Polybutylene and Other Outdated Pipes in Your Phoenix Home

Do you know what type of pipe runs through your home? If you live in an older house built before the 1990s, and you’re experiencing signs of failing pipes, consider scheduling repiping services from Penguin Air, Plumbing & Electrical. We’ll help you determine the cause of your plumbing woes and swap out your old pipes if necessary.

Outdated Plumbing Materials

If your plumbing is made of any of the following materials, it could be time to swap them out.

Polybutylene pipes

Installed as recently as 15 years ago, polybutylene pipes were once believed to last a long time. However, they have a bad habit of rupturing and leaking without warning, sometimes causing significant structural or cosmetic damage in the process. Be aware that many Phoenix homes with polybutylene pipes have copper fittings extending from the wall. Therefore, a thorough inspection may be necessary to identify what sewer pipes you actually have.

Galvanized steel pipes

Made from steel dipped in zinc to prolong its life span, galvanized pipes were introduced as an alternative to lead pipes. This plumbing material was installed in homes until around 1960. Today, we know that despite their anti-corrosion treatment, galvanized steel pipes rust over time, dramatically decreasing the circumference through which water can flow.

Cast iron pipes

This type of plumbing was a popular choice until about the 1960s. Despite the durability of cast iron, these pipes only last about 30 years, eventually succumbing to corrosion and waste buildup on the metal’s uneven surfaces.

Clay pipes

This World War II-era piping is made of a clay-shale blend. Clay pipes are environmentally friendly and resistant to acids and chemicals, but they are also brittle and porous. Within about 30 years, clay pipes tend to start developing problems.

Orangeburg pipes

Also known as bituminous fiber piping, Orangeburg pipes are made of wood pulp sealed with coal tar. This material was introduced in the 1940s as a cost-effective option to combat the shortage of cast iron during World War II. Widely used until the 1970s, Orangeburg pipes have proven far less durable than other plumbing materials.

Signs You Need to Swap Out Old Pipes

Even with proper plumbing maintenance, no pipes can last forever. You may need to explore your repiping options if you notice any of the following signs of failing pipes:

• Unusual-smelling, off-tasting, or rust-colored water
• Creaking or banging noises coming from the pipes
• Low water pressure
• Inconsistent water temperature
• Visible corrosion
• Leaky pipes

Modern Piping Materials

If you’re thinking about repiping your home, consider some of the materials available.

PVC & ABS pipes

These materials are often used in conjunction with one another—PVC (polyvinyl chloride) serving as the water supply line and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) being installed in drain-waste-vent applications. As some of the most durable and long-lasting pipe materials, PVC and ABS don’t corrode and are resistant to root intrusion. They are also very affordable and can be used in conjunction with cast iron or clay plumbing if you only need to swap out some of your old pipes.

PEX pipes

PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) piping is one of the most durable modern plumbing materials available. It’s flexible, which eases installation and eliminates the need for potentially leaky joints. PEX is also corrosion-resistant and unlikely to burst in freezing temperatures.

Copper pipes

Traditional copper plumbing remains a popular repiping choice. It can be installed quickly and resists bacterial growth to maintain good water quality. However, copper is more expensive than other modern piping materials.

Schedule Repiping in Phoenix, AZ

For top-notch repiping services in the Phoenix area, turn to Penguin Air! Our reliable plumbers have been meeting the needs of our residential and commercial customers for nearly a decade. We offer 24-hour emergency plumbing services, upfront pricing, and a 100% money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.

To request repiping services in Arizona, please call us at (480) 550-9943 today.