Polybutylene Piping

Different types of pipe have been used as water-supply lines in plumbing systems over the years. Plastic piping became an alternative back in the early to mid 1980's because of the cost of copper. The most common piping you'll encounter in a modern home is plastic. However, the type of plastic pipe currently used is superior to past versions. Polybutylene is no longer manufactured because of problems involving small and major leaks. This plumbing has been replaced with Polyethylene or "PEX" piping. Polybutylene once very popular and installed accross the country between the mid 1980's-1990's was the cause of multi-millons of dollars in law suits,and has not been manufactured since the late 1990's. Although existing Polybutylene plumbing systems may still be holding up in many properties - there is no guarantee that it will not leak in the future. For information about the problems associated with this product and how to identify it in a home, go to http://www.polybutylene.com