Polybutylene pipe replacement in Atlanta

What it is

InterNACHI says polybutylene was manufactured between 1978 and mid-1995 for home plumbing and was installed in up to 10 million U.S. homes. It cites studies finding that some water disinfectants react with the plastic and cause it to flake and crack from the inside, and notes manufacturers have said most leaks occur at joints (InterNACHI). Class-action lawsuits against the manufacturers resulted in payouts to homeowners (InterNACHI).

How to spot it

InterNACHI says polybutylene is usually stamped PB2110, is flexible and sometimes curved, and is most commonly gray, though it can be white, silver, black or blue. Look where pipes come out of walls to sinks and toilets, across unfinished basement ceilings, near the water heater, at the water meter and at the main shut-off valve (InterNACHI).

Replacement

Washington's insurance commissioner notes that plumbing doesn't last forever and older pipes may have outlived their lifespan (Washington OIC). Repiping a house usually means opening walls and ceilings; Atlanta's plumbing permit form lists altering piping inside a wall, ceiling or floor as permitted work (City of Atlanta).

Checking the plumber

Georgia licenses plumbers through the Secretary of State. The state does not register plumbing companies, and only licensed master plumbers may run a plumbing business (Georgia Secretary of State). A Class I master plumber license covers single-family homes and one-level homes for up to two families; Class II has no restrictions (Georgia Secretary of State). Ask for the master plumber's name and check it in the state's licensee search.

Common questions

Does insurance care?

Ask your agent whether polybutylene affects your coverage or renewal. Insurers generally treat gradual leaks as maintenance (Washington OIC).