Repiping
Polybutylene pipe replacement
Polybutylene is a gray, blue or black plastic supply pipe installed in many homes from roughly 1978 to 1995. It can fail without warning, especially at fittings. Replacing it means a repipe, usually in PEX, and many insurers and buyers ask for it.
- Same-day service when a plumber is available
- Licensed local plumbers
- Quote before work
Polybutylene was installed in millions of US homes, most heavily in the Sunbelt and other fast-growing regions that built a lot of housing between the late 1970s and mid-1990s.
You can often spot it where the pipe comes out of the wall at the water heater, under sinks, or at the toilet supply, usually stamped 'PB2110'.
Polybutylene replacement at a glance
- Era
- Homes built about 1978–1995
- Look for
- PB2110 stamp, gray flexible pipe
- Fix
- Full repipe, usually in PEX
Signs you need polybutylene replacement
- Gray flexible pipe marked PB2110
- Plastic or copper crimp rings at fittings
- Built between about 1978 and 1995
- An insurer asking about pipe material
How the plumber handles it
- 1
Confirm
The plumber confirms the pipe type at several visible points.
- 2
Plan the repipe
They plan PEX routes and fixture connections, as in a standard repipe.
- 3
Replace
All polybutylene supply lines are replaced and tested, then inspected under permit.
What affects the cost
Prices depend on what the plumber finds, so the plumber quotes on site. These are the main factors:
- Home size and fixture count
- Attic access
- Drywall patching
- Permit fees
Frequently asked questions
Is polybutylene illegal?
It isn't illegal to have it, but it's no longer accepted for new installs under current US plumbing codes, and some insurers limit coverage for homes that still have it.
Where to get polybutylene replacement
By state: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Related services
Guides
Need polybutylene replacement?
Same-day service when a plumber is available. One call connects you with a licensed plumber who serves your ZIP.