Stance on PB... again

[fyrmnk]

Hi all,

Just curious again different views on PB.

The installation in question is 10 years old but does have copper crimps and copper fittings.

I did the usual disclosure and info on problems that I had, just wondering if the take is that all is bad and needs replaced.

This was Vanguard brand.

Thanks.

[Scottpat]

I have PB in my 14 year old house. It has the copper fittings and I have had no problems. A good number of homes in my area have PB, and the only problems I have seen with it are the homes with the plastic fittings and few of those. As for the pipe itself, I think it all depends on the water in the supply line. Some areas report problems with the pipes and some don't.

When I find PB pipes, I tell my client that it has been associated with problems across the country. I tell them what I have found (leaks, type of fittings) and then I direct them to the Internet to do a search on their own. I can't say that it is all bad, because I have it in my home and I have not had a problem in 14 years.

[stevetheplumber919]

The #1 spot to check is the HWT connections. If you're OK there, you're probably OK elsewhere as well.

[Figaro]

From what I've heard is the resin in pb starts to break down around the 140f mark. This is why you always look at the hot water lines. Also the plastic fittings are crap. Even the brass and copper ones can fail if the conditions are right(mosty rural)