Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Jun 03, 1999 04:24am | #1

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   Cary,

   Polybutylene tubing (the grey stuff)has a history of in-service failure and is no longer approved for new installations. It is not being manufactured. Available stocks are for maintenance and repair of existing systems only. A newer product with similiar installation characteristics is cross-linked polyethelene (PEX). The folowing web site has more information about PEX and links to several manufactures [http://terrylove.com/pipe.htm].

2. 
   RF | Jun 03, 1999 08:05am | #2

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   I completely replumbed a rental house with polybutyline several years ago buying it by the roll and using only poly compression fittings,it's held up with no failures for about four years.The failure as I recall was caused by metal connectors that were banded on.I would still use it,but the bad name could hurt an appraisel or resale and it is probably no longer code.

3. 
   Guest_ | Jun 04, 1999 05:10am | #3

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   In addition to the issue of improper/insecure connectors, I believe that water systems with high clorine content can cause premature failure of the polybutylene tubing itself.

4. 
   John_Grimes | Jun 04, 1999 06:03am | #4

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   Polybutylene had two problems. The copper band that was used to secure the tubing to a connector required a special tool and that tool had to be carefully calibrated so that it was tight enough but not too tight. Needless to say proper cal. was not always done, thereby often causing unseen stress cracks that caused the tubing to fail. The second problem was that the early connectors, elbows, T's, and the like were made with a different mix and they were highly susecptible to chlorine and would become brittle and fail. PEX is the answer for a like material that works. PEX has been used in Europe for many years, 1st for underfloor water heating, and later for regular plumbing.

5. 
   Cary_Severn | Jun 04, 1999 06:03am | #5

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   Good Day:
   Have any Plumbers or Homeowners seen or have heard of Polybutylene piping being used as a replacement for galvy or copper systems?
   http://ralenti.co.nz/q_qpiping/hep20a.htm