Buying a home built in the 1990s? You may be stepping into hidden risk: Poly‑B (polybutylene) plumbing. Once valued for its flexibility, easy install, and low cost, Poly‑B is now known for quietly degrading especially when exposed to chlorine, heat, and pressure. This can lead to cracks, leaks, and even sudden pipe failures.
Why Poly‑B Can Be Troubling
Chlorine Degradation & Micro-Fractures
Even small amounts of chlorine in water slowly eat away at Poly‑B, creating hairline fractures inside the pipe. Over time, these can lead to leaks—or worse—burst pipes and water damage.High Heat & Poor Fittings
Poly‑B struggles with heat, becoming brittle near hot water heaters. Combine that with plastic fittings or overly crimped connections, and you've got weak spots that can fail without warning.Invisible Until It’s Too Late
A House Inspector might pass Poly‑B piping as “OK,” even though the real threat lies inside the walls. That’s why we recommend a licensed plumber inspect or test the system before you commit.Insurance Headaches
Insurers know Poly‑B's reputation. Many will insist on a full re‑pipe before underwriting coverage—or they may charge higher premiums, or refuse to renew altogether.
What Can You Do?
Identify it early: Look for gray, black, or blue plastic piping—often labeled “PB2110”—especially near your water meter or hot water tank. Bring in a plumber if you're unsure.
Mitigate temporarily: If you must buy a home with intact Poly‑B, avoid high water pressure, keep hot water heater temps moderate, and install a chlorine filter to slow degradation.
Plan for full replacement: Proactively re-plumbing with modern options like PEX or copper can cost between $3,000–$25,000—yes, that's significant. But so is repairing flood or mold damage later.
Why Errol & Home Collective Care
At Home Collective, we're not just here to show you houses, we're here to help you protect your home buying journey. If a property has Poly‑B, we’ll walk you through your options: inspecting, quoting, negotiating, or walking away if needed. There is no checklist that’s more important than being informed and purchasing your home with peace of mind.
So, if you're looking at homes from the 90s, let’s talk. We’ll make sure nothing slips beneath the surface.