Polybutylene Lines
Polybutylene Lines | Pipe Upgrades | Plumbing | Kodak
Kodak’s quiet neighborhoods still hide miles of aging polybutylene lines—the gray, flexible pipes that were once hailed as innovative but are now infamous for sudden leaks, ruptures, and costly water damage. If you’ve noticed discolored water, reduced pressure, or unexplained moisture around your foundation, it may be time to consider pipe upgrades before a small annoyance turns into a soaked drywall disaster.
HEP’s licensed plumbers specialize in replacing brittle polybutylene with durable PEX or copper, using minimally invasive techniques that protect your landscaping and keep downtime to a minimum. From a free in-home inspection to final clean-up, we handle every step with the neighborly care Kodak homeowners expect, backed by transparent pricing and industry-leading warranties. Don’t wait for a catastrophic break—schedule your upgrade today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a modern, leak-proof plumbing system.
FAQs
What is polybutylene pipe and why is it a concern in Kodak homes?
Polybutylene (PB) is a gray, blue, or black plastic water-supply pipe installed in many East Tennessee houses between 1978 and the mid-1990s. Over time our area’s chlorinated municipal water and natural mineral content cause the pipe to flake and become brittle from the inside out. The damage is invisible until the pipe suddenly ruptures, resulting in costly floods and mold. Because of its high failure rate, PB is no longer approved by the International Residential Code or covered by most homeowners-insurance policies.
How can I tell if my Kodak property still has polybutylene plumbing?
Look for ½"–1" gray plastic tubing entering your water heater, crawlspace, or basement manifold. The pipe is usually stamped with "PB2110" or "PB2115." In Kodak subdivision homes the piping was often routed through the attic to save on slab-breaking costs, while county homes with crawlspaces typically have PB mains running along the sill plates. If you are unsure, we offer free camera inspections and can confirm the pipe material without cutting walls.
What risks am I taking if I postpone replacing my PB lines?
1. Sudden leaks: PB tends to burst without warning, especially at night when static water pressure increases. 2. Insurance limitations: Many carriers now exclude water losses caused by PB or levy higher premiums and deductibles. 3. Property value: Realtors must disclose the presence of PB. Buyers often demand a price reduction equal to the full repipe cost plus 10–15 %. 4. Health concerns: Chronic pinhole leaks encourage mold growth in wall cavities, which is a common allergy trigger in the humid Tennessee Valley.
What replacement materials do you recommend and why?
For Kodak’s temperature swings and moderate water hardness, we recommend cross-linked polyethylene (PEX-A or PEX-B) or Type L copper. PEX is flexible, resists scale buildup, and permits faster, less invasive installation. We use high-quality expansion fittings with a 25-year manufacturer warranty. Copper is ideal for customers seeking maximum longevity and fire resistance; however, it is more expensive and takes longer to install. We will review both options and help you choose what best matches your budget and goals.
How long does a whole-house polybutylene upgrade take and will my water be shut off the entire time?
Most single-family homes in the Kodak/Sevierville area are fully repiped in 1–3 days. We stage the work so your water is off only a few hours on the final day while we switch over to the new system. Wall openings are kept small, and our drywall team patches, textures, and repaints to a "like new" finish within 48 hours. You can remain in the home throughout the project, and we set up temporary kitchen or bathroom supply lines whenever feasible.
Will replacing my PB lines add value or lower my insurance premium?
Yes. Local appraisers estimate that a documented repipe adds 3–5 % to resale value in Sevier County, often recouping the entire project cost. Insurance carriers such as State Farm, Farm Bureau, and USAA may lower water-loss deductibles or restore standard rates once proof of replacement is provided. We supply a detailed materials list and photographs for your records, and many clients save $75–$150 per year on premiums after the upgrade.