Polybutylene with all fittings replaced with metal

[MPdesign]

Gentlemen,

Another large apartment building built mid 1980s with polybutylene piping throughout. All the fittings were replaced with metal fittings over 8 years ago.

Not a single leak in the pipe or fittings since the fittings were replaced.

I already know the answer, but I am looking to see if there is any new information.

What would you recommend?

[Marc]

No recommendation, just make sure your client knows the issues with PB are not limited to the fittings. Chlorine in muni water makes the stuff scale on the inside, and may lead to failures if repair is limited to fittings only.

Marc

[DavidAranowski]

Advise the client to repipe their system with a more suitable option such as CPVC or PEX.

[John Kogel]

Assuming they used copper fittings I tell people what they've got and that this info should be passed on to their insurance people.

The general consensus with insurance providers in my area at least is that PolyB with metal connectors is no worse than any other water pipe. After all it is 25 to 35 years old and not leaking.

Even so it is good policy for a home inspector to caution people that leaks can occur at any time. Because agents can be wrong but a home inspector can never be wrong.