Polybutylene Pipe Replacement

Polybutylene Pipe Replacement & Water Service Repair

Most polybutylene pipe – also referred to as “water service pipe” or “yard service pipe” or “poly pipe” is underground. It is the pipe that carries water from the street into the house that is installed in and around homes in the greater Baltimore area. There is also some polybutylene pipe installed inside the home plumbing system, but it is not common in the Baltimore area. To learn more about our polybutylene pipe replacement services please contact us today.

Polybutylene pipe is a blue (or gray) plastic pipe manufactured by the Shell Oil Corporation. It was installed in homes between approximately 1978 and 1995 – mostly in new construction – but it was also used to replace water services in older homes as well. It was found that chlorine added to sanitize our drinking water reacts with the polybutylene making it brittle. All polybutylene pipes will fail for this reason. It is just a question of when it will happen… not if it will. I typically see a surge in polybutylene pipe replacement when the seasons change. The ground changes temperature and so does our potable water. The change in temperature causes the “Big Blue” to expand or contract aggravating its weakness.

Do I have Polybutylene Pipe?

Here are some ways you can tell if you have a polybutylene pipe for your water service pipe…

• If you see any blue plastic pipe where your water service enters the home.
• If you see a gray plastic fitting when your water service pipe enters the home.
• Some poly is totally hidden underground. We would have to come out and check for you.

Other ways to tell would include a summary of info such as…

• My house was built between 1978 and 1995.
• My neighbors on my street or in my neighborhood have had it replaced.
• I have a higher than usual water bill.
• My yard is always wet.
• My sump pump runs too much.
• The front wall of my basement is damp or wet.

Why should I have my polybutylene pipe replaced?

There are several advantages to being proactive about polybutylene pipe replacement…

• If a break occurs in the foundation wall, or near it, you could have water damage which could include personal property damage i.e. carpets, furniture, walls, even AC, and heating equipment.
• Also, the new asbestos of our time is mold. Water not properly cleaned up can lead to mold growing in your walls and under your carpets. The spores get into your ductwork system and are distributed around the house causing health risks.
• A break outside the home can cause the earth to be washed away from under sidewalks and driveways causing them to crack or even give way.
• Most homes sold undergo a home inspection. Most buyers will negotiate the replacement of the pipe before purchasing the property as they are aware of the potential hazards of leaving the pipe in service.
• You could end up with a huge water bill. I have had customers who have received water bills in excess of $600.00 because of this pipe leaking underground and undetected.
• Polybutylene pipe replacement that is done before a break often turns out much better aesthetically and usually costs less, too. You can plan when to do it rather than in an emergency type of repair. Five Star Plumbing Services offers discounts to customers who pre-schedule their polybutylene pipe replacement.

Areas We Serve for Polybutylene Pipe Replacement Services

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