What is Polybutylene Piping?

We had a major plumbing leak and the plumber indicated that we had polybutylene piping and it should be replaced. Why should it be replaced?

Polybutylene is a form of plastic resin that was predominately and most commonly used for water supply piping from 1978 until 1995. This type of water supply piping is infamous for leaks, ruptures and bursting. It was discovered that chlorine in public water supplies reacted with this piping material and the polymers that held the joints together, thus the rupturing. The plumber that indicated your piping should be replaced is correct. There were scores of nationally widespread issues with this piping material and because of this; consumers filed the largest class-action suit ever, against the manufacturer. For all of you that live in a home built between 1978 and 1995, it is only a matter of time before your plumbing will leak and it might be good to take precautions. The class-action law suite has been closed.