Polybutylene Pipes
Polybutylene Pipes | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Collegedale
Your Collegedale home deserves plumbing you can trust, not the brittle polybutylene lines installed decades ago. HEP’s licensed specialists replace those problem-prone pipes with durable PEX or copper, using clean, minimally invasive techniques that protect walls, landscaping, and your daily routine. From the first camera inspection to the final pressure test, we handle every step in-house, back it with a written warranty, and leave your space spotless—often in just a day.
Customers call our team for pipe upgrades because we pair hometown service with big-company resources. We coordinate permits, offer honest, up-front pricing, and provide financing that fits your budget, so you can enjoy stronger water pressure, safer drinking water, and higher property value without the stress. Ready to retire polybutylene for good? HEP is only a click or call away.
FAQs
What is polybutylene piping and why was it used in many Collegedale homes?
Polybutylene is a flexible, gray or blue plastic plumbing pipe that was widely installed in the United States from the late 1970s through the mid-1990s. Builders liked it because it was inexpensive, easy to run through walls and slabs, and quick to install compared with copper. Hundreds of new subdivisions built in and around Collegedale during that period used the material. Unfortunately, the pipe’s chemical makeup allows chlorine and other disinfectants in city water to attack the interior surface, making it brittle over time and prone to sudden leaks or ruptures.
Why should I replace my polybutylene pipes now if they aren’t leaking yet?
Most polybutylene failures occur without warning—often at night, on weekends, or when the house is unoccupied—causing extensive water damage. Insurance carriers consider the pipe a high-risk material and may deny water-loss claims or refuse to renew coverage once it is discovered. In addition, pipe and fitting manufacturers stopped producing replacement parts decades ago, so even small repairs can be difficult. Proactively upgrading to modern piping eliminates those risks, can lower insurance premiums, and provides peace of mind that your plumbing will perform reliably for decades.
How can I tell if my home has polybutylene plumbing?
Look for ½''–1'' flexible gray, silver-gray, or sometimes blue tubing entering the water heater, under sinks, or at the main shut-off valve. The pipe may be stamped with the code "PB2110." In crawl spaces and attics it is often secured with aluminum crimp rings at each fitting. If you are unsure, our technicians offer complimentary inspections in Collegedale and can verify the pipe type with minimal disruption.
What replacement materials do you recommend for Collegedale’s water conditions?
We typically recommend cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-A) or Type L copper. PEX-A handles the region’s mild temperature swings well, resists chemical corrosion, requires fewer fittings, and comes with a 25-to-30-year manufacturer warranty. Copper remains the gold standard for longevity (50+ years) and is preferred by some homeowners for its rigid installation and recyclability. During your estimate we explain the pros, cons, and cost differences so you can choose the best fit for your budget and long-term goals.
How long does a whole-house repipe take and will I need to leave my house?
A typical 2-bathroom, 1,800-square-foot Collegedale home can be completely repiped in 2–3 days. Larger or multi-story houses may take 4–5 days. We carefully stage the project so you have water available each evening, and most clients remain in the home throughout the process. Drywall access holes are kept small and are patched, textured, and painted to match before we finish.
Will upgrading my plumbing increase property value or help with insurance?
Yes. Real-estate agents report that homes with documented repipes often sell faster and at higher prices because buyers know they won’t face an expensive emergency repair. Many insurance companies either surcharge or refuse policies on houses that still have polybutylene, but they will write standard coverage—as well as offer water-damage endorsements—once proof of replacement is provided. Completing your repipe now protects your investment and can start saving you money on premiums immediately.