Polybutylene
What is the problem with polybutylene or “gray poly”? Why does gray poly fail?
Over time polybutylene pipes deteriorate from the inside due to chemical reactions with compounds used to sanitize our drinking water. The poly becomes brittle and eventually develops tiny fissures. These fissures connect together and eventually form a small crack that water will slowly escape through.
How long does it take polybutylene pipe to fail?
Exactly how long it takes a home with gray poly to fail is a difficult question to answer. The polybutylene systems that failed the quickest were due to defective fittings. The current wave of polybutylene failures are occurring due to chemical breakdown of the actual pipes itself and not the fittings. If you have a home with gray poly you should be prepared for leaks to develop at any time.
How do I know when my polybutylene pipes are leaking?
Be on the lookout for signs of slow water seepage from pipes. Since these pipes can be hidden from view behind walls, above ceiling, or in a concrete slab, signs of a leak could include seeing a wet spot on a wall or floor or have a gradually increasing water bill. It is also possible there may be a noticeable a mildew smell in the home.
What precautions should I take if my house has polybutylene?
Turning the water supply off when you are going to be away from the home especially for extended periods. Check the pressure regular valve for proper function using a pressure gauge. Static pressure should never be higher than 80 PSI and should probably be even low in a house with PB. Treat polybutylene pipes with care. If you have exposed pipes you should avoid moving or jostling them.
Will my homeowner’s insurance policy cover the cost of the pipe replacement?
Homeowner’s insurance typically pays for restoration of the home in the event of flood damage caused by a leaking water pipe in the walls, ceiling, crawl space. Insurance providers do not typically pay for the plumbing work itself. Sometimes we are able to speak with the adjuster who will make allowances to offset some of the cost of wall repair and painting associated with the repipe. In the case of a leak in the slab, insurance providers are usually able to substantially offset the cost of a repipe to avoid the damage cause by jackhammering a slab to make a repair.
How much is the cost of a polybutylene pipe replacement?
A number of factors determine the cost of a pipe replacement in your home. These factors include the size of the home, the number of plumbing fixtures, ceiling and wall finishes, the type of foundation (slab, crawlspace, basement), and the materials used. Prices offered by a repipe specialist (such as Plumbing Express) are often much lower than people expect after having had an estimate from a retail service plumbing company.
Should I list a home with polybutylene pipe in it?
Some of the best realtors advise their client to make major repairs in advance and list their home only when it is free of major defects and in a “clean” condition. These realtors know from experience that many qualified prospective buyers will avoid properties with major issues such as polybutylene plumbing unless major concessions are made. Replacing the polybutylene prior to listing takes away a major bargaining chip that buyers can leverage to reduce the sale price. Fixing major defects allows sellers to close more quickly and at a higher profit.
What are some myths about polybutylene?
As is true with many aspects of the plumbing system, there is misinformation passed around. Probably the most common misnomer about gray poly is that polybutylene systems with copper fittings will not leak. It is true that gray poly systems with copper fittings have lasted longer because the fittings are less likely to fail. However, the gray poly pipe itself in a system with copper fittings is just as likely to leak as in a system with other fittings. The chemical deterioration of polybutylene is not slowed down by the type of fittings in the system.
What is polybutylene? What are poly pipes?
Polybutylene is the chemical name of the plastic used to make infamous gray poly pipes. Gray poly pipes were widely used for a couple of decades in residential new construction in the US. Gray poly water pipes are no longer allowed to be used for residential plumbing applications due to their tendency to degrade over time through exposure to compounds present in municipal drinking water that are used for water treatment.
Can I finance my pipe replacement?
We offer several payment option including including credit cards, payment at closing, and financing with approved credit.
How is Plumbing Express different from competing repipe specialists?
Plumbing Express is a well established company with a brick-and-mortar office location. We use a team of W2 employees instead of independent sub-contractors. We use the high quality pipe, valve, and fittings instead of imported knockoffs. Our drywall repair and painting are not performed by the plumbers. We never run pipes in the attic unless it is absolutely necessary. We believe it is imperative to visit the jobsite to give an accurate price quote and to ensure the job goes smoothly.
What kind of pipe should I use to replace my polybutylene?
When replacing polybutylene pipes, material choice matters, but quality and installation matter even more.
At Plumbing Express, we primarily install FlowGuard Gold® CPVC and PEX-A piping systems. Both materials are code-approved and have proven to perform well when installed correctly using matched, name-brand fittings and valves.
- CPVC (FlowGuard Gold®) has a long track record and excellent resistance to corrosion.
- PEX-A offers flexibility and freeze resistance and is a strong option when high-quality materials and proper methods are used.
Because we offer one of the best warranties in the market, we do not use generic or low-quality imported piping. We also avoid mixing systems or relying on subcontractors who bring their own materials, common sources of premature failures and repeat repipes.
Bottom line:
We install piping systems we’re willing to stand behind long-term, using proven materials and best-practice installation and not shortcuts.
If you’re replacing polybutylene and want help choosing the right option for your home, we’re happy to walk you through it.
Does polybutylene plumbing require lower pressure?
Having lower than normal pressure in a polybutylene system can delay the formation of leaks. Higher static pressure in degraded polybutylene will cause leaks sooner than low pressure in a degraded polybutylene system. Lower pressure can also decrease the performance of your plumbing system..
Can polybutylene pipe be glued?
If you are asking this question, you should not attempt to repair the polybutylene pipe yourself. Repairs on polybutylene are typically made using push-type fittings. All repairs on polybutylene are unreliable and should be monitored for failure. Do yourself and your household a favor by calling a professional plumber. Our number is: 770-400-9219.
What is a polybutylene manifold?
A manifold is a central distribution point for a plumbing system. A manifold is a large injection molded chamber typically having one inlet for the water supply and multiple outlets. The advantage of a manifold system is that it provides individual shutoffs for each fixture in your home. The disadvantage of a manifold is that it requires much more piping material and labor to install. Manifold systems were popular with polybutylene piped homes and are currently employed with pex piping systems. Manifolds are typically installed as new construction and not as retro-fit.
Pipe Replacement Process
Why choose Plumbing Express for my home repipe?
Choosing Plumbing Express means partnering with a team that values precision, transparency, and customer care above all. Our commitment to you includes:
- Accuracy and Transparency: By evaluating your home’s plumbing system in person, we ensure that our quote reflects the true scope of work required. This attention to detail helps prevent unexpected costs, aligning your expectations with the project realities from the start.
- Customized Solutions: Each home is unique, and so are its plumbing needs. Our on-site assessment allows us to be prepared specifically for your home, ensuring that the repipe process is as smooth and non-intrusive as possible.
- Trust and Confidence: Our direct engagement with you, the homeowner, is designed to build trust and confidence in our capabilities. This face-to-face interaction allows you to ask questions, voice concerns, and receive immediate, knowledgeable feedback based on our repiping expertise.
- Educational Opportunity: We view each on-site quote as a chance to educate our customers about their plumbing systems and our process. This knowledge ensures you are well-informed about the repiping process and comfortable that you know how to prepare for it.
- Thorough Planning and Communication: Utilizing advanced tools like Service Titan, we meticulously document every detail of your project, ensuring seamless communication and coordination among our team. This thorough planning translates into efficient, quality service tailored to your specific needs.
What is a slab? What is a slab leak? What should I do about a slab leak?
A “slab” is the concrete foundation that many houses are built on. It is very common to have plumbing pipes encased in the concrete slab. For various reasons these pipes encased in the concrete slab can develop leaks – these leaks are referred to as “slab leaks.” Slab leaks in pipes typically develop due to a chemical reaction. Gray Poly pipes reacts with chlorine in the water over a long period of time. Copper pipes, when not properly sleeved at the time of installation can react with the soil and concrete to develope leaks. Slab leaks can also occur for other unknown reasons.
We typically recommend a partial or complete repipe to bypass pipes in the slab as opposed to repairing the pipe in the slab. Repairing slab pipes is very invasive and costly and we do not recommend it. Slab repairs involve jackhammering the slab, removing flooring, basboard, etc. Also, it is very common for mulitple slab leaks to exist at the same time or for a slab leak to develope in a different place soon after one repair has been made. The means for locating slab leak can be inaccurate. Pipe replacement is often the most economical route because it actually ads value to the home instead of being a “band aid.” Insurance companies will often apply a portion of what would be a slab repair claim to a complete home pipe replacement.
How many holes will be cut in the walls and ceiling for my pipe replacement?
Is drywall repair included in my pipe replacement?
Can I have a price over the phone from Plumbing Express?
Can Plumbing Express give me service today?
Do people stay in the home while the pipes are being replaced?
How long does a pipe replacement take?
Can you match the texture on my ceiling?
I have defective (leaking) pipes in the concrete slab my home is built on. How do you replace these pipes in my slab?
How is Plumbing Express different from competing service plumbers with respect to repiping services?
What is an interior pipe replacement?
Do you offer free polybutylene inspections?
Sewer & Drain
How much should I use my garbage disposer?
What is a main line blockage?
When talking about the drain system, the “main line” refers to the home/building sewer. According to the 2012 International Plumbing Code, a building sewer (aka the “main line”) is defined as:
“That part of the drainage system that extends from the end of the building drain and conveys the discharge to a public sewer, private sewer, individual sewage disposal system or other point of disposal.
Basically this mean the drain pipe in your yard. When the main line is blocked you may notice backups in your tub/shower, gurgling in toilet, or water flowing out of a sewer cleanout port in your yard. Main line blockages can cause property damage and unsafe conditions. You should cease running any water and contact a plumber immediately if you have a main line blockage.
What chemicals can I use on my drain system?
Popular drain opening chemicals can be strong organic solvents and should be carefully handled. We generally do not recommend drain opening chemicals although they can be effective opening local drains such as a sink or shower. Drain opening is best accomplished by using a mechanical means such as an auger or plunger. Chemicals never work on major drain clogs such as a main line blockage. The only way to open these type of drain clogs is by using a powerful sewer auger or a hydro jet.
Enzymes (such as those sold by Bioclean and Zep) are good for keeping drains open on a preventative basis. These products send sludge eating microbes into your drain system to keep the sidewalls of the pipe clean. This reduces friction and waste flows though the pipe and decreases the probability of a blockage.
Water Heaters
How Often Should I Service My Hot Water Heater?
Is electric or gas a better fuel source for a water heater?
How long does a water heater last?
A typical water heater lasts around 8 to 12 years. The exact lifespan depends on factors like the type of water heater, the quality of the unit, how well it’s maintained, and the water quality in your area.
- Traditional tank water heaters (gas or electric) generally last 8-12 years with proper care.
- Tankless water heaters, which heat water on demand, can last 20 years or more due to their more efficient design and the absence of a storage tank.
Regular maintenance, such as flushing the tank to remove sediment and inspecting components annually, can help extend your water heater’s lifespan.
Why Choose Rinnai® Tankless Water Heaters?
We believe Rinnai® Tankless is simply the best option on the market. A Rinnai Tankless Water Heater solves the tank heater water inconsistency problem because hot water becomes delivered at a precise temperature to every fixture. Imagine providing unlimited hot water to your home. As an exclusive dealer and servicer of Rinnai Tankless Water Heaters, Plumbing Express receives the highest level of Rinnai training at Rinnai Headquarters.
Rinnai® is the registered trademark of Rinnai Corporation used under license by Rinnai America Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
What is your most popular gas water tank heater?
The Rheem® Professional Classic Plus Series Atmospheric is the most popular gas water tank heater that we install.
Product Features:
- Highly reliable
- Professional Grade – heavy duty
- Made in North America the USA
- Tanks welded in Mexico and assembled in Mobile, Alabama.
- 40-50 gal and up
- Natural gas powered – the most efficient and environmentally friendly (based on total carbon footprint versus electric).
- Eco-Friendly burner
- Premium Anode Rode to maximize the life of your heater.
- Easy to light with no matches required
- Brass drain valve
Rheem® is the registered trademark of Rheem Manufacturing Company. All Rights Reserved.
Do I need a drain pan for my water heater?
If you are in the Great State of Georgia, a water heater drain pan usually isn’t necessary. A water heater drain pan is required when the water heater is located above a ceiling or in an attic. Let’s turn our codebooks to section 504.7 in the 2014 Amendments to the 2012 International. It says:
“504.7 Required pan. Pans shall be installed under storage-type water heaters or water heater storage tanks installed in attics or above ceilings. The pan shall be galvanized steel having a minimum thickness of 24 gauge, or other pans approved for such use. Pans are not required under tankless water heaters. (Effective January 1, 2014)”
Water heater drain pans can provide a false sense of security. If your water heater develops a hole that is significant in size, it can easily overwhelm the drain on the pan and overflow.
Is my leaking water heater repairable?
If the leak is coming from the bottom of the tank or the very top, it is not repairable because the tank has corroded through. If the leak is coming from the temperature and pressure relief valve on the side you may need to check the pressure regulator valve in your house and/or change the temperature and pressure relief valve.
What Atlanta Homeowners Say About Plumbing Express
Our 4.9-star rating comes from 2,000+ Google reviews written by real homeowners across Metro Atlanta. Here is what a few of them had to say.
Read more reviews on Google or visit our customer reviews page to see why Atlanta homeowners choose Plumbing Express.
Service couldn’t be completed due to needing a new system. We appreciate the very informative visit as well as insight that could help after a new unit install.
Plumbing Express was great. I had a failed sump pump that had partially overflowed into the basement. Nasty. Josh was the tech that did the work. He was efficient, neat and courteous. I will use Plumbing Express if I have any other plumbing needs and I will recommend them to my family and friends.
The technician was very knowledgeable and professional. I believe they did a very good job.
Ron was our second plumber from this company. The first plumber came, examined pipes and said he found no leak, even though we had experiences a large amount of water leaking from the ceiling in the finished basement. Several days later we had another leak-same area but less water the second time. Ron came in, listened to our frustration and did a more thorough inspection of the pipes and identified the problem. He was very personable and professional. On his third visit, we had several replacement pipes installed and are without leaks again. Our frustration, with the situation, was my son had used your company to replace pipes when he purchased the home and founding out not all the pipes were included with that process.
Tim arrived on time and was very professional. He took his time to explain the problem and the process it would take fix the water line.
Called Plumbing Express as tankless hot water not operating. Their website states "Get Free Plumbing Quote ". When service man showed up an looked at unit he said there would be a $207 charge to look into unit in order to give me a quote to fix unit. Due to not having hot water and time required to get another company to address the problem I agreed to pay $207 for quote. After looking in unit I was told he would not be able to fix due to age of unit and parts not available. I think he should have said parts not available when seeing model number on front of unit and I would not have wasted $207.
Outstanding customer service, we will definitely be using them in the future for any plumbing needs. Can’t thank them enough!
Extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. The team was excellent. The job was completed in 1 day with a great team. Very expressive.
Daniel Perez was great in coming out to check the problem I had with a water leak from my air conditioner line. His recommendation was correct.
Great and informative service while I was in a bind without a functioning water heater.
Plumbing Express is my go-to plumbing support team. They have fair pricing, well-vetted technicians, and a truly exceptional scheduling system. Rod, my technician, was the best. He quickly assessed the problem and gave a fair estimate, working hard to keep to the schedule. He even brought Josh along on the day of service, and the two of them worked well together. They addressed the bathtub drain repair with expertise and caused the least sheetrock damage. It was difficult to replace the broken pipe and get to the upstairs drain, but together they made it a success.
Daniel did a great job and was very professional during his service call last week!
Rod and Josh did an awesome job taking care of my clogged sinks. Knowledgable, professional and great to work with - I really appreciated their help today and would highly recommend them and Plumbing Express!
Daniel was excellent. The work he did was simply superb. I highly recommend your company and hopefully Daniel will get more and more work
Dylan from Plumbing Express came over and replaced our garbage disposal for us. It was older, had a massive leak, and needed to be replaced. He did a great job and was in and out in about 30 minutes! I also asked him to check out a potential leak I had been hearing in my ceiling. He used a thermal camera to investigate and was very honest and upfront about what he found. Rather than immediately cutting into the drywall to confirm something uncertain, he explained that the sound could simply be pipes expanding and that opening the wall might be unnecessary. He recommended monitoring the area and waiting to see if a wet spot appears, which would clearly indicate an actual leak. I really appreciated that he didn’t try to upsell or push unnecessary work. Overall, great service and a great guy. They will definitely be our go-to plumbing service from now on.
Once again we had some problems under our kitchen sink so we called Plumbing Express who were able to get us on their schedule pretty quickly after these storms Tim Robinson came out to do the job. Tim has been to our house for a number of different plumbing problems. He is personable & professional. As usual he did a great job even though this particular problem turned out to be far more difficult than anyone had expected. As frustrating as it was, Tim worked through it until he finished the job. We can't thank him enough.
Anthony was very competent, professional and friendly. He answered all my questions throughly. Highly recommend!
Schedule Plumbing Service in Atlanta, GA Today
Plumbing Express has served Metro Atlanta homeowners since 2007. With a 4.9-star rating from 2,000+ reviews, licensed and insured technicians, and upfront pricing on every job, we are the plumber in Atlanta, GA that homeowners trust for same-day repairs, whole home repiping, water heater installation, and drain cleaning.
Whether you need a routine repair or a complete repipe, our W-2 plumbers show up on time, explain your options, and get the job done right. Every project is backed by our satisfaction guarantee and warranty.
Call (678) 439-9540 now to schedule your appointment, or book your service online. Same-day appointments are available.