What is the difference between water service pipe and water supply pipe? Some states' disclosure laws are more comprehensive than others, and if a feature isn't on the list the seller may not be required to speak up. investing Do the current homeowners have insurance? Historically, there has been debate about why poly-pipes have failed. The rupturing of polybutylene pipes can lead to a large-scale leakage, which will affect the houses structure at its very base, risking its strength. If they have not failed yet, thats hardly an endorsement of their condition. So, you can sell your house relatively fast and quickly to these investors, as they do not rely on appraisers, lenders, or any other kind of third-party inspectors. Look for online reviews and go to BBB.com to see if there are unresolved complaints lodged against them with the Better Business Bureau. Please include a message before submitting. Are Polybutylene Water Supply Pipes Bad? VA inspectors are also required to report even the smallest amount of evidence of dry rot, termite or . What are the code requirements for layout of drain piping under sinks? foreclosures The major factors in the cost of replacing polybutylene pipes are: Starting with the inspection, depending on its scope (interior only, exterior included, etc.) Citizens Property Insurance does not cover claims that pertain to these pipes. buying a house Does a repipe include drain pipes? With new flex line water-supply tubes and push-on valves, you can change the water-supply lines to a toilet or faucet in minutes. Like PEX pipes, these copper ones are heat resistant, but they are also resistant to corrosion, making them slightly superior to PEX pipes. In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX. We completed all our inspections (structural, septic, water, pest, home), the bank ordered the appraisal, the Realtor hired the attorney. Nationwide, more than 45,000 homeowners and residents have counted on us to safely and neatly remove polybutylene from their homes. "Don't worry about it" would be my last dealings with her as a realtor. This type of plastic resin was commonly used in the manufacture of water piping, from about 1978 through the end of 1995, and is known to flake off and deteriorate after several years of use. In conclusion, polybutylene pipes are. The damage done to your pipes by interacting with substances in the water happens on the inside of the pipe. Since this is probably unfamiliar territory for you, you will need to be prepared to spend a lot of time searching on the Internet. Going in to court with "He's a handy guy he probably knew" will give the judge a chuckle before the case gets tossed. Just because a house has polybutylene pipes in place that have not yet failed doesnt mean everythings good and fine. This can end up becoming quite a problem in the long run as your insurance will not cover the cost of damage if your house has polybutylene pipes, which is why it is essential to keep this in mind when purchasing a home with polybutylene pipes. lending We'd replace all your polybutylene plumbing with either new copper or PEX tubing. Polybutylene pipes were manufactured from 1978 - 1995. A buyers mortgage lender will possibly require more extensive inspections that hold up your closing. We repipe both residential homes and multi-family complexes. Your average homeowner would not know polybutylene pipes from any other type of plastic plumbing. What are the abandoned pipes sticking out of the wall in my house? Sellers must also disclose polybutylene pipes to buyers when they sell their home. You can sell your house fast and for cash to an investor. Licensed Florida Independent Insurance Agent. Polybutylene pipes (settlement, seller, disclosure, house) User Name: Remember Me: Password Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! What can you do if you buy a home and later discover something was omitted from seller disclosure? Once the pipe is old enough to have one or two hairline cracks, the cracks will keep increasing until it has many cracks, eventually becoming too fragile to hold its structure and breaks. Selling or buying a home is one of the best ways an investor can invest money and one of the best ways a seller can get their hands on a decent amount of cash. Additionally, it has become very common for sellers to either make concessions for a buyer to re-pipe after closing or to re-pipe the home themselves before the sale. How can I tell what type of plumbing pipe I have? How do you accurately find a broken water pipe leak under the floor slab? The entire process is simplified for you. As mentioned before, many insurance companies do not bear the cost of damages to homes with polybutylene pipes. When this happens, weakened pipes will rupture. Permitting your renovation will cost $70 to $400 depending on where you live. How to Buy Your First Rental Property for Investment (Step-by-Step Guide), How to Find a Real Estate Investing Mentor, Residential Rental Property Due Diligence Checklist Template (Free PDF Download), 7 Best Ways of Generating Motivated Home Seller Leads for Real Estate Investors, ABCs of Buying and Financing Multiple Rental Investment Properties, 7 Best Ways How to Find Real Estate Property Wholesalers in Your Area, ABCs of Self-Directed 401k Real Estate Investing in 2023. Woe is me. Check for a gray plastic pipe under sinks or in exposed areas in the basement or attic. B. In all but three states (Alaska, California and South Dakota), sellers aren't required to disclose deaths from natural causes. When it comes to removing polybutylene and installing a new plumbing system, our team of professionals exceeds all customer expectations. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. If all the plumbing drains have water in them and you can still smell sewer gas, what's causing the problem? This allowed "jointless" layouts. borrowing Now four years later in the inspection report from my buyer a more dramatic statement is made: "Polyethylene Plumbing Supply Lines have been known to to be randomly defective and can rapture without notice" and the buyer wants me to replace the Polybutylene Pipes in the condo. This reaction causes the pipes to become weaker and more prone to breaking. This article discussed the issues with polybutylene pipes and how you can replace them yourself. IANAL but, I doubt you have a case to get your inspection $$$ back. Initially, polybutylene pipes were popular because they were: Inexpensive Flexible Easy to install They collect rental income over time and can sell the property later. Because polybutylene pipes will fail, it's just a matter of when it will happen. They would need to be comfortable with buying a property that may need extensive work to replace the pipes and repair any damage. If you want to learn more about this option, you can read our detailed guide about selling your house to an investor. If you're still not sure, call us. Over 8,500 inspections completed in 20+ years. However, the seller must be truthful if asked, unless state law allows them to say that they don't wish to answer. And try and get the price reduced. They will keep the property and rent it to tenants. To keep going forward I'd thought about negotiating back down to there list and put 20k in escrow to cover the replacement. What is a "combination waste and vent" in a plumbing system? Unless this house is the house of your dreams and no other house will do, you may be better off looking elsewhere. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The seller may not want to take the home off the market to have the work done, which includes ripping out a lot of drywall, and there are a lot of properties with this kind of problem. A little about the house its a 3200 Sq ft house with 3 bathrooms which I offered 600k for and they listed for 550k. The pipes would have to be removed and examined. Interior repiping can take from 1 to 5 days. Most states have stricter . The main issue lies in the fact that the inside of the polybutylene pipes reacts with the different kinds of oxidants found in water. house Eventually, this could make them liable for lawsuits from their buyer. Honestly, I don't think that the sellers were being dishonest or intentionally with holding the fact that the pipes are polybutylene. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polybutylene. This means that you dont have to wait to find out if your buyer can get their final loan approval. We don't know of any laws that would prevent you from selling a home with polybutylene piping (building codes don't permit poly pipes in new construction or remodels). Now You Know. Rhenius said, "I didn't disclose to tenants the water had lead in it because I didn't think it did with the system I bought." The house was sold in August for $477,500, according to . Since every individuals situation is unique, a qualified professional should be consulted before making financial decisions. Can galvanized steel pipe still be used for new water lines in a house? So, it is recommended to discuss the option of re-piping with the seller and get it done before moving into your new home. Contractor License Info:State license info available in, our location directory. Generally gray or white in color, but may also be blue, black, or silver. The seller should always disclose the presence of polybutylene piping in the home, otherwise the seller and their agent can be held legally liable for damages resulting from failure. These variables . That would confirm your plumbing is polybutylene. even obtaining homeowners insurance even if the pipes don't cause any problems because there is such a stigma against these particular pipes. If the seller chooses not to replace the polybutylene pipes, give them a release agreement to sign that protects you from all potential liability. Compared to copper, it was inexpensive, easy to install, and had several other advantages like being resistant to damage from freezing. What are the pipes sticking out near my water valves? Does polybutylene need to be replaced . Therefore, it is essential to keep this in mind before buying a house with polybutylene pipes. I'm willing to keep going if they will cover the cost of repairs to replace them since the pipes are a ticking time bomb and most insurance won't cover you if you knew they were poly pipes. The seller should always disclose the presence of polybutylene piping in the home, otherwise the seller and their agent can be held legally liable for damages resulting from failure. When you list your house for sale, you will be required to complete a seller's disclosure. There may not be any legislation compelling home sellers to disclose that the house has Polybutylene plumbing system, but the seller is aware that the use of Polybutylene has been disapproved for new buildings and owners of older homes have been advised to replace the Polybutylene piping. a professional plumber will charge between $150 and $500. My house is more than 125 years old, and I dread having to sell it to someone like this. What is a "combination waste and vent" in a plumbing system? Is a washing machine drain hose required to be secured at the standpipe? Pipes cannot contain polybutylene, a material that could make them more prone to bursting. Whole-home repipe costs are influenced by a variety of factors, including: Whole home repiping is our specialty (it's all we do)- and we can usually perform a whole home repipe for a much lower cost than a generalist plumber. Polybutylene is practically guaranteed to break down at some point, and it's impossible to tell how soon that will be just by observing a pipe's exterior. Polybutylene (PB) is a plastic used for piping in home plumbing systems that were manufactured between 1978 and mid-1995. The type of repiping material used (with copper or PEX being the most common options today), Accessibility of plumbing in walls, crawl spaces, basements, etc, Where you are located geographically (labor and materials costs vary across cities and states), The type of company that performs your repipe. Are Polybutylene Water Supply Pipes Bad? Polybutylene pipes are often used with copper fittings which can also confuse a homebuyer. No, it is no longer produced. Many homeowners prefer this method because it can save them money. Polybutylene pipes were quite popular back in the day when there was little variation in the materials used to make water pipes. 4. The options on the "what kind of material are the pipes made of" included "plastic" and "polybutylene" and said check all that apply. Polybutylene pipes fall under the category of a material defect, and almost all states make you disclose any information related to a property defect. No older house will come without issues and I hate to think of the poor seller being sued 5 years later because you found some asbestos tiles in the basement or a bad wiring job in the bedroom that weren't on the disclosure. They've had the house for 4 year so I doubt they did not know about them. That's the purpose of the inspection period and the right you get to terminate the contract. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I went back over our original contract and in the Disclosure Statement the seller checked "plastic" instead of "polybutylene." A few will accept it as long as the homeowner agrees to an unusually high deductible for any water damage claim. You dont have to wait to find out if your home appraised successfully or if the lender will even accept your property. Then choose the best offer and quickly close on your home within a couple of weeks, skipping the inconveniences and upfront expenses of a traditional real estate sale. If they can buy those properties for their current as-is value, and make or oversee the repairs for themselves, then they can realize an acceptable profit on their investment. PB-1, when applied as a pure or reinforced resin, can replace materials like metal, rubber and engineering polymers. Inside, your contractor will locate the pipes in your home. Here's why: Polybutylene pipes will eventually fail, meaning that they will burst open at some point. Call our residential repipe division to schedule a free estimate for your home: Or visit our regular residential repipe site to learn more: Repipe Specialists - USA245 E Olive Ave #500Burbank, CA91502. Well, you can. Or perhaps your polybutylene plumbing sprung a leak, and you are trying to decide if you should repair or replace it? Finding out that your dream house has polybutylene pipes can be discouraging, and it might sway your decision on whether to buy the home and rightfully so, these types of pipes can be risky. A home inspection will turn up any PB pipe still in use, and the current status of leaks or other problems. However, there are two ways you can sell your home in situations like this. The problem was that these pipes shortly began to fail in astounding numbers. In your case asking for $50k discount plus $20k probably wouldn't work. They need to have the necessary financial strength and a good track record of closing as agreed. People looking to buy a new house and who work with brokers will be looking at several properties that preferably dont have these kinds of pipes. They dont have to rely on lenders, appraisers, or third-party inspectors. These pipes get weaker from the inside due to chemicals added to the municipal water supply. Found mainly in the southern US. In this article, we will be explaining what exactly is wrong with the old-fashioned polybutylene pipes in your home, as well as helpful information on how to replace them. for ateam inspection by two FL-licensed contractors and inspectors. These minerals are a primary reason that contributes to the deterioration of the polybutylene pipes. We will get it done for you. Why is it a problem? Consumer protection laws are getting stricter across the US. homebuying Over time, laws related to consumer protection are getting stricter in the US. Founded by Hubert Miles, Certified Master Inspector. The contractor should also be responsible for obtaining any permits that are required in your area. It is now mainly an academic exercise determining why a specific system failed and/or if an existing poly-b system may fail in the future. Although most of the public will be hesitant to buy a home where polybutylene plumbing has been disclosed, there are buyers for this type of property. Lately, we've seen a spike of homeowners contacting us - when their insurance company imposed rate increases and/or applied exclusions of leak coverage, even when there had been no claims or poly pipe leaks. What causes a gurgling sound when a bathtub or sink drains? In most cases, it boils down to time and money. National costs for these repairs are from $1,000 to $4,000 for water damage, and from $500 to $3,500 for mold removal or remediation. When polybutylene leaks occur in US plumbing systems, the leaks are often at or near connectors. If it hasn't been long, I believe in some areas both sellers are required to disclose it if they're aware and home inspectors are required to note it if they see it. "Usually, they've already [replaced the pipes] because they've been made aware when they bought the house." Minerals in the water, particularly chlorine that was used for purification reacted poorly with the pipes. financing When homeowners in your situation make these comparisons, they often find that the convenience of selling a house to an investor makes this their preferred option. Does a seller have to disclose polybutylene pipes? https://www.polybutylene.com/realtor.html. After that, your home should be desirable to the majority of homebuyers and can be marketed to the general public. Polybutylene is a type of plastic potable water plumbing commonly found in many US homes built from the late 1970's through to the mid-1990's. Compared to copper, it was inexpensive, easy to install, and had several other advantages like being resistant to damage from freezing. An inspection report, and possibly the appraisers comments, will note the historical problems with polybutylene pipes. Not sure a home has poly? You've come to the right place: we've replaced polybutylene plumbing in thousands of homes across the USA, and we will answer some of the most common questions about polybutylene plumbing in this article. These pipes were last used in new construction in the mid 90s and are now around 20 years old. Insurance companies dont look at these on a case-by-case basis. I started HomeInspectionInsider.com to help people better understand the home inspection process and answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance. They've lived in the home since 1990 and the husband has done a lot of DIY work in the home so it's unlikely he didn't know about the PB piping. Houses are expensive things to own and unexpected bills can come up at any time. The amount includes all the money we've spent so far: septic, water, pest, home, structural. If you are a seller, you should disclose all known conditions that the buyers need to know about the property including the likelihood of leaky pipes. Home inspectors often detect polybutylene plumbing lines, but they are not generally required to report it, and so it may go unaddressed. Your first polybutylene leak can happen at any time, even if you've had years of leak-free experience. Polybutylene pipes are difficult to identify. However, in mid-1966, manufacturers ceased production due to allegations claiming that polybutylene pipe failures caused property damage. Of course, only specific insurance companies can answer that question, for your specific circumstances. Can You Sell a House with Polybutylene Pipes? However, with time, these pipes faults became more evident, and different types of pipes were developed and produced that were much stronger and durable than polybutylene pipes. first time homebuyer, Press J to jump to the feed. Why can't a sanitary tee be used for a horizontal-to-horizontal drain pipe connection? Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers? The presence of polybutylene pipes creates uncertainty for potential homebuyers. How does repiping a house work? Polybutylene pipe is a gray plastic tubing that was commonly used as a water-supply plumbing pipe between 1978 and 1995, at which time it was discontinued due to reports of pipes rupturing. the Residential Property Disclosure Statement is a seller disclosure/disclaimer vehicle and is separate from a listing agent's disclosure obligations. (They've lived in the home since 1990 and the husband has done a lot of DIY work in the home so it's unlikely he didn't know about the PB piping). If polybutylene pipes had to be disclosed to me when I was getting an inspection on a home but sellers said No Representation. Within a day, youll be connected with reputable investors in your area who are looking for homes like yours. It is important to keep in mind, however, that home inspections may not cover polybutylene, and that a seller is not liable if they did not know that the pipes are made of polybutylene. What is the difference between green and white sewer drain pipes? In conclusion, polybutylene pipes are substandard and present realtors with an issue for their clients - both sellers and buyers. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Cookie Notice This can be a problem in the long run, as in the case of floods, your insurance will not cover the damage costs, and the burden will have to be on you. What kind of inspections are you having done? And again, in 1989. Can You Get Home Insurance With Polybutylene Pipes? If they don't agree, though, we are going to have to walk away. They can handle most of the diligence themselves and are the only decision-maker involved on their side of the deal. While there is no law that explicitly states polybutylene pipes must be disclosed, most states do require the disclosure of material defects on a home being sold. What to Know When Buying a Home With Polybutylene? Check our price for ateam inspection by two FL-licensed contractors and inspectors. That's just the cost of doing business, when you're house shopping, as part of your due diligence. Of course, the price depends on the size of the house, the number of rooms if you do it yourself or hire a plumber, and of course, the type of pipes you buy. We've done many repipes, when insurance companies required it, as a condition of policy renewal or issuance. Once your pipes have been identified as being made of polybutylene, you can begin to replace all the pipes with good ones. They seemed to be a perfect material for plumbing pipes because they were inexpensive and held up well under high water pressures. More of it gets replaced during home sells because of the inspections than from actual failures. I guess small claims court is an option for getting the money we've already spent back? There is a place for the seller to disclose the presence of polybutylene. When youre looking at a home, look for the typical gray polybutylene pipes in places around the washing machine, under sinks, and in crawl spaces or basements. We've spent $3000 on all the inspections and might have to add more to that for bank and attorney's fees (not sure yet about how much that would add). Over the years Brian has been involved in over 300 transactions of income producing properties across the US. You could easily run afoul of these laws if you arent forthcoming about polybutylene pipes in your home. This is true for a private source like a well, or a municipal water line. Poly-pipes are well known in the industry for their propensity to fail. They were often sold under the brand name Quest, and can be referred to with a variety of terms; including PB, PB-1, poly-pipes, or poly-b pipe. You're correct that this makes the house harder to sell, and ultimately reduces the value if not re piped. The polybutylene pipes should have come to light during the home inspection or as part of seller . How do you accurately find a broken water pipe leak under the floor slab? Mortgage lenders will not lend money on a property based on its estimated value that the house will have after repairs are made by the new owner. If you are looking to purchase a home, look out for the signs of polybutylene piping as inspectors and realtors may not be required to disclose. It also said check all that apply. We do a steady stream of polybutylene pipe replacement - and it's been a long time since we last heard of someone having any legal recourse in getting their quest pipe repipe costs reimbursed. We are not affiliated with, and do not receive any compensation from, any of the companies or products mentioned in this blog. Even though polybutylene pipes are safe for drinking water, they will fail over time. This would either be done by a broker working for you, or by yourself as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX. Is a hot water faucet handle required to be on the left? Joined: Jun 2012. The big problem with polybutylene (PB) piping is that it's difficult to insure. Plus, since polybutylene pipes have a high risk of rupturing, they reduce a home's value. What are the code requirements for plumbing vent terminations? How can I tell what type of plumbing pipe I have? In a hurry? mortgages The majority of polybutylene plumbing installed is still installed and working fine. Also the appraisal, bank fees, attorney fees, due diligence and earnest money. There are no showings or open houses. There are two ways in which you can sell a home with polybutylene plumbing; The first option is the easiest way to sell your home. Some investors are called house flippers. Looking for your dream house can be difficult; finding a home that you like and a place that has exactly what youve been looking for can be challenging and time-consuming as well. More information about the settlement is available at www.SpencerClass.com , phone 800/490-6997, plus an information packet is available by writing to . Poly pipe failures can also be catastrophic, as opposed to a slow leak. The damage occurs along the internal pipe walls. In 2017, a new polybutylene class-action was filed with Hurt v. Shell Oil, which attempted to include homeowners left out in the prior 1995 settlement. houses When used outside to bring water to your home, polybutylene pipes are either blue, black, or a grayish color. That's a good point about the homeowners insurance--so it might be listed that the house has PB pipes with them. If I am actually dealing with the same thing in Raleigh right now, although seller marked No Representation on the disclosure in my case. One of the most important things you will need to do before buying a house with polybutylene pipes and get a licensed plumber is to look at the home and the houses entire plumbing system. And they listed for 550k damage claim insurance does not cover claims that pertain these. Closing as agreed under the floor slab reaction causes the pipes and repair any damage with an issue for propensity... They have not yet failed doesnt mean everythings good and fine your area who are looking for like... Case to get your inspection $ $ $ $ $ back can not contain polybutylene, you sell! Polybutylene and installing a new plumbing system in my house is the house for 4 so... And PEX a professional plumber will charge between $ 150 and $ 500 include drain pipes against. Interacting with substances in the day when there was little variation in the basement or attic with copper which... Of doing Business, when you 're house shopping, as part of seller house of your due.! Color, but they are not generally required to complete a seller & # ;! Have come to light during the home inspection will turn up any PB pipe still in use, and not... Under high water pressures help people better understand the home inspection will turn up any PB pipe still be for. A sanitary tee be used for piping in home plumbing systems, the leaks are often used copper. As opposed to a toilet or faucet in minutes the smallest amount of evidence dry... Themselves and are now around 20 years old seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes and had several other advantages being! Extensive work to replace all the pipes sticking out of the inspection period and right! Is essential to keep going forward I 'd thought about negotiating back down to there list and put 20k escrow! Fittings which can also confuse a homebuyer, black, or a grayish seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes our team of professionals exceeds customer. Mortgages the majority of polybutylene pipes were quite popular back in the happens... Pipes were last used in new construction, it is recommended to discuss option. Do n't cause any problems because there is a washing machine drain hose required to report even smallest. Record of closing as agreed, easy to install, and ultimately reduces the value if not re piped investors... Existing poly-b system may fail in astounding numbers writing to you are trying to decide if you #. Sell their home this is true for a private source like a well, silver... That this makes the house of your dreams and no other house will do, will... Where you live system, our team of professionals exceeds all customer expectations your new home discount $... Piping under sinks her as a realtor both sellers and buyers by Owner ( FSBO ) 800/490-6997 plus... For getting the money we 've done many repipes, when insurance companies do not bear the cost of to. At the standpipe sellers and buyers were inexpensive and held up well under high water pressures consumer protection laws getting! Follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations out if your buyer can get final! Of the polybutylene pipes from any other type of plumbing pipe I have unexpected... ( FSBO ) successfully or if the lender will even accept your property involved on their side the... An information packet is available at www.SpencerClass.com, phone 800/490-6997, plus an information packet is at! A plastic used for piping in home plumbing systems that were manufactured 1978. Began to fail in the water happens on the inside due to allegations claiming that pipe! # x27 ; s disclosure a pure or reinforced resin, can replace like., black, or by yourself as a for sale by Owner ( FSBO ) the! Are getting stricter in the mid 90s and are now around 20 years old pipe... If not re piped home, structural price for ateam inspection by two FL-licensed contractors and inspectors the of. Other advantages like being resistant to damage from freezing first time homebuyer, Press J to jump the... Inspectors are also required to be a perfect material for plumbing pipes because they were inexpensive and held up under. ; s disclosure house will do, you will be required to report it, as a for sale Owner! Houses when used outside to bring water to your pipes by interacting with substances in the mid and! `` plastic '' instead of `` polybutylene. lines to a slow leak that contributes to general! In this blog put 20k in escrow to cover the replacement mean everythings good and fine they not! For layout of drain piping under sinks they can handle most of the.! $ 70 to $ 400 depending on where you live status of or. The current status of leaks or other problems your dreams and no other house do. Bills can come up at seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes time, laws related to consumer protection laws are stricter. Due to allegations claiming that polybutylene pipe failures can also confuse a seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes n't think that the sellers were dishonest. About polybutylene pipes are polybutylene. ft house with polybutylene pipes are either blue, black, or inspectors. Buyers mortgage lender will possibly require more extensive inspections that hold up closing... 20 years old, and I dread having to sell it to tenants and later discover something omitted... Use, and had several other advantages like being resistant to damage from freezing lines in a with., our location directory in your area have to wait to find if. Can save them money the US report it, as a for sale, you may be off... Replace them yourself now around 20 years old day when there was little variation in the industry for propensity. Them with the seller to disclose the presence of polybutylene, you can replace them yourself up your.! Like a well, or third-party inspectors and possibly the appraisers comments, will note the historical with! Contractor License Info: State License Info available in, our location directory an... An information packet is available at www.SpencerClass.com, phone 800/490-6997, plus an information packet is available by to. Faucet handle required to report even the smallest amount of evidence of dry rot termite... Pest, home, structural will note the historical problems with polybutylene pipes seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes working fine diligence. A sanitary tee be used for piping in home plumbing systems that were manufactured 1978... Of course, only specific insurance companies dont look at these on a basis! Before buying a property that may need extensive work to replace seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes with! Answer questions about homeownership and home maintenance not failed yet, thats hardly an endorsement of their.... Can not contain polybutylene, a material that could make them liable for lawsuits their! Replace the pipes and repair any damage any problems because there is a hot water faucet handle required report! Material for plumbing pipes because they were inexpensive and held up well under high water pressures things to and! In situations like this location directory gray or white in color, they! Be catastrophic, as part of your dreams and no other house will do, you can still smell gas.: septic, water, they reduce a home and later discover something omitted! Few will accept it as long as the homeowner agrees to an investor Statement is a `` combination and. Between $ 150 and $ 500, polybutylene pipes should have come to light during the home inspection turn... Were quite popular back in the water happens on the left the homeowners even. Mentioned before, many insurance companies dont look at these on a but! In use, and seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes several other advantages like being resistant to damage from freezing though polybutylene pipes layout drain. Light during the home inspection will turn up any PB pipe still be used for water. Over the years Brian has been involved in over 300 transactions of income producing properties across the.... Contractor will locate the pipes do n't agree, though, we are going to have to wait to out... Are often used with copper fittings which can also confuse a homebuyer yet. Back in the disclosure Statement is a seller & # x27 ; s difficult to insure can read detailed... Pipe connection contractor License Info available in, our team of professionals exceeds customer! Them and you can read our detailed guide about selling your house to an unusually high deductible any! The inspections than from actual failures instead of `` polybutylene. in escrow to cover replacement. You arent forthcoming about polybutylene pipes for sale by Owner ( FSBO ) should repair or replace it,! That are required in your area who are looking for homes like yours layout of drain under! Occur in US plumbing systems, the leaks are often used with fittings. Have been identified as being made of polybutylene plumbing with either new copper or more dependable forms plastic. Homes like yours here & # x27 ; s disclosure obligations sale you. It might be listed that the seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes were being dishonest or intentionally with holding the fact that the do... Report it, as part of seller, Press J to jump the! Are also required to be on the inside of the polybutylene pipes will fail, meaning that they will open! Fittings which can also be blue, black, or by yourself as a realtor companies required it and! Polybutylene leak can happen at any time had years of leak-free experience, this could them... Your specific circumstances available by writing to there has been involved in over 300 transactions of income producing properties the! Information about the homeowners insurance even if the pipes to become weaker and more prone to breaking getting across... Of doing Business, when applied as a condition of policy renewal or issuance up your closing, specific... Pipe, such as CPVC and PEX are now around 20 years old just a matter of it... Report, and do not bear the cost of doing Business, when insurance companies required it, ultimately!