Answer: | FALSE - I was pleased to see that most folks were aware that Polybutylene (PB) is different than PEX. PEX is an acronym that stands for Cross Linked Polyethylene, and is an entirely different chemical compound than Polybutylene (PB). Polybutylene is a flexible plumbing tubing which is typically grey in color. PB has a bad reputation for unpredictable failure, and has been the subject of multiple class action lawsuits, with legal settlements for hundreds of millions of dollars (because of damage from the product failure). The PB failures are a result of chemical breakdown that occurs with an interaction between chemicals within the water and the PB pipe. Over time, the pipe degrades and usually cracks or breaks at the crimping rings - resulting in a leak. Visual observation of the exterior of the pipe cannot predict failure, and while some people say that using copper fittings provides a more reliable application, every PB failure I have been made aware of along the Emerald Coast had used copper fittings. Because of the unreliable performance and past legal settlements of Polybutylene, it would be a significant liability to not make Buyer's aware of the potential risk associated with PB Pipe. |
