Leaky Polybutylene
Leaky Polybutylene | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Delano
If mysterious water spots, poor pressure, or sudden spikes in your bill are starting to plague your Delano home, the culprit could be aging polybutylene lines quietly splitting behind the walls. HEP’s licensed plumbers zero-in on these brittle pipes, then replace them with modern PEX or copper that stands up to heat, chlorine, and time. We arrive when we say we will, protect your floors and furnishings like they’re our own, and keep you informed every step of the way—so the only surprise is how smoothly the project goes.
Our turn-key pipe upgrades eliminate leak anxiety for good while boosting resale value, water clarity, and peace of mind. From free, camera-assisted inspections to the industry-leading lifetime warranty, every part of the process is built around your comfort and confidence. Ready to trade hidden hazards for a plumbing system you can trust? Call HEP today and let’s make those old gray lines a problem of the past.
FAQs
What is polybutylene plumbing and why is it a problem in Delano homes?
Polybutylene (PB) is a gray, blue, or black plastic pipe installed in millions of U.S. homes between 1978 and the mid-1990s. Over time, the chlorine and other disinfectants used in Delano’s municipal water supply attack the pipe from the inside, causing flaking, scaling, and micro-fractures. Tiny leaks often develop behind walls or under slabs, eventually leading to sudden pipe bursts and extensive water damage. Because PB was the subject of nationwide class-action lawsuits and is no longer manufactured, insurance companies and home inspectors now flag it as a high-risk material that should be replaced.
How can I tell if my Delano property still has polybutylene pipes?
Look for ½" to 1" gray plastic tubing entering the water heater, at the main shut-off valve, or feeding fixtures in attics and crawl spaces. PB is usually stamped with “PB2110” or “PB2110 SDR-11” and joined with aluminum or copper crimp rings. If your home was built or re-piped between 1978 and 1996 and you are unsure, call us for a free inspection. We use borescope cameras and moisture meters to confirm the pipe material without cutting open large sections of drywall.
What does a polybutylene pipe upgrade involve and how long will it take?
A typical single-family home in Delano can be fully re-piped in PEX or Type-L copper in 1–3 days, followed by 1–2 days of drywall repair and texture matching. Our team maps the current plumbing system, obtains city permits, and isolates work zones to keep your home clean. We run new lines through attics, walls, or crawl spaces, switch over fixtures, pressure-test the system to California Plumbing Code standards, and haul away the old PB pipe for recycling.
Will replacing my polybutylene plumbing add value to my Delano home?
Yes. Appraisers, buyers, and insurance underwriters view PB as a major liability. Upgrading eliminates the risk of catastrophic leaks, lowers insurance premiums, and can add 1–3% to the resale value by removing a red-flag defect. Many local real-estate agents list a recent re-pipe as a key selling point because it assures buyers that the plumbing system is code-compliant and maintenance-free for decades.
Do I need a permit for a polybutylene pipe replacement in Delano?
Yes. The City of Delano Building & Safety Division requires a plumbing permit for any whole-house re-pipe or pipe material change. As a licensed C-36 plumbing contractor, we handle the permit application, schedule the rough-in and final inspections, and provide the city with as-built drawings when necessary. This ensures your new system meets the 2022 California Plumbing Code and preserves your home’s resale documentation.
How much does it cost to upgrade from polybutylene, and do you offer financing or warranties?
Costs in Delano generally range from $4,500 to $12,000 for a typical 2- to 3-bathroom home, depending on square footage, number of fixtures, and whether you choose PEX or copper. We provide upfront, line-item quotes with no hidden fees. Zero-interest financing for up to 18 months is available, and every re-pipe is backed by a 25-year manufacturer’s material warranty plus our own 10-year labor guarantee against leaks or workmanship defects.