Polybutylene (PB) Pipes: What Homeowners Need to Know—and What to Do Next

If your home was built between 1978 and 1995, there’s a chance you may have polybutylene piping (often labeled PB).

This material was once popular because it was affordable and flexible—but it has since become known for a serious weakness. At Professional Plumbing & Design, we help homeowners identify PB piping and understand the safest next step: replacement.

What Is Polybutylene Piping?

Polybutylene is an inexpensive, flexible plastic that was used for residential water piping from 1978 to 1995.

Over time, homeowners and plumbing professionals learned that polybutylene pipes were extremely vulnerable to ruptures, which can lead to:

• Water leaks behind walls or under floors
• Property damage
• Mold and moisture problems
• Higher utility bills from hidden leaks
• Costly repairs if a rupture occurs

Because of these risks, polybutylene resulted in a class-action settlement, and the material is no longer accepted by U.S. building codes.

How to Identify Polybutylene Pipes (PB)

Polybutylene pipes can appear in different colors, including:

• Blue
• Black
• White
• Gray

The key identifying feature is that the pipe will have the letters “PB” on a printed label.

Easiest Places to Check

To find the “PB” marking, look for pipe access near:

• Near the water heater
• Under or near