Should I Buy a House with Polybutylene Pipe?

Polybutylene pipes, once considered revolutionary, are not desirable among many home buyers today. And rightfully so!

Studies have concluded that the incompetence of these pipes, and the personal experiences of homeowners, as well as multiple lawsuits against the polybutylene company, speak volumes about whether or not these pipes are right for your home.

But the answer to the question «Should I buy a house with polybutylene pipe» is not as simple as a straight «No». This post will take a deep dive into the history of polybutylene pipes, when or why you should buy them, their identification, replacement cost, and more. Let’s begin!

What are polybutylene pipes?

Polybutylene is a plastic polymer which was used for water supply and distribution pipes from 1978 until mid-1995. It was a «revolutionary» plumbing pipe at the time – cheaper than copper, high tolerance for expansion and contraction, and frost resistance.

Especially in Florida and surrounding areas, the use of these pipes has been widespread over the years. While many homeowners have replaced the 20-40 year old system, a lot of houses with polybutylene pipes i still stay

With this, many home buyers are left with a major question – «Should I buy a house with polybutylene pipe?»

Why has polybutylene pipe gotten a bad press?

Polybutylene pipe production was discontinued beginning in 1995 due to multiple plumbing problems and property damage, followed by back-to-back lawsuits against the manufacturing company. There is a concrete reason behind the prohibition of polybutylene pipes by the US building codes.

Polybutylene interacts with certain chemicals in water, mainly dissolved chlorine. Polybutylene pipes weaken and lead to cracks and fitting problems due to reaction over time.

More recent study found that water pressure also plays a role in a Faster deterioration rate of polybutylene pipes. Consequently, buyers nowadays do not prefer to invest in a property with polybutylene pipe.

Should you buy a house with polybutylene pipes?

If you have the option and luxury to reject one the house with polybutylene, then we would say, don’t invest in such a house. Now, if the seller is offering the property at a much more affordable price and you’d still end up with a good deal even after replacing the pipes, well, go for it!

As we have already discussed in the previous section, the rate of damage and deterioration is faster in polybutylene pipes. If you’re lucky, you might not face such a problem. Otherwise, it’s not worth closing the deal unless it’s an amazing deal you can’t say no to.

Furthermore, it is also imperative that you speak with your home owner’s insurance company before making a decision. Some companies do not insure your home against damage caused by polybutylene pipes.

However, that being said, there are a few reasons why you should buy a house with polybutylene pipes, which we will discuss later.

How to tell if the house has polybutylene pipes?

A home inspector was sued when he failed to inform the buyer about polybutylene pipes in a home he inspected. The background is that if you have hired a licensed professional to inspect your potential new home, be sure to be informed whether or not the home has polybutylene pipes.

However, one can never be too careful! If you’re witnessing a pipe made of cast iron, galvanized steel or copper, problem solved. If the plumbing pipes are not plastic, there is no way the house has polybutylene pipes.

However, if the pipes look plastic, below are some of the telltale signs that the home you are looking at has polybutylene pipes.

  1. The letters «PB» followed by numbers guarantee that the pipes are made of polybutylene.
  2. Also, these pipes are often blue. But having said that, polybutylene pipes are also black or gray in color. However, if you notice blue plastic pipes and fear it might be polybutylene, have a professional inspect the home.

Okay, now you know what signs to look for in a pipe. But where can you find the pipes in the house that interest you? We would say, look at the connection in the main shutoff valve. Another smart idea is to look for the marking in the connections of sinks and toilets.

In addition, if you have access to the basement, look for signs of polybutylene pipes next to the boiler and the ceiling.

Does a seller have to disclose polybutylene pipes?

In many states, sellers are required to disclose polybutylene pipe. Almost all real estate listing agents require the seller to disclose the use of polybutylene pipes in the property.

They suggest sellers either reduce the home’s market price so the buyer can make the necessary replacement, or replace the copper pipe system themselves.

There have been cases where buyers have sued agents and firms for not disclosing the use of polybutylene pipes in the property.

That said, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, always inspect the pipes yourself or have a plumbing or inspection company inspect the pipes to avoid future problems.

When should you buy a house with polybutylene pipes?

Well, it is an indisputable fact that sooner or later every piping system will deteriorate and require replacement.

While polybutylene pipes have gotten a bad press for being weak and brittle over time, there are still a few reasons why a house with polybutylene pipes might still be worth the investment.

1. How is the location of the house?

First, determine if the home location is worth it. You can replace polybutylene pipes with a better option, but it’s not always you find a property that is in the area you want and the locality.

Moreover, it is not a guaranteed fact that polybutylene pipes will fail. However, that being said, these pipes are best replaced given how plumbing issues can also be a contributing factor to foundation problems.

2. Lots of room for negotiation!

Second, if you negotiate carefully, you may be able to buy the property for much less than other homes.

Let the seller know that you are aware of the polybutylene pipe and plumbing and the financial issues that come with it. The issue will surely play as a huge leverage during the negotiations.

The seller may even offer to share the cost of replacing the plumbing system with you or shoulder the entire responsibility of the replacement.

3. How much do you like the house?

Do you absolutely love the property? Do you have the financial means to replace polybutylene pipes? If so, simply being dissatisfied with the plumbing system should never be the reason you walk away from your dream home.

You can contact plumbing experts to replace your plumbing system in your new home and within 10-15 days you will be able to move into your dream home. How great is this!

How much does it cost to replace polybutylene pipes?

As of 2022, depending on the number of fittings, the estimated cost of replacing polybutylene pipes with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) or PVC pipes ranges from $1,500 to $8,000.

On the other hand, the price range increases slightly if you want to replace the pipes with copper pipes. It is estimated to cost you around $2,500 to $15,000 depending on the number of facilities and state.

Note: Estimated price is taken from a online home cost estimator. The cost of the contractor and the cost of the permit are not included in the price.

What should you replace polybutylene pipes with?

Many experts suggest replacing the current polybutylene pipes with either copper pipes or PEX pipes. If you asked us, we’d probably lean more towards PEX due to their superiority over copper in several aspects.

First, PEX pipe is cheaper than copper pipe and is faster and more cost-effective to install. The durability of PEX pipes is over 100 years. On the other hand, while still impressive, copper pipes only last 70-80 years.

While copper pipes will crack when frozen, PEX pipes maintain structural integrity even after extreme expansions and contractions.

Moreover, PEX pipes also have relatively lower thermal conductivity. It ensures that heat loss from this pipe to the environment is minimal compared to copper pipes.

However, copper is still the premium plumbing material in most states. And to add, the comparison in no way means that copper pipes are not worth it.

Regardless of the pros and cons, these materials are still two of the most preferred plumbing materials. The final decision comes down to your personal preference.

summary

We hope this post has answered all your questions regarding polybutylene pipe homes and whether or not you should get one. We believe that now you can make an informed decision that you will not regret later.

This post also suggests that you bombard the insurance company, listing agent, or seller with all of your plumbing questions before rushing into your decision.

If you love your home and its plumbing is the only reason for your dissatisfaction, the best way forward is to reach a proper negotiation with a seller. Polybutylene pipe home sellers are often willing to do this!