Question about pipes/plumbing

We are buying a home in Ashburn with polybutylene plumbing. We have been advised that we might want to consider having the home repiped (all existing pipes replaced with CPVC or copper). Has anyone out there had this experience, and if so, would you mind sharing it? Thanks!

 

Our house was originally built with PB pipes. The people we bought it from had it repiped before THEY bought it. A few of our neighbors have had leaks, and then immediately repipe as a result. I also have some neighbors that have not repiped and not had any leaks or problems at all. The issue with the PB pipes is that, when they go, they do not just dribble-they gush. This can cause a tremendous amount of damage.

I think it runs about $6000-$7000 to do the whole house and there is one company, Plumbing Express, that specializes in repiping.

I know there was a class action lawsuit years ago, but I don't know what the parameters were.

Out of curiousity, where is this house located (general area)? I know there are pockets of houses in Ashburn Farm that had the same builder and were all built with PB pipes.

The neighbors that have had their houses repiped seemed very happy with the results-in terms of the new pipes (with 20 yr warranty) and the drywall repairs. Hope this info helps.

 

There are many web sites out there, some saying the insurance may refuse to insure your house if you have PB pipes. Might want to make sure you research before you settle.

http://www.polybutylene.com/

 

Thanks for all the information -- keep it coming!

The house we are buying is in Ashburn Village and apparently this is not an uncommon situation with homes here too. Plumbing Express is one of the companies that I have talked too. I would love to hear anyone else's experience with ANY of the companies that do the repiping.