It’s no secret that buying a house is a huge investment. But did you know that your choice of home materials could impact the value of your investment? If you’re considering buying a home with polybutylene (poly-b) pipe, you may want to think again.
While polybutylene pipe was once the most popular type of piping for homes, it has been susceptible to leaks and corrosion. As a result, many homeowners who have polybutylene pipes now need a plumbing replacement.
So before you make your final decision, be sure to weigh all of your options carefully. In this article, we’ll look at what you should know about buying a home with polybutylene pipe to make the best decision possible.
How to Know If The House You’re Considering Has Polybutylene (Poly-B) Pipe
Polybutylene pipe or poly b pipe is often gray, blue, or black and is usually stamped with “PB 2110” or “Polybutylene.” Unfortunately, these pipe markings don’t help much because the poly b pipes are often located in hidden places, like behind walls or under floors.
If you want to be sure, your best bet is to ask the seller directly or if you want to know more about Poly B Pipes, you can read our article about >> What is Poly B Plumbing and the Risks Associated With It
Does a Seller Have To Disclose Polybutylene Pipes?
In some cases, a seller is not legally obligated to disclose the presence of polybutylene pipes. However, most reputable sellers will want to be upfront about any problems in the home.
In many cases, sellers are unaware that their home has this type of piping. So, it’s always important to ask a professional plumber to perform an inspection before deciding. This will provide you with peace of mind, knowing what you’re getting into.
Advantages of Buying a House With Poly-B Pipe
Despite the potential problems associated with poly b pipes, there are a few advantages to buying a home that has this type of piping. The advantages are:
Lower Purchase Price
One of the major benefits of buying a home with poly-b plumbing is that it may be cheaper than a property without this type of pipe.
Because polybutylene pipe is now banned in some states, many sellers are eager to get rid of the house and may be willing to negotiate the purchase price. In addition, because replacement can be expensive, you may also find yourself negotiating the cost of it.
Faster Closing Process
Another advantage of buying a home with polybutylene piping is the fact that the closing process may be faster than if you were purchasing a home without this type of piping.
This is because many sellers are eager to close on the sale as quickly as possible to move on and forget about the problem. As a result, you may find yourself closing on the property much sooner than you would if you were buying a home without a poly b pipe.
Replacement Costs May Be Covered By The Seller
In some cases, the seller may be willing to cover the cost of replacing the polybutylene pipe. This is often the case if the seller is motivated to sell quickly.
If you’re interested in purchasing a home with polybutylene pipe, be sure to ask the seller whether the replacement costs will be covered, and make sure to get this in writing.
Keep in mind that if you’re unable to come up with your own funds for replacement, you may struggle to find mortgage lenders who are willing to provide a loan. As a result, it’s essential to consider all of your options before making a decision.
Disadvantages Of Buying A House With Poly-B Plumbing
Now that you know a little bit more about what polybutylene pipe is and how to identify it, let us take a closer look at the disadvantages of buying a home with poly b pipe.
No Insurance Coverage On the Property
You should be aware that many insurance companies will refuse to insure your property if it has polybutylene pipe. In fact, because this type of piping is prone to leaks and corrosion, some insurance companies consider homes with this material to be too high of a risk.
As a result, you may find yourself without insurance coverage if you do choose to purchase a home with polybutylene pipe or opt to replace this piping with PEX or copper pipes.
Mortgage Lenders May Refuse to Provide Financing
Mortgage lenders may also refuse to provide financing for your home if it has polybutylene pipes. This is because the cost of replacing this type of pipe can be pretty high. With that, the risk that you won’t be able to afford repairs from water damages down the line is too high for many lenders.
Prone to Foundation and Water Damages
Perhaps one of the biggest disadvantages of buying a home with polybutylene piping is its propensity to experience water damage and foundation issues. This type of piping is especially vulnerable to leaks, which means that it may start to leak into your home’s foundation over time.
This can cause the foundation to crack or even collapse, which is a serious issue that can be expensive to repair. Leaks can also cause the growth of mold or mildew in your home, resulting in health issues for you and your family.
Requires A Plumbing Replacement
Another disadvantage of buying a home with polybutylene pipe is the fact that you’ll likely need to replace the entire plumbing. Poly B pipes are now banned from being installed in many areas, and it may be difficult to find someone to fix it.
In addition, the cost of repairing this type of piping can be quite steep, so make sure to consider this when making your decision. If you want to know more about the replacement options and its cost, feel free to read >> Poly-B Plumbing Replacement Cost: Updated 2022 Price Guide
Conclusion
To answer the question “should I buy a house with polybutylene pipe”, it really depends on your specific situation. This type of piping comes with a number of advantages and disadvantages that you’ll need to weigh before making your decision.
If you plan to buy a home with this type of piping, be sure to consult a professional plumber to get an estimate of the replacement costs. It would be beneficial to ask the seller whether they are willing to pay for these expenses and ensure that you have it in writing.
If you are from Lower Mainland Canada and need Poly B removal services, we at Your Guy Plumbing would be happy to help. For many years, our team has been providing top-quality plumbing services in the area. We take pride in our commitment to customer satisfaction.
Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a free quote!