This has taking me way to long to blog about, the infamous polybutelyne plumbing supply that is creating many issues today in real estate transactions here in Southwest Florida. Why? Because insurance companies will no longer insure a home once this piping is identified to be within its walls. Four Point inspections are being sought after by insurance companies on all houses 25 years and older and identifying plumbing supply is part of this report. If not in this report the question will be asked in other paperwork to bind insurance, ” Does the home have Polybutelyne Plumbing Supply? ” If the answer is yes the buyer of the home will be asked to replumb the house to get insurance, cost being approximately 3 – 4 thousand dollars. This grey semi flexible plastic plumbing pipe is held together by copper crimp connections which have been proven to fail as soon as 15-20 years into their life. ( There are “maniblock systems” that have solid lines running from maniblock panel to fixture with no break or copper crimp connections through each line, failure becomes obsolete with this system of polybutelyne plumbing except at fixture.)
Most of the plumbing lies in the attic here in SW Florida homes which tends to create quite a mess and rehab once this piping begins to fail, water basically pouring through the ceilings of the home in question. Our company has been on job sites where this plumbing has failed, and it is not pretty, destroying insulation, sheetrock and other interior components. Today I inspected another 1990 home that had Polybutelyne throughout the attic, and of course the buyer did not know the history of its failure and its uninsurability. Three inspections this week alone had this plumbing supply. Homes built between 1985 and 1995 are prime structures for this plumbing unless a replumb has occurred, and up to date Pex or CPVC has already been installed. This is so important for real estate professionals to know, and how to begin a possible negotiation or way to get through the deal with all parties satisfied.
Honestly, we have seen sellers pay for replacement, buyers pay or a meet in the middle, all situations are unique. A home inspector that is inspecting your home is responsible to identify type of plumbing ( if visual ), and advise of its condition, lifespan and history. As I always say, I am here for you to review and discuss if needed. Don’t delay, call today!