Polybutylene piping, once hailed as the future of plumbing, became a widespread disaster that left homeowners and the plumbing industry reeling. Popular in residential and commercial construction from the late 1970s to the mid-1990s, polybutylene pipes were marketed as an affordable and durable alternative to traditional materials like copper. However, over time, the material’s flaws became glaringly apparent, resulting in extensive property damage and a wave of lawsuits. This blog dives into the history of polybutylene piping, the lawsuits that followed, and what it means for homeowners today.
What is Polybutylene and Why Was There a Polybutylene Pipe Recall?
Polybutylene (PB) is a type of plastic resin used to create flexible, lightweight pipes for plumbing and water systems. Its affordability and ease of installation made it a favorite among builders, particularly during the housing boom of the 1980s. Commonly referred to as “the pipe of the future,” PB was extensively used in the southern and southwestern United States but also appeared in homes across the country.
The Problem with Polybutylene
Despite its initial promise, polybutylene pipes began to fail prematurely. The main issue was their chemical instability:
Chlorine Exposure—Municipal water supplies often use chlorine as a disinfectant. Over time, chlorine reacts with polybutylene, causing the pipes to weaken, flake, and eventually crack.
Brittleness Over Time—The material degraded from the inside out, making failures unpredictable and often catastrophic.
Widespread Damage—Pipe bursts or leaks caused extensive water damage, mold growth, and costly repairs for homeowners.
Two Major Polybutylene Class Action Lawsuits
By the mid-1980s, homeowners began reporting widespread failures in polybutylene plumbing systems. Complaints mounted as pipes failed unexpectedly, leading to water damage and expensive repairs. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, class-action lawsuits were filed against manufacturers of polybutylene pipes and fittings. The most significant cases included:
Cox v. Shell Oil Company (1995)
This class-action lawsuit was brought against Shell Oil, a major supplier of the resin used in polybutylene piping. The settlement totaled approximately $950 million and established the Polybutylene Pipe Settlement Fund. The fund helped affected homeowners replace faulty piping systems.
Spencer v. DuPont (1995)
This case targeted E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) for its role in manufacturing defective acetal resin fittings used with polybutylene pipes.
Under the settlements, homeowners with documented failures could receive compensation for the replacement of their polybutylene systems. However, the process required substantial proof, including evidence of failure and verification of the pipe material, which many homeowners found burdensome.
Impact on Homeowners
Widespread Replacement Costs—Many homeowners opted to replace their polybutylene systems proactively to avoid potential damage, often at their own expense.
Real Estate Challenges—Homes with polybutylene plumbing became harder to sell. Many buyers demanded pipe replacement as a condition of purchase, further burdening sellers.
Insurance Complications—Some insurance companies began to deny coverage or increase premiums for homes with polybutylene piping due to the high risk of failure.
Current Status of Polybutylene Piping
Although the production and installation of polybutylene pipes ceased in the mid-1990s, millions of homes still contain this material today. While the Polybutylene Pipe Settlement Fund has long since closed, the legacy of these lawsuits continues to affect homeowners and the plumbing industry.
What Should Homeowners Do?
If your home has polybutylene piping, it’s essential to take proactive steps:
1. Identify the Pipes — Polybutylene pipes are typically gray, blue, or black and often marked with “PB” on the exterior. Check exposed areas like basements, crawlspaces, and near water heaters.
2. Consult a Professional — Hire a licensed plumber to inspect your pipes and assess their condition.
3. Plan for Replacement —Replacing polybutylene piping with modern materials like PEX or CPVC is the safest long-term solution.
4. Disclose During Sale — If selling your home, be transparent about the presence of polybutylene pipes to avoid legal and financial complications.
Polybutylene Pipe Lawsuit Conclusion
The history of polybutylene piping and the lawsuits that followed serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of reliable building materials. While the legal battles surrounding polybutylene are now part of history, their impact remains relevant to homeowners dealing with outdated plumbing systems.
If you suspect your home has polybutylene piping, don’t wait for a problem to arise. Contact a plumbing professional today to discuss replacement options and protect your home from future damage.
