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Polybutylene
(PB Piping) is a product
available for residential
plumbing systems.
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A
riser (22) is a
pipe running from
sink,toilet, or
other fixture to
a valve. Pipe may
be whitePVC (23),
black polyethylene
(24), cream CPVC
(25), or gray polybutylene
pipe marked "PB
2110 M"(26). |
PB
Piping looks like a pipe,
except it is flexible, almost
like a garden hose. It is
easy to install and, being
flexible, it can tolerate
freezing, making it very
attractive in northern climates.
Some
argue that it does not look
like a quality product because
you cannot achieve neat,
quality looking installations
due to its flexibility.
That is, of course, a matter
of judgment.
In
the early versions of Polybutylene
(PB) piping, the connections
tend to fail. The connections
were very convenient, using
a technique borrowed from
gas piping with a flanged
coupling pressed together
with a threaded collar.
All of these components
were originally (PB) as
well. Over-tightening of
these couplings would cause
the collar to fail, leading
to leakage, usually severe.
More recent components use
metal collars for coupling
and, from all evidence now
available, the problem appears
to be solved.
These
problems have hurt the (PB)
market. However, now that
the problems may have been
solved, there is really
no reason not to consider
(PB) piping as an alternative
in a new project. You should,
of course, compare prices
for both material and installations.
Also, we recommend that
you confirm that your state
or county does not have
any special restrictions
on its use in local plumbing
codes.
If
you have a home with (PB)
piping using the old coupling
system, it is possible to
upgrade to the new couplings.
Contact a plumber for a
thorough evaluation of the
entire plumbing system.
If
you have any questions,
contact Fidelity Inspection & Consulting Services or
| Plastic
Pipe & Fittings
Association |
| 800
Roosevelt Road, Building
C. Suite 20 |
| Glen
Ellyn, IL 60137 |
| 708-858-6540 |
call the Consumer Plumbing
Recovery Center at 800-356-3496.
You
can download The Claim Eligibility
Form Here |
