Why You Need to Replace Polybutylene Pipes
12/10/2020 (Permalink)
Know When To Replace Them
Polybutylene piping is common in older buildings. You may have heard it referred to as poly b plumbing. However, these pipes have caused a lot of damage that can only be fixed by a qualified restoration company. This is because they can fail without warning signs. Therefore, if you find poly b pipes in your building, you should know when to replace them with new plumbing.
When Should You Replace Your Pipes?
Several things can indicate it is time to replace your polybutylene pipes. The most common signs include:
- The pipes have started to break down
- The pipes are starting to flake
- A piece breaks
- You are located in an area that doesn't allow poly b pipes
- You want to purchase property insurance
- You want to sell your home
What Maintenance Can Delay Replacement?
When you discover polybutylene pipes in your building in Mount Prospect, IL, you will probably want to replace them. However, if you do decide to keep them, there are ways you can maintain them so they last longer. For instance, you can hire a plumber to replace the fittings with brass or copper. This limits the breakable parts on your plumbing.
You can also protect your pipes by checking the metal bands that keep them in place. If any become too tight, they can cause the pipes to fracture and water to leak. To avoid this, you can check and loosen any overtightened bands. You should also monitor the pressure reducing valve that protects your pipes. Keep the water pressure in your building under 60 psi for the best results with poly b pipes.
There are certain steps you can take to maintain your poly b pipes. However, you will want to change these eventually. This is because the pipes can break without any warning signs. This can lead to a lot of water damage to your building. Replacing these pipes quickly will reduce this risk.