What Are Polybutylene Pipes?
Polybutylene (PB) is a gray, flexible plastic pipe used extensively in residential construction from 1978 to 1995. It was marketed as a cheaper alternative to copper. The problem: chlorine and other oxidants in municipal water slowly degrade polybutylene from the inside, causing it to become brittle and crack without warning. A class-action lawsuit resulted in a $950 million settlement.
Do You Have Polybutylene?
Check your home's plumbing: polybutylene pipes are gray (sometimes white or cream), flexible, and typically 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter. Look under sinks, in the crawl space, at the water heater connections, and at the main shutoff valve. Copper fittings with gray plastic pipe is a telltale sign. Many Boise homes built between 1980 and 1995 in West Boise, parts of Meridian, and Nampa used polybutylene.
- ✓ Gray, white, or cream-colored flexible plastic pipe
- ✓ Often connected with copper or brass crimp rings
- ✓ Stamped 'PB2110' on the pipe surface
- ✓ Common in 1980-1995 Boise construction
- ✓ Found in West Boise, Meridian, Nampa homes of that era
The Risk
Polybutylene failures are unpredictable and catastrophic. A pipe can function for 20 years then crack without warning, flooding your home. Insurance companies are increasingly refusing to insure homes with PB pipes or charging higher premiums. Real estate transactions can be complicated by their presence.
Free polybutylene inspection — we'll confirm if your pipes are PB and provide replacement options.
Call (208) 555-0199 — Free EstimateReplacement Options
The industry-standard replacement is PEX (cross-linked polyethylene). PEX is flexible, corrosion-resistant, freeze-tolerant, and less expensive than copper. A whole-house repipe from PB to PEX typically takes 1-3 days depending on home size. We coordinate drywall repair and minimize disruption to your daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are polybutylene pipes dangerous?
They're not a health hazard in the water, but they fail unpredictably. A single pipe burst can cause $10,000-$50,000 in water damage. The risk increases with pipe age — all PB pipes are now 30+ years old.
How much does polybutylene replacement cost in Boise?
Whole-house PEX repiping ranges from $4,000-$12,000 depending on home size, number of fixtures, and access difficulty. This is a fraction of the potential water damage from a pipe failure.
Will my insurance cover polybutylene pipe failure?
Most policies cover the resulting water damage but not the pipe replacement. Some insurers are dropping coverage for homes with known PB pipes. Replacing proactively protects your insurability.
How long does PEX repiping take?
Most homes are completed in 1-3 days. We work room by room, maintaining water service to other areas during the process. Drywall repair is coordinated as a follow-up.
Related Services
Serving All Treasure Valley Communities
Ready to get this fixed? Call us for same-day service.
Call (208) 555-0199 — Free Estimate