Everything You Need To Know About Polybutylene Pipes (2023)

Polybutylene pipes are a type of plastic piping that was once widely used for potable water supply lines in residential homes from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s. The pipes are made of a flexible plastic material that breaks down easily with water chlorination and can flake chemical residue into the water supply.

At the time, they were easy to install and thought to be a cost-effective alternative to copper piping. However, durability and safety concerns led to a class action lawsuit, which resulted in millions of dollars in compensation to homeowners. Thereafter, production of PB pipes was discontinued.

Polybutylene pipe replacement costs vary based on several factors:

Type of Material Used

PEX, PVC, CPVC or copper are reliable types of plumbing pipes, but copper is the most expensive. The average cost of installing PEX or PVC in a small one-bathroom house can range from $1,500 to $2,500. For a three bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom, two-story house, prices can run between $3,000 and $7,000. Copper pipes can reach $20,000. The average installation cost is $0.90 per foot for PEX pipe and $6.25 per foot for copper pipe.

Number of Plumbing Fixtures

The more plumbing fixtures your house has, the more you’ll pay for polybutylene pipes. Also, accessibility of the pipes, in addition to repairing and repainting holes in walls or ceilings, will also affect the total price.

The Company You Choose

Different companies quote different prices and timelines for repair. Shop around for the best possible deal. We recommend getting quoted from at least three different quotes.

House Size

Labor and materials costs increase based on the number of floors, length of pipes and number of rooms with bathrooms and sinks that your house has.

Permits

Plumbing permits cost anywhere between $70 and $400. This may be included in the plumber’s cost, but often this falls to the homeowner. A plumber may also charge anywhere from $50 to $150 to be present at mandatory pre- and post-repair inspections.

Location

Each neighborhood, city or state commands a distinct price range. Research the standard in your area to make sure the quotes you’re receiving are on par.

Polybutylene pipes should be replaced because they can’t be repaired. Their average lifespan is 10 to 15 years. If you have polybutylene pipes in your home, then you should replace them before they break. PB pipes and their fittings are prone to breaking, leaking and causing extensive water damage. Hidden leaks may cause rot and mold. Replace them with copper, PEX or PVC pipes. These alternatives are reliable and usually come with lifetime guarantees.

In the late 90s, polybutylene pipes were installed in underground water mains and inside of homes. Most commonly, they’re found in the basement, crawl spaces or near water heaters. One-half-inch to a full-inch diameter pipes were used for plumbing and they were fitted with valves, manifolds and adapters to connect to more piping or to a major appliance. Once fully installed, the system was tested for leaks. However, due to the discovery of numerous issues with polybutylene pipes, they are no longer permitted for new plumbing installations.

Replacing polybutylene pipes can involve a disconnection of the old system, bypassing that system and installing a new plumbing system with copper or PVC pipes. Plumbers may also choose to cut away and remove the old system and replace it with the new system. A replacement usually takes two to five days.

To arrive at the average costs in this article, editorial team members surveyed four providers and cost databases on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.