Polybutylene - Problem or not?

Pipes running from your house to the street were generally made with "blue Poly" . This type of poly burst often and was not really made to stand up to the earth rubbiing against it. Grey Poly which is found in homes is actually some of the best most reliable piping you can get. Unfortunately builders did not buy the crimping tool recommended by the manufacturer. So the joints became a weak point in the pipes. Later pipes were refitted with copper. The only potential rap I have come across with these pipes is that they may react with the chemicals added to our water and eventually wear out. But at the end of the day there have been suits and even if they may be better they have to go.  White poly which looks like PVC does not have any of the problems the other 2 had and to the best of my knowledge is not a red flag item. In case you are wondering Poly pipes, me, never heard of them 

Wow - Looks like Charlie knows his stuff on this one!!!!  I have not run into Poly piping problems in the Seattle real estate market - not in over eight years, so maybe a regional thing?  I am going to have to ask my plumber friend pronto, though!!!!  Thank you for the helpful info.

This is a huge issue in the Raleigh Market - The thought has been that if its not a problem you should be okay, also the problems have been at the joints and connections so again if those have been replaced  the buyer should be okay.

I recently had the seller pay for a Home Warranty and the Home Warranty would help with replacement cost in addition the Home Owners Insurance protects the buyer as well.

The cost of replacement was not that bad on a 3/2 1600 sq ft house it was about $4500 for peace of mind the buyers decided they would replace the pipes in a year.

Al,

I had poly pipping in a couple of my houses with no problems at all.  I have not replaced either of them yet and have been advised by a plumber to have it done right away.  I think there is a problem but I don't think it is as big as they want you to believe.  I hope it holds out I'm not ready for a pool in my basement.

Thanks for the posting

 

I had only heard that it was sold for a relatively short period of time and that resulting problems stemmed from poor/incorrect fitting.  Seems to fit with Chsrlies' comments.

Warning! don't tell your buyer that having a home warranty will cover this problem unless you have checked this with the warranty company.  This is an area where the "fine print" comes into play,  pre-existing conditions are not covered.

I am finding that some insurance companies won't even come the home. Even if it is just going form the house to the street.

I wish there were stats on how bad this is. It is really hard to trust the scare tactics of plumbers.

Also inside the house vs outside the house is a big difference.

Frank