| Polybutylene pipe is a plastic developed
for use as a plumbing product by Shell Oil Company. There
are a few problems associated with polybutylene. These
problems are associated with homes built from 1/1/78 to
7/31/95. Most areas have banned the use of polybutylene.
There are some class action law suits against the manufacturers
as well as the installers and are trying to settle the
damages. One has been settled for 950 million dollars
and the fund will remain open until the year 2009 or
16 years after date of installation, which ever is soonest.
For information on claims call; 800.356.3496, they will
send you a form and if you qualify an Inspector will
be sent to evaluate the conditions. To make a claim there
does have to be a leak of failure of the product. For
commercial claims or multi unit dwellings contact 800.876.4698. Exterior
Big Blue, Vanguard Claim must be within 11 years of
installation
The supply line from the outside is sometimes referred
to as "Big Blue", and may be identified by its light
blue color. This type of polybutylene is susceptible
to shearing at the foundation wall due to ground settlement
outside. One recommendation is to sleeve the the pipe
through the wall for additional reinforcement. Another
recommendation is to simply replace it. The plastic is
also reported to break down due to elevated levels of
chlorine, there has not been any established time frame
for this to occur.
Interior
Qest, Vanguard Claim must be within 13 years (acetal
fittings), 16 years (metal fittings) of installation
Interior polybutylene is identified by its gray color.
When this product first came out the ends were connected
by metal barbed connectors, that were held in place with
a copper crimped band. The metal fittings were overall
adequate. Later plastic barbed fittings were introduced.
These fittings were prone to cracking off and failing,
due to crimping of the copper or aluminum bands, and
could allow water to free flow. The plastic fittings
may develop hairline cracks from the pressure of the
crimping and should be replaced with approved metal fittings.
In some areas highly acid water can deteriorate copper
pipe in a relatively short time, or burst due to freezing.
Polybutylene is virtually unaffected by these conditions.
Why don't they pull copper off the market as well? Polybutylene
has a good flow rate, is more impervious to freeze, and
has fewer connections. We should be aware of its problems
but know its strengths as well.
Note: Some information has been taken from Cox vs. Shell
Oil, et al.
Hot Water Warning:
- At 120'F it takes five minutes of constant contact
to produce a third degree burn. According to the Consumer
Safety Commission.
- At 130'F, the exposure time is reduced to 30 seconds.
At 140'F, the exposure time is reduced to 5 seconds.
- At 150'F, the exposure time is reduced to 1.5 seconds.
Lowering the temperatures can reduce the risk of burns,
and save your client on their energy bill. |
