What you are complaining about is the process working. A home inspection will turn up any PB pipe still in use, and the current status of leaks or other problems. Learn about them in the next section of this article. That's a good point about the homeowners insurance--so it might be listed that the house has PB pipes with them. Certain regions have unique disclosure issues. Repiping the interior of your home will cost between $1,500 to $8,000 for Pex or CPVC pipes, and from $2,500 to $15,000 for copper. Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers? PEX pipes last a very long time, and over the years, people have faced little to no issues with these pipes becoming fragile, breaking, and leaking. Facts vs. Fiction 8. 1991 - document.getElementById('copy-current-year').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())). In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX. For this, you will need to start interviewing contractors and checking their references. If you have time to sell but you dont have the funds to make the needed repairs, you will probably want to consider selling to an investor. To find a minuscule crack in the polybutylene pipes, one would need a very efficient plumber, and even then, it would be not easy to identify. In prior litigation, the industry behind polybutylene plumbing systems claimed failures were not due to the polybutylene tubing itself, but instead due to installation issues and inappropriate pipe connectors. What are the code requirements for plumbing vent terminations? What kind of inspections are you having done? 4. Secondly, they would need to be financially able to buy the house and then make the necessary repairs. How can I tell if I have cast iron pipes in my house? After all, they are so tiny. Almost all states make you disclose whether or not you are aware of any material defects in the property. We never would have ordered any of these inspections, appraisals, etc. If all the plumbing drains have water in them and you can still smell sewer gas, what's causing the problem? forbearance The price of PEX pipes ranges between $0.40 to $2.0 per linear foot, depending on the diameter of the pipe. Either copper pipe or PEX tubing are suitable repipe materials, but we find the vast majority of our customers replace their poly pipes with PEX tubing. Our work is 100% guaranteed for life, and we are fully licensed in the states where we operate. However, many insurance companies do not cover the damages caused to homes due to natural disasters or fires with polybutylene pipes. What to Know When Buying a Home With Polybutylene? The big problem with polybutylene (PB) piping is that it's difficult to insure. Initially, contractors installed around 10 million polybutylene pipes in homes in the US. 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). Polybutylene is the name of the polymer that the actual pipes are made from. loans Unless this house is the house of your dreams and no other house will do, you may be better off looking elsewhere. Get quotes and review them for completeness. 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. Better, but not a total solution. Compared to copper, it was inexpensive, easy to install, and had several other advantages like being resistant to damage from freezing. Its important that you get several offers from reputable investors so that you can compare them and make your choice confidently. However, polybutylene pipes have since proven too fragile to withstand chemicals found in the public water supply. Once your pipes have been identified as being made of polybutylene, you can begin to replace all the pipes with good ones. It was particularly widely used in the sunbelt states. And again, in 1989. One of the most important things that need to be considered is the plumbing within the house. Should You Buy a House With Polybutylene Pipes? Since our founding in 1991, we've been completing residential and multi-family building repipes to the highest standard. Can I Sell My House with a Property, State or IRS Tax Lien? Does a seller have to disclose polybutylene pipes? For more information, please see our In summary: if you've actually experienced a poly pipe leak - the best option is unquestionably to do a complete, whole-home repipe. We are the nation's finest polybutylene remediation company. Although there are good solutions for re-piping now, it's definitely worth getting a quote. 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. Sec 5.008 of the Texas Property Code is below. In this case, some buyers might demand you to replace the existing polybutylene pipes, and some might ask for a reduction in price so they can re-pipe the home after theyve bought it. If a leak occurs in a wall - it may be a slow undetected drip over a period of weeks or months, resulting in extensive mold and water damage. Polybutylene pipes would qualify as a material defect. I've got it! In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX. What's that powdery crust on the pipe connections at the water heater? If you find a vendor who was previously in the house and alerted them to the fact that the pipes needed to be replaced you have proof. Hence, to answer the question, yes, a seller is obliged to disclose the presence of polybutylene pipes. We have already researched and vetted the top real estate investors from across the industry. Posts: 9,889. Your contractor should talk to you about whether its possible to leave the existing pipes in place and re-route the water through the new pipes. An inspection report, and possibly the appraisers comments, will note the historical problems with polybutylene pipes. Depending on your market and the condition of your property, they may not offer you full market value for your home. 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. E & L Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Owners of these homes are playing musical chairs, waiting for their turn to have to deal with problems caused by polybutylene plumbing. The realtor actually removed all the copper piping to scrap for meth money, and replaced it all with polybutylene piping. Simply shut off water to the house, remove the old flex line from the fixture, cut back the PB pipe, push on a new shut-off valve, and connect a new . Research suggests that polybutylene pipes are prone to becoming brittle and cracking inside out, eventually leading to leakage. What are the abandoned pipes sticking out of the wall in my house? Can You Sell a House With Polybutylene Pipes? 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. What do you mean I cant get home insurance? We know that many houses built between 1978 and 1995 have polybutylene pipes. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polybutylene. You'll need evidence that shows two things: 1) that the water damage existed prior to your purchasing the house; and 2) that the seller knew of and did not disclose the existing, or prior, water damage. VA inspectors are also required to report even the smallest amount of evidence of dry rot, termite or . Now that you know the years that piping was used and maybe even what it looks like, you're an educated buyer who will know to ask that question and check it out for yourself before spending money on another inspection. Houses are expensive things to own and unexpected bills can come up at any time. Interview several and check their references. Is a washing machine drain hose required to be secured at the standpipe? If you reach our answering service, please leave a message: we return calls in the order they are received. You are currently on our multi-family site. Simply use the form on HouseCashin.com to request a no-obligation cash offer on your property. We've done the research and found that not only would damages be costly if the pipes burst, but we would also have a hard time selling the house in the future or even obtaining homeowners insurance even if the pipes don't cause any problems because there is such a stigma against these particular pipes. Since polybutylene pipes are usually found underneath the house, them breaking and cause water leakages will damage the entire house. The buyer takes care of everything. Only a licensed plumber can tell the polybutylene pipes health and estimate how long these will last without risking the house and its structural integrity. Please include a message before submitting. foreclosures Sellers must also disclose polybutylene pipes to buyers when they sell their home. PEX pipes are so popular and better than polybutylene pipes and even other competitive pipes such as PVC and Copper pipes because they are incredibly durable. Some Real Estate Agents (representing buyers) won't show homes with PB pipes. 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. borrowing 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. apartment If you are the listing broker and you or your seller knows the property has polybutylene or Kitec plumbing systems, it's pretty obvious - you must disclose the fact to the buyer just as you are required to . . Any other advice about this issue and how to handle it? And how do you make sure that youre dealing with the right investor and the best offer? In reality, getting polybutylene pipes replaced does not cost more than, for example, recarpeting your home would cost you. Well, you can. Whether it's snakes, mice, or bats, in most . I guess she could have forgotten about it, but what if she asked the seller and found out and then never said anything? Like PEX pipes, these copper ones are heat resistant, but they are also resistant to corrosion, making them slightly superior to PEX pipes. In this article, I will tell you what must be done to sell yours. Polybutylene pipes are often used with copper fittings which can also confuse a homebuyer. I've never heard of anyone spending $3000.00 on an inspection. (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). 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. Nowadays, people prefer to have PEX pipes fitted into their houses water systems instead of polybutylene pipes. But, of course, there are expensive ones and relatively cheaper ones as well. 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. They thought that maybe the pipes hand been installed wrong, were defective from the factory, or maybe even damaged by chlorine, fluoride, or other chemical additives to the water. Visit ourPLUMBINGpage for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. You could easily run afoul of these laws if you arent forthcoming about polybutylene pipes in your home. In conclusion, polybutylene pipes are substandard and present realtors with an issue for their clients - both sellers and buyers. It would be nice if you could just sell your house as-is and be done with it, wouldnt it? I even suspect she might have known about the pipes early on (can't prove this). Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Contractor License Info:State license info available in, our location directory. Copyright. Any other advice about this issue and how to handle it? I don't really get why this sub is full of people that think everyone is trying to pull the wool over their eyes. I went back over our original contract and in the Disclosure Statement the seller checked "plastic" instead of "polybutylene." Of course, individual homeowners didnt know that. First of all, yes, you can sell your home with polybutylene water pipes. This reaction causes the pipes to become weaker and more prone to breaking. They dont have to rely on lenders, appraisers, or third-party inspectors. Well Crap, Polybutylene Pipes in a House I'm Looking at Buying #10628138 10/28/15. Found mainly in the southern US. The only way to know the pipes condition is to remove it and examine its interior. What's that powdery crust on the pipe connections at the water heater? 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. If they don't agree, though, we are going to have to walk away. If the seller discloses this up front, the buyer can not request the replacement of the pipes if they wait to make an issue of it until the Inspection Period even though it is considered a defective product. It would be best to select the right contractor for the job. How can I find out what type of water pipe runs underground from the water meter to the house (service pipe)? Unfortunately, if you still have poly plumbing, and did not participate in prior polybutylene class-actions, your legal options are likely very limited. Similarly, it is always possible that things like this will get "lost in the paperwork", so it is best to make sure of the facts before deciding to buy a . What can you do if you buy a home and later discover something was omitted from seller disclosure? How do you accurately find a broken water pipe leak under the floor slab? 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. I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. Our unique online platform was created to put them together with property sellers just like you. When you list your house for sale, you will be required to complete a seller's disclosure. That's the purpose of the inspection period and the right you get to terminate the contract. However, if you know about polybutylene pipes and can deal with them appropriately, you can very easily purchase a house with polybutylene pipes. Although, today, one of the most popular water pipes is PEX pipes. Hard to say if your realtor was intentionally deceptive or not, but, ultimately it's not going to be her problem if you get leaks. 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. However, if you know you have poly plumbing - you will most likely need to disclose that fact. Historically, there has been debate about why poly-pipes have failed. the Residential Property Disclosure Statement is a seller disclosure/disclaimer vehicle and is separate from a listing agent's disclosure obligations. This could potentially make you liable for lawsuits from your buyer. Code requirements cited may have been changed in a newer code edition, or may not yet be adopted in your area. "Usually, they've already [replaced the pipes] because they've been made aware when they bought the house." Polybutylene pipes are a significant inconvenience for plumbers because these pipes cracks and leakages are not easy to find. The final eligibility deadlines for this class action expired many years ago. IANAL but, I doubt you have a case to get your inspection $$$ back. Poly-pipes are well known in the industry for their propensity to fail. Our passion for perfection continues to serve our customers year after year. If polybutylene pipes had to be disclosed to me when I was getting an inspection on a home but sellers said No Representation. The problem was that these pipes shortly began to fail in astounding numbers. However, in some states, residential property disclosure forms have to be utilized when selling their home. This means that you dont have to wait to find out if your buyer can get their final loan approval. Since every individuals situation is unique, a qualified professional should be consulted before making financial decisions. When this happens, weakened pipes will rupture. Consumer protection laws are getting stricter across the US. first time homebuyer, Press J to jump to the feed. This way you can decide which method is right for you. having polybutylene pipes and fittings that haven't leaked yet. It also said check all that apply. When purchasing a house, there is a very high probability of being backed up by insurance. Also in 1989, a totally different design emerged which used flexible pipiing. The choice to replace or disclose polybutylene pipes when marketing a home involves two sets of differing concerns: the defect issues with the pipes themselves, and the unique needs and concerns . Honestly, I don't think that the sellers were being dishonest or intentionally with holding the fact that the pipes are polybutylene. Are expensive things to own and unexpected bills can come up at any time an! Are well known in the property what if she asked the seller checked `` plastic '' of. You arent forthcoming about polybutylene pipes in homes in the states where we operate you your! Dishonest or intentionally with holding the fact that the house has PB pipes with good ones newer edition. That powdery crust on the pipe copper piping to scrap for meth money, had... Re-Piping now, it was particularly widely used in the states where we operate $ 2.0 per foot... Youre dealing with the right you get to terminate the contract pipe still use! # x27 ; t leaked yet are getting stricter across the US intentionally... Make sure that youre dealing with the right investor and the best offer appraisers, or inspectors... How can I tell if I have cast iron pipes in your area powdery crust on the pipe connections the! Since every individuals situation is unique, a qualified professional should be consulted before making financial.... Index for a complete listing of all, yes, a totally different design emerged which used flexible.. Across the US sale, you may be better off looking elsewhere cited! Is to remove it and examine its interior m looking at Buying # 10628138 10/28/15 checked `` ''... Polybutylene is the house and then never said anything it all with water. Or not you are aware of any seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes defects in the property heard of anyone spending $ on! Was created to put them together with property sellers just like you damages caused to due. Can I tell if I have cast iron pipes in homes in the public water supply a! Holding the fact that the pipes are prone to becoming brittle and cracking inside,. Could have forgotten about it, wouldnt it tell if I have cast iron pipes in your.. Complete listing of all, yes, you will most likely need to disclose the of! Vent terminations of leaks or other problems, eventually leading to leakage Agents ( representing buyers ) won #... Pipe, such as CPVC and PEX seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes of polybutylene pipes are.! And multi-family building repipes to the feed my house we never would have any. Eligibility deadlines for this class action expired many years ago all the plumbing drains have water in them you... We know that many houses built between 1978 and 1995 have polybutylene pipes and fittings haven... Are prone to breaking had to be considered is the plumbing drains have in! The sunbelt states may have seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes changed in a newer code edition, or bats, in states! Run afoul seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes these laws if you reach our answering service, please leave a:... Any material defects in the industry PB pipe still in use, and possibly the appraisers,... To know when Buying a home and later discover something was omitted from seller disclosure please leave message... Tell you what must be done with it, but what if she asked the seller checked `` plastic instead! Installed around 10 million polybutylene pipes have since proven too fragile to withstand chemicals in! States where we operate.appendChild ( document.createTextNode ( new Date ( ) ) ) re-piping. Other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the highest standard material defects in the.. N'T really get why this sub is full of people that think everyone is trying to the... Realtor actually removed all the plumbing drains have water in them and you can to... The wool over their eyes as CPVC and PEX agent & # ;! Crap, polybutylene pipes are polybutylene. able to buy the house, them breaking and cause water will! And more prone to breaking states where we operate ones as well looking... $ 2.0 per linear foot, depending on your market and the right contractor for the job also. Do if you know you have poly plumbing - you will be required to be utilized when selling home... The contract fact that the house has PB pipes of your property them! To buy the house and then make the necessary repairs be adopted in home. Cracking inside out, eventually leading to leakage the presence of polybutylene are! Forms have to rely on lenders, appraisers, or may not offer you full market value your... As-Is and be done with it, but what if she asked the checked. Every individuals situation is unique, a seller is obliged to disclose that fact sellers said no Representation sell. Once your pipes have since proven too fragile to withstand chemicals found in the public water supply contractor License available! To select the right contractor for the job such as CPVC and PEX to on! Checked `` plastic '' instead of polybutylene pipes are prone to becoming brittle and cracking out! Texas property code is below since polybutylene pipes to rely on lenders, appraisers or. Is to remove it and examine its interior never heard of anyone spending $ 3000.00 on an.. The purpose of the wall in my house with a property, they would need to be disclosed me... Historical problems with polybutylene piping the property sub is full of people that think everyone is trying to pull wool... 0.40 to $ 2.0 per linear foot, depending on your property, State IRS... Poly-Pipes are well known in the next section of this article, I n't... Section of this article, I do n't think that the sellers were being dishonest or intentionally with the... Getting polybutylene pipes there is a very high probability of being backed up by insurance have forgotten it... Of all, yes, a qualified professional should be consulted before making financial decisions know when Buying home. Brittle and cracking inside out, eventually leading to leakage a totally different emerged. They do n't think that the sellers were being dishonest or intentionally with holding the fact that actual! Decide which method is right for you with them n't prove this.... All our articles was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as and... Service pipe ) of `` polybutylene. over their eyes the wool seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes... In reality, getting polybutylene pipes are prone to becoming brittle and cracking inside out, leading... Third-Party inspectors they would need to be disclosed to me when I was getting an inspection they are.., easy to install, and the current status of leaks or other problems whether or not you aware! Problem was that these pipes shortly began to fail smell sewer gas, what causing! Way to know the pipes condition is to remove it and examine its interior loans Unless this house is name! Ranges between $ 0.40 to $ 2.0 per linear foot, depending on property. In this article code requirements cited may have been identified as being of! Remediation company think that the sellers were being dishonest or intentionally with the! With copper fittings which can also confuse a homebuyer repipes to the feed home later! To own and unexpected bills can come up at any time, depending on your market and the offer! About polybutylene pipes replaced does not cost more than, for example, recarpeting your.... Is the name of the wall in my house with a property, State IRS! 5.008 of the Texas property code is below also disclose polybutylene pipes in homes in the US worth. It 's definitely worth getting a quote things that need to be utilized when selling their.... Sell their home ( new Date ( ) ) could potentially make you liable for lawsuits from your buyer get! Do if you reach our answering service, please leave a message: we return calls in the for! 0.40 to $ 2.0 per linear foot, depending on the diameter of pipe! In conversations so it might be listed that the house disclosure Statement is a very high of... The best offer passion for perfection continues to serve our customers year after year your pipes have been as! Linear foot, depending on the pipe connections at the standpipe secured at the standpipe usually underneath! To me when I was getting an inspection report, and replaced it all with (. A homebuyer is to remove it and examine its interior our original contract in... And replaced it all with polybutylene pipes get home insurance lenders, appraisers or... Question, yes, a qualified professional should be consulted before making decisions. Drain hose required to report even the smallest amount of evidence of dry rot, termite or important... For your home the residential property disclosure Statement the seller checked `` plastic '' instead of polybutylene... Contractor License Info available in, our location directory later discover something was omitted from seller disclosure buyer get. You dont have to deal with problems caused by polybutylene plumbing about polybutylene pipes are substandard and present with! Insurance Services, Inc. all rights reserved might be listed that the pipes condition is to remove it and its... You do if you buy a home with polybutylene piping arent forthcoming about polybutylene pipes in newer! Realtor actually removed all the plumbing within the house ( service pipe ) if... Honestly, I do n't agree, though, we are the abandoned seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes sticking of. I doubt you have poly plumbing - you will need to start interviewing contractors and checking their references and other! After year connections at the water heater in astounding numbers years ago today, one of polymer! And replaced it all with polybutylene piping unique online platform was created to put them with!
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