Polybutylene Plumbing
What is it?
Polybutylene plumbing inside a structure ("PB In-House Plumbing")
is a potable water supply system containing polybutylene ("PB") pipe
and either acetal (plastic) or metal
insert fittings (such as tees, and elbows). PB pipe is a non-rigid,
sometimes curved, usually gray (or possibly silver or black) plastic
pipe. When used in the underground service from the water company to a
structure (a "Yard Service Line"), PB pipe is blue, gray or black. PB
pipe is not used for drains, waste or vent piping. Also, PB pipe is
not PVC or CPVC, which is a rigid white or off-white plastic pipe. "PB
Plumbing" refers to both PB In-House Plumbing and Yard Service Line.
Insert fittings are used to join pieces of polybutylene pipe. The
insert fitting is inserted into the pipe and clamped with a metal
(aluminum or copper) crimp ring over the outside of the pipe. Metal
insert fittings are either copper or brass. Acetal
insert fittings are hard gray or white plastic. They are not
black. Insert fittings are not grabber, flare or compression fittings,
which are often threaded and use a plastic or metal nut to secure the
seal.
