Polybutylene Repipe, Experts in Polybutylene Repiping.

What is Polybutylene?

Polybutylene plumbing inside a structure ("PB In-House Plumbing") is a potable water supply system containing polybutylene ("PB") pipe and either acetal (plastic) or metal insert fittings (such as tees and elbows). PB pipe is a non-rigid, sometimes curved, usually gray (or possibly silver or black) plastic pipe. When used in the underground service from the water company to a structure (a "Yard Service Line"), PB pipe is blue, gray, or black. PB pipe is not used for drains, waste, or vent pipe. "PB Plumbing" refers to both PB In-House Plumbing and Yard Service Line. PB Plumbing does not include yard sprinkler systems, irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, sewer lines, faucets, or fixtures.

Insert fittings are used to join pieces of PB pipe. The inset fitting is inserted into the pipe and clamped with a metal (aluminum or copper) crimp ring over the outside of the pipe. Metal insert fittings are either copper or brass. Acetal insert fittings are hard gray or white plastic. They are not black. Insert fittings are not grabber, flare, or compression fittings which are often threaded and use a plastic nut to secure the seal.

Polybutylene Pictures.

History of PB Pipe

Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that is produced as a by-product of refined petroleum. Shell Oil Company and Hoechst Celanese Corporation sold polybutylene resin to manufacturers, such as Vanguard, Qest and West Flex Plastics, who extruded the resin into polybutylene pipe in typical 1", 3/4" and 1/2" diameter pipe sizes. Polybutylene pipe was sold to plumbers in 20' straight pipe lengths or 100' coil lengths typically.

Many homes built between 1978 and 1995 had polybutylene pipe "Branch Type Potable Water Distribution Systems" installed. Two types of insert fittings were developed, which were inserted into the pipe in order to connect two or more pieces of pipe, such as couplings, elbows and tees. These fittings accommodated changes in direction and changes in pipe size. A metal ring, called a "Crimp Ring", used with insert fittings that slide over the "PB" pipe and is crimped to seal the connection between the pipe and the fittings, were manufactured in aluminum or copper. Acetal ( a type of plastic fittings) were manufactured by Wes Flex, Qest, Admiral, Vanguard and others. Metal fittings were manufactured in copper and brass.

If you own a home that was built between January 1, 1978 and July 31, 1995, you may be eligible for reimbursement under the Class Action Settlement. You must have qualifying leaks in the PB system and meet certain age restrictions. You must comply with all the parameters of the Settlement.