Polybutylene Pipe Inspection

How copper sink and toilet stub outs transition to pb pipe behind the wall.

About Polybutylene Piping. In the late 1970’s copper plumbing was replaced with a plastic plumbing called polybutylene plumbing. The idea was to prevent leaks that were occurring as copper pipes began to disintegrate. This inexpensive alternative became extremely popular with builders in the 1980’s to the early 1990’s. Developed by Chevron, the plastic connectors for the piping were unexpectedly weakened by the chemicals used to treat drinking water and sewer water. The result was a cracking or break down of the connectors that lead to leaks or breakage and flooding of homes. While the piping didn’t experience any problems, the fittings and connections often failed. The product was never recalled by Chevron but a class action lawsuit was filed against the company.