Two studies in particular in papers published by the University of Illinois at Chicago have shown that certain disinfectants can react with the polybutylene and cause it to flake apart at any location within the PB piping system. Small fractures can deepen over time and eventually work their way to the pipe’s exterior, allowing water to escape. Some manufacturers, however, claim that the majority of leaks occur at joints and unions, which is where a leak would likely appear if a pipe were improperly installed. Despite this contention, class-action lawsuits filed against PB manufacturers have been successful and resulted in payouts to homeowners reaching $1 billion.

Although no regulations require the replacement of polybutylene piping with other material, many plumbers recommend doing this, at a cost several thousand dollars. Leaking can happen without warning and can result in flooding and serious damage to a home’s interior if it is not immediately stopped. PB pipes installed behind sheetrock can leak unnoticed for long periods of time and cause mold and water damage.  They can also reduce a home’s value or prolong its time on the market. Homeowners might face higher insurance premiums or be denied coverage entirely.  For homeowners who are concerned about this problem and wish to replace the PB piping in their home with copper or other material, there are companies that specialize in this type of work.

A homeowner can use the following tips to identify polybutylene plumbing. Polybutylene pipes are:

• usually stamped with the code “PB2110”;
• flexible and sometimes curved, unlike rigid piping materials such as copper;
• not used for waste, drain or vent piping;
• most commonly grey in color, but they can also be white, silver, black or blue. Blue PB is used primarily outdoors and should only be used to carry cold water. Inspectors should be aware that black or white pipes might not be polybutylene (they might be polyethylene or PVC, respectively). Also, PB color is somewhat region-dependant. For instance, experienced homeowners in California might never come across grey PB, while it is quite common elsewhere;
• ½” to 1” in diameter.

Polybutylene pipes can be in a home’s interior or exterior in any of the following locations:

Interior:

• protruding from walls to feed sinks and toilets;
• running across the ceiling in unfinished basements;
• near the water heater.

Exterior:

• entering the home through the basement wall;
• at the water meter;
• at the main water shut-off valve.