polybutylene pipe, with well water

[Rich Sumen]

I ran accross what I'm 95% sure, is polybutylene water pipe.
See photo. This was in a house built in 1988 and has a well
water system. I know the downside to this pipe is mostly that
"clorine" and other city water additives, can degrade the piping,
but if there is "spring well water", is the presence ofpolybutylene,
pipe still a big issue?

I would love a plumbers opinion on this.

Also, Was pex around in 1988? Could it be pex?

Thanks in advance.

[Dom D'Agostino]

"Could it be PEX? "

No, the pipe in the photos isn't PEX, its poly.

A total re-plumb or re-pipe is necessary.

[Gunnar Alquist]

I ran accross what I'm 95% sure, is polybutylene water pipe. See photo. This was in a house built in 1988 and has a well
water system. I know the downside to this pipe is mostly that
"clorine" and other city water additives, can degrade the piping,
but if there is "spring well water", is the presence ofpolybutylene,
pipe still a big issue? I would love a plumbers opinion on this. Also, Was pex around in 1988? Could it be pex? Thanks in advance.

Yep, PB.

Hasn't leaked yet. ;) I wouldn't want to be the one to replace it. I suggest you defer to a plumbing contractor and let them deal with it.

[Scott Cook]

There was a huge class action suit against DuPont, the makers of PB pipe. Up until about 2 years ago they were paying for its replacement. It has kept hundreds, if not thousands, of plumbers employeed for the last decade. Unfortunately, it is too late now to make a claim. Polybutylene Plumbing Pipe Leak Relief (http://www.spencerclass.com/index2.htm)

[Gregory Booth]

Being involved in the manufactured home industry, I've seen and serviced many hundreds of homes piped with Pb (most commonly Quest). Every instance I have encountered with leaks, and there have been many, it has always been the plastic (acetal) fittings that leak. Over time the plastic fittings become brittle and develop cracks which eventually rupture. Systems using the copper fittings have always been OK. I have never encountered the actual pipe leaking, whether on well or muni systems.

[Scott Cook]

Being involved in the manufactured home industry, I've seen and serviced many hundreds of homes piped with Pb (most commonly Quest). Every instance I have encountered with leaks, and there have been many, it has always been the plastic (acetal) fittings that leak. Over time the plastic fittings become brittle and develop cracks which eventually rupture. Systems using the copper fittings have always been OK. I have never encountered the actual pipe leaking, whether on well or muni systems.

That's true, the rep I talked to had told me that is where the leaks originated. I don't know if there would be any problem with the situation with the well water, as I am not convinced that chlorine was the only problem.