Polybutylene Pipe Inspection

Standalone or “secondary” inspections starting at $150

Note: this unique and patented service is included at no extra charge on all home inspections we perform. We can also perform this as a stand-alone service.

About Hidden & Defective Polybutylene Piping:

Water supply piping delivers water to, and in between, all of the plumbing fixtures in a home. For the last century copper has been the industry standard water supply piping in residential structures. However, in the 1980’s many plumbing contractors installed a flexible plastic tubing (trade name ‘Quest’) which was technically called polybutylene (PB) and billed as a “the new and improved water supply piping”. The main reason for the change to the polybutylene (PB) tubing was reduced cost – PB piping was significantly easier and less costly to install when compared to copper. This inexpensive alternative became popular with some builders in the 1980’s through the mid 1990’s and made it’s way in to millions of residential structures. As the years passed there were widespread leakage issues and major property damage associated with PB pipe failures, including many floods that completely ruined countless homes. Specifically, the crimp connectors between fittings were widely accepted as the weak link. Subsequently came gigantic class action lawsuits against the manufacturer and later a near billion dollar settlement. Even though settlement monies were paid out, there are many structures scattered throughout San Diego County that still have hidden PB water piping in service! Needless to say these homes have a high risk of pipe failure and associated water damage. Today it’s common practice to replace any PB piping in a home via a messy and expensive re-pipe with copper or other approved tubing. Replacement costs can range from $7,500 – $20,000 and up.