, or black color, polybutylene plumbing was installed in over 10 million homes throughout the U.S.

Because of its low cost and easy installation, PB piping became highly favored, especially in places like Raleigh-Durham where quick suburban expansion was occurring during this era. Unfortunately, this material has not withstood the test of time.

Why Are Polybutylene Pipes a Problem?

Polybutylene pipes have been widely recognized as defective by construction professionals, plumbers, and insurance companies alike. The main issues with PB piping include:

1. High Failure Rates
   Polybutylene reacts poorly with reactive agents commonly found in public water supplies, like chlorine. Over time, this chemical process causes the internal lining of the pipes to shed, lose strength, and eventually split — often without warning. This can lead to massive water escapes and household flooding.
2. Hidden Pipe Failures
   One of the most significant effects of aging polybutylene plumbing systems is the potential for major water leaks. These leaks often occur inside walls, attics, or home slabs, which makes them nearly impossible to spot until serious harm has been done. Fungal growth, wood rot, and building damage often follow.
3. Policy Limitations
   Many insurance companies have policies that either exclude water damage caused by polybutylene pipes or decline coverage for houses with them altogether. If you're planning to sell your home in Raleigh-Durham, or simply want to protect your investment, replacing your PB plumbing is a smart move.
4. Decreased Home Value
   Prospective buyers and property evaluators in Raleigh-Durham are on high alert for polybutylene piping. In many cases, buyers will cancel their offer or require an entire polybutylene plumbing replacement in your Raleigh-Durham home before closing. Failing to replace old pipes can negatively impact your property value.

How to Tell if You Have Polybutylene Pipes

If you don't know whether of not your home in Raleigh-Durham has polybutylene plumbing, here are some things to watch for:

• Lines that come in blue, gray, or black
• Labeled with “PB” or “PB2110”
• Pipes located near your main water tank, feeding into the basement, or beneath your home
• Tubing attached using compression fittings made of metal or plastic

If you're noticing these characteristics, it’s a good idea to book a pipe evaluation without delay. Identifying signs in advance can prevent surprise plumbing failures.

Reasons to Replace Polybutylene Pipes

1. Prevent Costly Repairs
   Swapping out older pipes before it fails is a smarter financial decision than managing emergency water damage and the cleanup that follows. A polybutylene plumbing repair might stop the leak for now, but the root issue remains — and will probably happen again.
2. Increase Home Safety
   Water damage from failed polybutylene pipes can create hidden mold issues and even compromise your home’s structure. Proactively replacing your pipes helps safeguard loved ones and the overall stability of your house.
3. Raise Your Home’s Worth
   Homes in Raleigh-Durham with updated plumbing systems are more attractive to buyers. Investing in a polybutylene plumbing replacement can lead to financial payoff by raising its selling price.
4. Improved Financing Options
   Many mortgage lenders and home insurers are hesitant about homes with PB piping. Removing outdated pipes could improve your chances for savings — and help you meet loan requirements if you ever put your home on the market.

What’s Involved in a Whole-Home Repiping?

A full repipe involves replacing all the polybutylene pipes in your home with stronger, more reliable piping like PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or copper. While the scope may sound intimidating, today’s professional repiping services can typically finish the work in just 1–2 days, with very little impact on your household.

Below is what a typical repiping process includes:

• Complete system assessment
• Tailored repipe strategy
• New pipe installation (often through interior walls, upper levels, or subfloor areas)
• Surface repair and restoration of affected areas
• Pressure testing and final inspection

Homeowners in Raleigh-Durham often decide to begin repiping before remodeling kitchens or bathrooms — but it’s better to plan ahead than wait.

DIY Repair vs. Professional Replacement

Some homeowners may be tempted to tackle a polybutylene plumbing repair themselves, especially if they’ve experienced just small problems. However, this approach is generally unwise for several reasons:

• Polybutylene systems are structurally defective — a small repair won’t fix systemic failure.
• Home fixes might not satisfy building code requirements in Raleigh-Durham.
• Inadequate installations may invalidate your homeowner’s insurance or result in more costly issues.

For a long-term fix with peace of mind, it’s best to hire experts with the right knowledge and equipment to handle everything properly the first time.

Go with the Pros: Repipe Specialists

When it’s time to replace polybutylene pipes in your Raleigh-Durham home, turn to America’s top repipe specialists — Repipe Specialists. With a 30+ year track record and a vast number of successful projects completed, Repipe Specialists offers:

• Expert crews that specialize only in repiping
• Neat, timely, and streamlined service — typically done in less than 48 hours
• Durable piping options such as PEX and copper
• Guaranteed craftsmanship for life
• Straightforward and complete cost estimates

Repipe Specialists knows the frustrations that come with outdated plumbing systems, and they’ve helped thousands of homeowners in Raleigh-Durham transition to reliable, modern plumbing — without the dust or disruption of traditional construction.

When you're prepping for updates, prepping to sell, or simply want peace of mind, Repipe Specialists is here to make it happen. Book a free in-home consultation and see why they’re the go-to repiping company across the country.