Polybutylene pipe is often used for plumbing systems. The material is also referred to as plastic pipe. Plumbers use polybutylene for drainage systems and for connecting water pipes. The material has many different uses and is quite flexible. It can be used as long as it’s secured and it can be formed into a variety of shapes. This is the main reason why this material is used extensively in plumbing systems.
Polybutylene pipe is usually made from the blend of PVCu and butyraldehyde. Not to be mistaken with polybutylene, PB-1 is primarily used in plumbing. Although PB-1 has its benefits, including the ability to resist extreme temperatures, it is not as versatile as other piping materials and isn’t very resistant to corrosion. That said, there are some advantages associated with using polybutylene pipe in plumbing systems. In this article we will discuss the best plumbers for installing this material:
There are some common plumbing issues that can occur with polybutylene pipes. One of these is corrosion – this material tends to oxidize under certain conditions. So when looking for plumbers, make sure they have extensive training and experience working with PB-type piping. The good news is that many plumbing and drain cleaning businesses now offer a PBX certification, which demonstrates their training in this material and ensures that they will be competent and knowledgeable about solving any problems with your plumbing system.
Another problem that can occur with polybutylene pipe is breakage. While the material itself is relatively resistant to breaking, the external breakage can be extremely problematic, especially in areas where it’s hard to work and maintain pipe pressure. If there is a sudden increase in pressure in a pipe, this can lead to bending that can cause large amounts of damage. If a homeowner were to attempt to repair a break in this type of piping, he or she would need to use larger diameter copper or rubber pipes, which can actually make the situation worse. Fortunately, most PBX pipe problems don’t require any special tools; however, in the case of severe failures, it might be worth calling a professional in to complete a more in-depth inspection and repair.
Perhaps the most common design mistake seen with polybutylene pipe is incorrectly drilling through the wall or house. Determining if an install will create a problem involves considering several factors – including the amount of space between the inside wall and the exterior wall, how large the holes will be, how close they will be to each other, and the type of roof that will be over the area. Some of the most common problems associated with this type of piping include: leakages that cause water to seep underneath the house, which can result in structural damage, cracks in the interior walls of the house, and even leaks in the roof itself. While many of these problems are not too serious, some can result in mold growth and other health related concerns. While improper drilling can sometimes be resolved by covering the hole, in other cases, it may mean continuing repairs into the future.
With many of these types of problems, homeowners are often left with no other option but to contact a plumber and ask for a replacement. Since many of these plastic pipes and joints are quite flimsy, it is important to remember that in the event of a break in, a plumber cannot simply place a new joint in place and resume plumbing work. Many times, contacting a local plumber first will allow you to make any necessary repairs before moving on to larger projects, such as a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer. Most of the time, these cases end up settling out of court, and the manufacturers themselves do not take responsibility for any damage or harm that occurs due to their products. For this reason, it is always wise to contact a trusted lawyer to discuss your polybutylene pipe and plastic piping situation and ask for guidance on what you should do next.
