Sep 02 2008
Polybutylene Pipe
Every once in a while, I see homes on the market with Polybutylene pipe.
What is Polybutylene pipe? Why does it matter?
Polybutylene pipe was used in the construction of millions of homes throughout the U.S. between 1978 and 1995. It was soon discovered that as poly pipe ages and reacts with water-soluble oxidants, it begins to degrade and can leak, causing severe damage to the surrounding building structure (Shell Oil Company settled a class action lawsuit over problems with polybutylene pipe). If you are considering a home containing this type of water supply pipe, you might want to rethink your offer, or at the very least, lower your offering price to allow for complete replacement of the plumbing. It may cost as much as $5,000 to replace the plumbing, and it would be money well spent.
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