Common Problems Plumbers Notice About Polybutylene Pipes

Posted in Pipe Repair, on January 25, 2023

Plumbing trouble is a headache for any property owner, and it’s especially true if your home has polybutylene or PB pipes. These pipes were commonly used in homes built between 1978-1995 and have since been a common culprit behind various plumbing problems. As one of the most reliable plumbers near Fort Lauderdale, Broward Plumbing offers polybutylene pipe repair to restore health to your property, from drain cleaning to pipe repair and replacement, the Broward Plumbing team provides you specialist plumbing services to restore your pipes. 

In this blog post, the Broward Plumbing experts explore how to identify PB pipes, the signs of trouble, and why it is often best to replace them with PVC pipes.  

How Plumbers Identify Polybutylene Pipes

The material is one of the first things plumbers look for when identifying PB pipes. These pipes are usually:

• Gray or black in color with a smooth surface.
• Relatively more flexible than other piping materials. 
• Can have an identifying code ‘PB2110’ stamped onto them.
• Usually have plastic fittings, though they can also have copper or metal fittings.  

However, not all gray or black pipes are PB pipes; they could also be PVC. If you think your home plumbing has PB, contact a reliable plumber near Fort Lauderdale to arrange a plumbing inspection. With PB, it’s better to take preventive action than make desperate calls to plumbing services when disaster strikes!

Signs You Need PB Pipe Repair Plumbing Services

Once a plumber has identified that a home has PB pipes, they will then look for signs of trouble like:

• Frequent pipe leaks: PB pipes are prone to cracking and breaking, which can cause frequent leakages. These leaks can cause water damage and lead to unhealthy mold and mildew. 
• Corrosion: Over time, the chemicals and minerals in the water can cause the pipes to corrode. Even tiny traces of chlorine and other chemicals in the water supply can slowly erode polybutylene. This can affect water flow and may cause mico-leaks.
• Warps & Bursts: PB pipes are also susceptible to damage from excessive water pressure and heat that can cause them to warp or burst.

About Polybutylene Pipe Repair

Plumbers near Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton have a few options when it comes to repairing PB pipes. Most plumbing services don’t recommend polybutylene pipe repair, as the pipes may continue to leak or break over time. Patching the leaks or cracks in the lines can be a temporary solution. Another option is to replace the damaged sections, though it can be costly and time-consuming. At Broward Plumbing, we suggest polybutylene pipe replacement which will increase your property value and reduce the stress of plumbing blockages. 

Why Replace with PVC Pipes

Most plumbing experts recommend complete polybutylene pipe replacement as the best solution for PB pipes. Replacing the plumbing with durable PVC pipes at the earliest could spare you the nightmare of pipe bursts, flooding, or structural damage. PVC pipes are more durable, corrosion-resistant, and long-lasting, with reduced chance of sudden leaks, bursts, or sewage backups. 

Polybutylene Pipe Replacement with Broward Plumbing 

Property owners should have their PB pipes inspected by a competent plumbing service to ensure they are in good working condition or whether they need replacement. If you’re concerned about the potential problems with polybutylene pipes, act now! Don’t risk expensive repairs or damage to your property. Call a skilled and licensed professional from Broward Plumbing to schedule an inspection and evaluation today!

Talk to a Plumber Near You.