一些信息

From the mid-1970s through the late 1990s, polybutylene pipes were installed in 6-10 million US homes. They were inexpensive and easy to install--but homeowners and plumbing professionals have discovered one serious flaw: Over time, oxidation, and exposure to chlorine in the water supply causes the pipes to swell and crack, leading to widespread flood damage throughout the home, usually without any warning.

 

Many home inspectors will detect polybutylene plumbing lines, but they are not required to report this finding, and thus it may go unaddressed. Identifying polybutylene pipes can be tricky, as they appear similar to other plastic resin piping, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene. Polybutylene pipes, which are sometimes used in conjunction with copper piping, are described as:

• white or gray in color
• having a dull or matte finish
• approximately 1/2" to 1" in diameter
• often stamped with "PB2110"