polybutylene?

[mnicholet]

I found a little of this hidden in my inspection today. I could not see any data stamped onto the piping although I am thinking it is polybutylene. Can someone confirm please? Thank you.

[Brian E. Kelly]

Looks like PB pipe from here

[David P. Valley]

If it is PB, it's not an issue unless you see crimped fittings.

[John Evans]

Certainly appears to be PB, but you will normally find the PB2110 stamped on the surface.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Originally Posted by dvalley

If it is PB, it's not an issue unless you see crimped fittings.

David, can you substantiate that statement? I've never heard that before. Most would say plastic fittings are MORE of an issue than crimped fittings. I simply say this anytime I see PB (the statement below is actually required by the State of NC whenever we see PB...but I modified it slightly to put in a web link and advising them to call a plumber):

"Polybutylene plastic plumbing supply lines (PB) are installed in the house. Polybutylene has been used in this area for many years, but has had a higher than normal failure rate, and is no longer being widely used. Copper and brass fittings used in later years may have reduced the failure rate. For more information about PB, see http://www.pbpipe.com and other Internet resources and/or rely on the evaluation and advice of a licensed plumbing contractor prior to the close of escrow."

[Joseph Hagarty, CMI]

Originally Posted by dvalley

If it is PB, it's not an issue unless you see crimped fittings.

I would not suggest saying that PB 2110 is acceptable because it does not have crimped fittings.

Our Office recommends that all PB be replaced when found to be present.

[John Evans]

The type of fittings used with PB are not the only problem. Chlorine added to public municipal water supplies will cause deterioration of the pipe.

[wsiegel]

I that a plastic dryer hose in that picture???

[mnicholet]

Originally Posted by wsiegel

I that a plastic dryer hose in that picture???

Yes it is venting a bathroom vent to the exterior wall above some ceiling tiles in a basement.

[Billy Boerner]

I would recommend they change out the dryer hose for safety reasons. Plus I agree you have PB on your hands. I would recommend a replacement.

[pabrioux]

Originally Posted by bboerner

I would recommend they change out the dryer hose for safety reasons. Plus I agree you have PB on your hands. I would recommend a replacement.

Since that "plastic hose" is just a duct for a bathroom exhasut fan, not a dryer, it should be ok, no? You might recommend that it be the insulated type if it goes directly to the outside wall.

Paul-Marc

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by pabrioux

Since that "plastic hose" is just a duct for a bathroom exhasut fan, not a dryer, it should be ok, no?
Paul-Marc

Metal is required around here...

[pabrioux]

Originally Posted by lkage

Metal is required around here...

Ok, I didn't know that. I could see it for a dryer vent, but thought that for a bath exhaust fan a plastic type would be adequate.

Mark, do you know what's required out there on the island?

Paul-Marc

[Billy Boerner]

Yea I missed his post that the hose was venting the bathroom exhaust fan how I don't know fell asleep I guess or just assumed it was for the dryer lol regardless I always recommend installing metal over plastic for any type of venting especially those with any type of heat source.

[Gary Farnsworth]

Most insurance companies around here are not insuring homes with PB water lines. Replace them. Too many issues either way.