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what is the grey pipe in mobile homes called

by Luciano Reichert Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Polybutylene pipe is a gray plastic tubing that was commonly used as a water-supply plumbing pipe between 1978 and 1995, at which time it was discontinued due to reports of pipes rupturing. In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX.Mar 16, 2022

What kind of pipe did mobile homes have in the 1930s?

Almost all mobile homes had PB pipe back then. Some had aluminum crimp rings, some had copper. The aluminum was by far the worst. Some had plastic fittings and some had copper and brass. The plastic was by far the worst. Those that had plastic fittings and aluminum crimp rings didn't stand a chance.

What is polybutylene pipe used for in mobile homes?

Mobile homes in particular were often plumbed with PB tubing, and PB was also frequently used in standard stick-built construction during the 1970s and through the mid-1990s. What Is Polybutylene Pipe?

What was wrong with the PB pipe in old mobile homes?

If my memory is right, one of the primary problems was the crimp ring rusting or breaking allowing the tube to blow off of the fittings. Perhaps one of the plumbers will chime in. Greg "If I can't fix it, I can screw it up so bad no one else can either." Almost all mobile homes had PB pipe back then. Some had aluminum crimp rings, some had copper.

Is there such a thing as gray plastic pipe?

I am very curious as to what you have. The only gray plastic pipe I know of is PB pipe. Today is PERFECT! All information and advice given is for entertainment and informational purposes only. The person doing the work is solely responsible to insure that their work complies with their local building code and OSHA safety regulations.

Can I use PEX fittings on polybutylene pipe?

PB has the same outside diameter as PEX of the same nominal size, but outside diameters differ slightly between the tubing types. This means that you should not use PEX fittings on polybutylene, but that you can use PEX crimping rings and PEX crimping tools on barbed PB connections.

How do you repair a polybutylene pipe?

1:147:57How To Fix Leaking Polybutylene Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf this was copper it would be much more difficult to try and sweat the pipe in the wall. And onMoreIf this was copper it would be much more difficult to try and sweat the pipe in the wall. And on that corner. And all that stuff and it would take them much longer.

Is polybutylene the same as PEX?

Even though they are both plastic, PEX tubing has different properties than polybutylene. PEX is tougher, can withstand heat better, and harder to cut through than polybutylene. It's been used safely for portable water in the United States for the past two decades.

Is all grey pipe polybutylene?

Polybutylene pipes used for interior applications are generally gray in color but may also be black. PB pipes used outside may be gray, blue or black. PB pipe is flexible, not rigid. Polybutylene pipes may be stamped with the code: PB2110.

What type of pipe is used in mobile homes?

plastic pipesCPVC and PEX are more common in mobile home supply lines. Both work for hot and cold water lines. These materials may last as long as the incoming copper lines used for site-built homes. The plastic pipes are cheaper and easier to install.

How long do polybutylene pipes last?

So what's the problem? Polybutylene water pipes take about 10 to 15 years to deteriorate. Because they deteriorate from the inside out, it's difficult to assess the damage. Eventually leaking begins, and if not corrected promptly, can quickly escalate and cause extensive damage.

When was polybutylene piping banned?

Because of numerous leakage problems and lawsuits against the manufacturers, polybutylene pipe (PB) manufacture was stopped after 1995. It is no longer an approved pipe for water supply or distribution by the building codes, although approval was not immediately rescinded after it was removed from the market.

What is the main issue with polybutylene pipes?

Research suggests that polybutylene pipes are too fragile to withstand common disinfectants found in the public water supply and will quickly become brittle and crack from the inside out. Over time, once enough mini-fractures have formed in the pipe, it will wear out completely and rupture, causing a water leak.

When did they start using PEX in mobile homes?

PEX. PEX, also known as cross-linked polyethylene pipe, was first manufactured in the 1920s but has become more popular in recent years.

What does PEX pipe look like?

PEX piping looks a little like a plastic hose material. It comes in different sizes and can be bent or curved in gentle circles or bends. The two most common colors are red and blue. Usually red is for hot water lines, and blue is for cold water lines.

What is gray PVC pipe used for?

The most noticeable difference between regular PVC and electrical PVC is the color of the pipes. PVC pipe that is used for plumbing is usually white while electrical conduit PVC is usually gray.

What years were polybutylene pipes installed?

Polybutylene (PB) was a plastic manufactured between 1978 and mid-1995 for use as piping in home plumbing systems. It was inexpensive and offered plenty of advantages over other materials, such as flexibility, ease of installation, resistance to freezing.

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