Piping issues can happen for many reasons, but the type of piping in the home is a major factor in why and how soon a homeowner’s pipes will need to be replaced. ServiceOne, one of Orlando’s leading plumbing companies, is warning Central Florida homeowners about the problems associated with polybutylene systems.
Extensively manufactured and used from 1978 until 1995, polybutylene pipe is a water supply piping that was less expensive, more flexible, and easy to install than copper piping. It is most commonly found in the “Sun Belt” due to the heavy residential construction from the 1980s through the mid-1990s.
It has never been scientifically proven, but it is believed that oxidants in the water supply systems, such as chlorine, react with the polybutylene piping material, causing it to flake apart on the inside of the pipe. Eventually, small fractures occur, cracking through the pipe, causing leakage. Whatever the real cause, it affects the water supply system, which can fail without any warning causing both personal property and building damage. The older the pipe, the more likely a problem can occur.
“An issue with polybutylene piping can be expensive if you have a leak,” said Bill Gouty, Service One owner and president. “If you have signs of a leak or bad water, call us to inspect your piping to ensure a disaster does not happen.”
Gouty says there are signs that your piping system needs repair or a re-pipe; he recommends watching for:
- Black specs in the water
- Reduced water flow
- Rust spots in clothing
- Foul-smelling water
ServiceOne Plumbing is well-versed in polybutylene replacement and can complete an inspection to determine whether the home has poly piping. “And, if it is poly, it should be replaced as soon as possible,” said Gouty. “We can provide the details regarding the polybutylene replacement procedure and the costs involved. Our plumbers use state of the art techniques to re-pipe your home and give you peace of mind.”
In conclusion, more and more Central Florida homeowners are turning to ServiceOne for all of their plumbing repair and service needs. With the ability to troubleshoot and fix a variety of problems, the dedicated professionals at Service One can tackle small issues such as a dripping faucet or running toilet to major problems like leak detection and clogged drains.