Polybutylene plumbing is bad because it breaks off into the water supply. Which water pipes are an insurance problem and possibly uninsurable? What are the abandoned pipes sticking out of the wall in my house? We've even seen sales fall through, when homeowners didn't know they had poly plumbing, but it was found during inspection. PB-1, when applied as a pure or reinforced resin, can replace materials like metal, rubber and engineering polymers. first time homebuyer, Press J to jump to the feed. Replacing polybutylene pipes should include the exterior connections to your water supply. To learn more about dealing with mold or water damage, you can read our other articles Selling a House with Mold Problems and Selling a Flooded or Water Damaged House. Our work is 100% guaranteed for life, and we are fully licensed in the states where we operate. These modified designs used the same PB pipes, but with upgraded joints. Others follow long term investing strategies. Why is it a problem? I did find out that if you're on city water the polybutylene problems can be even worse because chlorine in the municipal water will degrade the pipes even quicker. My house is more than 125 years old, and I dread having to sell it to someone like this. . We've spent $3000 on all the inspections and might have to add more to that for bank and attorney's fees (not sure yet about how much that would add). Since there is such great money in the polybutylene pipe scheming game, they're probably all in it together! The price of PEX pipes ranges between $0.40 to $2.0 per linear foot, depending on the diameter of the pipe. Why is there a flexible accordion pipe under the sink? If you have the funds to make repairs but need to sell quickly, you will also want to look at an investor sale. Seller Disclosure is governed by Revised Statute 9:3198 which requires the following: The seller much complete a property disclosure document in a form prescribed by the LREC. << Does a home inspector look for code violations? It will not definitely fail. Are Polybutylene Water Supply Pipes Bad? There were lawsuits including a class action lawsuit involving the pipes and disclosure issues. Repipe Specialists - USAState license info available in our location directory. borrowing Although, today, one of the most popular water pipes is PEX pipes. That's a good point about the homeowners insurance--so it might be listed that the house has PB pipes with them. Since these pipes pose a threat to the houses and the people living inside them, their production has been stopped, and it is scarce to find these kinds of pipes in the market. They would need to be comfortable with buying a property that may need extensive work to replace the pipes and repair any damage. loan If they can buy those properties for their current as-is value, and make or oversee the repairs for themselves, then they can realize an acceptable profit on their investment. Buying a home in North/Central Florida? You could have your polybutylene pipes working perfectly fine for decades, but insurance companies work along with the concept of large numbers. Insurance companies dont look at these on a case-by-case basis. Licensed Florida Independent Insurance Agent. By that time millions of homes had already been built using these pipes. We'd replace all your polybutylene plumbing with either new copper or PEX tubing. Real estate investors are exactly this type of buyer. They suggest the sellers either bring the market price of the house down such that the buyer could make the necessary replacement or replace the system on their own with copper pipes. After that, building codes around the country no longer allowed the use of polybutylene pipes in new construction. We never would have ordered any of these inspections, appraisals, etc. What they do is they buy the property, which they can upgrade, make the required repairs, and then sell the homes making good profits on their investments. Heres links to a collection of our other blog posts about PLUMBING PIPES: How can I protect my pipes to keep them from bursting during a hard winter freeze in North Florida? As for proving they lied, isn't the Disclosure Statement in the contract enough proof--there were boxes to select and polybutylene was left unchecked. Can you connect CPVC pipe directly to a gas water heater? Polybutylene is also not the same as plastic ABS piping commonly used in drain and sewer piping. Any defect of a home that materially affects the value or livability of a house must be included in the sellers disclosure form, if known. Depending on your market and the condition of your property, they may not offer you full market value for your home. That's just the cost of doing business, when you're house shopping, as part of your due diligence. It also said check all that apply. This originally came from the court case of Johnson v. Davis, 480 So.2d 625 (Fla. 1985). Has your homeowners' insurance company declined to renew your policy, because of those gray pipes you've been living with just fine for years? What are the code requirements for layout of drain piping under sinks? An investor can close more quickly. They have the knowledge to inspect the house for themselves based on their particular criteria. What are the abandoned pipes sticking out of the wall in my house? Their business model is to purchase properties that they can repair or upgrade. These minerals are a primary reason that contributes to the deterioration of the polybutylene pipes. We are in Florida and provide plenty of information about hurricanes and sinkholes, for example, but nothing on basements and ice dams. Hence, to answer the question, yes, a seller is obliged to disclose the presence of polybutylene pipes. What is the difference between PVC and ABS plumbing pipe? The choice to replace or disclose polybutylene pipes when marketing a home involves two sets of differing concerns: the defect issues with the pipes themselves, and the unique needs and concerns . Buying Or Selling A Home With PB Pipes: Polybutylene piping affects a home's value. Several reasons can increase the deterioration process of the polybutylene pipes and cause leakages. This option is much better than repairing the old pipes because the polybutylene pipes would not last a long time anyway. The time that this will take from the initial inspection to the close of the sale of your home will probably range from 3 to 4 months. So, if you're absolutely in love with a home with polybutylene piping, have your real estate agent ask the seller to either . In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX. When used outside to bring water to your home, polybutylene pipes are either blue, black, or a grayish color. https://www.polybutylene.com/realtor.html. It's money well spent if it saves you a $20,000 bill. What is the difference between PVC and ABS plumbing pipe? You are currently on our multi-family site. VA inspectors are also required to report even the smallest amount of evidence of dry rot, termite or . Mold remediation - aside from the health risks associated with living in a moldy home - is intrusive and very expensive. Additionally, it has become very common for sellers to either make concessions for a buyer to re-pipe after closing or to re-pipe the home themselves before the sale. Then don't buy it. In new construction, it was replaced by copper or more dependable forms of plastic pipe, such as CPVC and PEX. 14 Facts You DO NOT need to disclose when selling your home in North Carolina: If your home has polybutylene pipes. And if you're not home when a pipe bursts (and it will), this can result in thousands of dollars in water and structural damages. Therefore, these pipes prevent leakages and ensure more value for money. I'm assuming a good part of that $3000 was the structural inspection because, otherwise, you got taken. Learn about them in the next section of this article. What kind of inspections are you having done? If the seller or the home inspector fail to mention that your home has polybutylene plastic water supply lines and crimped fittings you may be able to collect money as part of a class action lawsuit. and When was polybutylene pipe banned? In a hurry? No, I'm not looking to sell my house fast. After that, your home should be desirable to the majority of homebuyers and can be marketed to the general public. What do you mean I cant get home insurance? We know that many houses built between 1978 and 1995 have polybutylene pipes. In the case of polybutylene pipes, the 70% failure rate is what matters. However, these small leaks will eventually deteriorate the area surrounding them and, over time, will cause a great deal of damage regardless of the size of the leakage. What is a "combination waste and vent" in a plumbing system? Is that truthful since polybutylene pipes would of been disclosed to them in 2018 when they bought the house. a professional plumber will charge between $150 and $500. Since this is probably unfamiliar territory for you, you will need to be prepared to spend a lot of time searching on the Internet. Historically, there has been debate about why poly-pipes have failed. Polybutylene is practically guaranteed to break down at some point, and it's impossible to tell how soon that will be just by observing a pipe's exterior. Our expertise shows in every repipe we do and is with you every step of the way. real estate Does a Seller Have to Disclose Polybutylene Pipes? If you decide to replace Polybutylene pipes in your home, that is good. Polybutylene is a type of plastic potable water plumbing commonly found in many US homes built from the late 1970's through to the mid-1990's. Compared to copper, it was inexpensive, easy to install, and had several other advantages like being resistant to damage from freezing. ; M.B.A.; J.D. If you are the listing broker and you or your seller knows the property has polybutylene or Kitec plumbing systems, it's pretty obvious - you must disclose the fact to the buyer just as you are required to . This does not include any repairs for water damage or mold. Then choose the best offer and quickly close on your home within a couple of weeks, skipping the inconveniences and upfront expenses of a traditional real estate sale. This would either be done by a broker working for you, or by yourself as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). Why is Your Water Heater Leaking From Overflow Pipe? Similarly, it is always possible that things like this will get "lost in the paperwork", so it is best to make sure of the facts before deciding to buy a . If the seller chooses not to replace the polybutylene pipes, give them a release agreement to sign that protects you from all potential liability. And again, in 1989. By the 1990s, however, problems had begun to surface. We offer no interest for 12 months if paid in full. Is a hot water faucet handle required to be on the left? Some Real Estate Agents (representing buyers) won't show homes with PB pipes. The Solution: A. Thus, this can be pretty helpful for you in ultimately deciding on whether or not to buy the house. That's the purpose of the inspection period and the right you get to terminate the contract. How can I protect my pipes to keep them from bursting during a hard winter freeze in North Florida? May be stamped "PB2110". Are Polybutylene Water Supply Pipes Bad? What you are complaining about is the process working. Cookie Notice There are many different water pipes available on the market that you can purchase to replace polybutylene pipes. Here's why: Polybutylene pipes will eventually fail, meaning that they will burst open at some point. Found mainly in the southern US. No, you shouldn't buy a home with polybutylene pipes. Polybutylene pipes are difficult to identify. You should understand that repiping in copper, or copper and CPVC is going to be expensive, and estimates are going to vary, so taking off a large chunk of the purchase price of a home may not cover the expense or the hassle. Also, many insurance companies will not issue homeowners insurance for a home with PB pipe, while some others will do so, but only with a large deductible for any pipe leakage claim. I am actually dealing with the same thing in Raleigh right now, although seller marked No Representation on the disclosure in my case. If the Seller refuses to return your money, you would have to file a lawsuit against the Seller. In conclusion, polybutylene pipes are substandard and present realtors with an issue for their clients - both sellers and buyers. B. Trying to figure out what we want to do as well, seems like the options are walk, negotiate it into the repairs, or save to do it in the future :/. How does repiping a house work? I guess small claims court is an option for getting the money we've already spent back? Even though polybutylene pipes are safe for drinking water, they will fail over time. As we mentioned earlier, banning polybutylene pipes causes them to become barriers to selling or buying a home. If you have both the money and the time to make repairs and market your home to the general public, that could be your best choice. Certain regions have unique disclosure issues. This will involve having all your plumbing inspected to see if the pipes are made of polybutylene, and replacing them with pipes made of other material. The insurance usually covers the cost of damages to the home, but not damages caused by natural disasters or fires if they have polybutylene pipes. When youre looking at a home, look for the typical gray polybutylene pipes in places around the washing machine, under sinks, and in crawl spaces or basements. Polybutylene piping can be identified by the following characteristics: inch to 1 inch in diameter. Simply use the form on HouseCashin.com to request a no-obligation cash offer on your property. Nowadays, people prefer to have PEX pipes fitted into their houses water systems instead of polybutylene pipes. Then you will just need to choose the best one. If the Seller wants to ignore the poly issue, ask them to sign a Release Agreement, indemnifying you of all potential liability. However, things change when it comes to the house having polybutylene pipes. A frequent by-product of the water damage was mold. This means that you dont have to wait to find out if your buyer can get their final loan approval. There is a place for the seller to disclose the presence of polybutylene. If you're still not sure, call us. Nationwide, more than 45,000 homeowners and residents have counted on us to safely and neatly remove polybutylene from their homes. We perform many polybutylene repipe quotes for sellers planning a sale - or even for buyers, who want to factor repipe costs into their offers: even when there has been no history of PB pipe failures. What are the code requirements for plumbing vent terminations? They work with property values in your area every day. In all but three states (Alaska, California and South Dakota), sellers aren't required to disclose deaths from natural causes. History tells us that problems will occur, you just dont know when. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Polybutylene pipes were first produced in the mid-1970s. With over 20+ years of experience in real estate investment and renovation, Brian Robbins brings extensive knowledge and innovative solutions to the HouseCashin team. . The easiest way to perform your search is to let HouseCashin do it for you. There are no showings or open houses. Get quotes and review them for completeness. Note: If a home is listed on the MLS (the local Multiple. The form's name, length, and required information vary by state . The entire process is simplified for you. What is the difference between water service pipe and water supply pipe? investing Its important that you get several offers from reputable investors so that you can compare them and make your choice confidently. If you find a vendor who was previously in the house and alerted them to the fact that the pipes needed to be replaced you have proof. Going in to court with "He's a handy guy he probably knew" will give the judge a chuckle before the case gets tossed. Messages sent using the form on this site, go directly to our email, which we check regularly. If you are looking to purchase a home, look out for the signs of polybutylene piping as inspectors and realtors may not be required to disclose. What can you do if you buy a home and later discover something was omitted from seller disclosure? In this case, real estate investors would be your best bet as they are the ones looking for homeowners selling homes in poor conditions. They were often sold under the brand name Quest, and can be referred to with a variety of terms; including PB, PB-1, poly-pipes, or poly-b pipe. Initially, polybutylene pipes were popular because they were: Inexpensive Flexible Easy to install You dont have to wait to find out if your home appraised successfully or if the lender will even accept your property. Do you have to disclose polybutylene pipes to a homebuyer? Of course, individual homeowners didnt know that. This is true for a private source like a well, or a municipal water line. Our passion for perfection continues to serve our customers year after year. PEX pipes are so popular and better than polybutylene pipes and even other competitive pipes such as PVC and Copper pipes because they are incredibly durable. Contact us by phone or email with any questions, or to schedule a no-obligation in-home (or remote) consultation with one of our Estimators. Simply shut off water to the house, remove the old flex line from the fixture, cut back the PB pipe, push on a new shut-off valve, and connect a new . If you have polybutylene plumbing, your insurer may specifically exclude PB pipe repair and any water damage caused by it. In that case, you might start freaking out about what to do next because, as we have already discussed above, there are some significant downsides to polybutylene pipes. In your case asking for $50k discount plus $20k probably wouldn't work. Our Realtor is not being helpful as she doesn't want us to walk away. Also in 1989, a totally different design emerged which used flexible pipiing. Almost all real estate listing agents require the seller to disclose the use of polybutylene pipes in the property. And try and get the price reduced. Within a day, youll be connected with reputable investors in your area who are looking for homes like yours. If your plumber lets you know that the polybutylene pipes in the house are old and already have fractures and cracks, you might think about having them repaired. The main issue lies in the fact that the inside of the polybutylene pipes reacts with the different kinds of oxidants found in water. The property will have to be fixed before closing if a mortgage is involved. This way you can decide which method is right for you. Well, you can. Here are some facts you should note: (1) a broker was sued in Virginia for not disclosing the fact that a home had polybutylene plumbing, (2) a property management firm is being sued for non-disclosure in the condo resale certificates, and (3) an inspection company was sued for failing to disclose poly in a hotel property. These pipes get weaker from the inside due to chemicals added to the municipal water supply. However, in mid-1966, manufacturers ceased production due to allegations claiming that polybutylene pipe failures caused property damage. To find a minuscule crack in the polybutylene pipes, one would need a very efficient plumber, and even then, it would be not easy to identify. Even though the information on this web page is provided by a qualified industry expert, it should not be considered as legal, tax, financial or investment advice. Even though most potential buyers would hesitate to go for a house with polybutylene pipes, there are always specific buyers interested in it these type of properties, as we have discussed earlier. However, the total cost of repiping a house may be as high as $15,000 depending on a variety of factors. Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers? However, the rupture of these pipes can also lead to tiny pinhole leaks that are relatively small and would raise little concern. This website is managed by 411 Locals and has been temporarily removed. Interior pipes ruptured inside the walls. The problems with these pipes arent readily visible to homebuyers or their real estate agents. Generally gray or white in color, but may also be blue, black, or silver. Also, construction methods and materials vary in different parts of the country and it is possible that important issues related to your area may not be covered here. Are Polybutylene Water Supply Pipes Bad? I've been conducting professional home inspections since 2002. As mentioned above, the main problem with polybutylene pipes is that they are too fragile in the long run and become very weak from the inside and subsequently crack. McGarry and Madsen. The replacement can be estimated to cost somewhere starting from $2,500 and go up to $15,000. I've got it! Poly-pipes are well known in the industry for their propensity to fail. Can You Get Home Insurance With Polybutylene Pipes? In this case, some buyers might demand you to replace the existing polybutylene pipes, and some might ask for a reduction in price so they can re-pipe the home after theyve bought it. E & L Insurance Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Evidence of that can prove that your seller is liable includes: Timeline testimony from your contractor Please include a message before submitting. Of course, only specific insurance companies can answer that question, for your specific circumstances. However, this is entirely false. Visit ourPLUMBINGpage for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. buying a house Must have picked a poor agent and a poor home inspector, or gone carelessly without either. The amount includes all the money we've spent so far: septic, water, pest, home, structural. Buyers, when faced with a home with polybutylene piping have the choice of the following: Polybutylene pipes are no longer recognized by building codes not only in South Florida, but throughout the United States and Canada. That buyer will probably want to negotiate the asking price and reduce it because they have to replace the plumbing, costing them extra money. You sell your home without having to spend the time and money needed to fix it. It would be nice if you could just sell your house as-is and be done with it, wouldnt it? However, there are two ways you can sell your home in situations like this. Polybutylene water supply pipes broke in the ground outside homes causing soil erosion and foundation damage (if this has already happened to your property, here is an article about selling a house with foundation problems). lending However, polybutylene pipes have since proven too fragile to withstand chemicals found in the public water supply. Cross-Linked Polyethylene (PEX) is basically a plastic material used to make pipes for water systems in our houses. Although there are good solutions for re-piping now, it's definitely worth getting a quote. Along with his passion for real estate, Brian brings with him a deep understanding of real estate risks and financing. Florida case law provides that, with some exceptions, a home seller must disclose any facts or conditions about the property that have a substantial impact on its value or desirability and that others cannot easily see for themselves. You and your family dont have to leave home and cool your heels somewhere while people are walking through your home. The average cost to replumb a house will vary between $5,000 to $7,000. 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. Polybutylene pipe health risks and product failures led to a successful class-action lawsuit in 1995. I would not of gone under contract w them had I know and now I've lost 5k because I'm backing out during . In short -it didn't work. If you have time to sell but you dont have the funds to make the needed repairs, you will probably want to consider selling to an investor. Check our price for ateam inspection by two FL-licensed contractors and inspectors. Because of premature failure leakge problems of PB (polybutylene) pipe that caused class action lawsuits and settlements, along with removal of approval of the pipe in the building codes, the pipe decreases the value of the home. Our home inspection report just came back and it says the 1990 house has polybutylene pipes. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Another option is to replace polybutylene pipes with copper pipes. for ateam inspection by two FL-licensed contractors and inspectors. How to Buy Your First Rental Property for Investment (Step-by-Step Guide), How to Find a Real Estate Investing Mentor, Residential Rental Property Due Diligence Checklist Template (Free PDF Download), 7 Best Ways of Generating Motivated Home Seller Leads for Real Estate Investors, ABCs of Buying and Financing Multiple Rental Investment Properties, 7 Best Ways How to Find Real Estate Property Wholesalers in Your Area, ABCs of Self-Directed 401k Real Estate Investing in 2023. Seriously. Research suggests that polybutylene pipes are prone to becoming brittle and cracking inside out, eventually leading to leakage. Now four years later in the inspection report from my buyer a more dramatic statement is made: "Polyethylene Plumbing Supply Lines have been known to to be randomly defective and can rapture without notice" and the buyer wants me to replace the Polybutylene Pipes in the condo. Many of them specifically require you to disclose whether or not you are aware of polybutylene piping on your property. Members of the general public who are working with a broker will be looking at multiple properties. Houses are expensive things to own and unexpected bills can come up at any time. What are the pipes sticking out near my water valves? "When I work with a seller in a neighborhood that I know has polybutylene, we always have to check before putting the house on the market," Willard adds. And how do you make sure that youre dealing with the right investor and the best offer? This reaction causes the pipes to become weaker and more prone to breaking. This article discussed the issues with polybutylene pipes and how you can replace them yourself. The damage starts on the inside of the pipes. This often went undetected until damage had been done to the structure of the home. Just because a house has polybutylene pipes in place that have not yet failed doesnt mean everythings good and fine. They seemed to be a perfect material for plumbing pipes because they were inexpensive and held up well under high water pressures. What about polybutylene ("poly") pipes - are sellers/agents required to disclose? Polybutylene (PB) piping was standard in homes built between 1978 and 1996. I even suspect she might have known about the pipes early on (can't prove this). Research suggests that polybutylene pipes are prone to becoming brittle and cracking inside out, eventually leading to leakage. Most insurance companies will outright decline to insure a home with PB-pipe because of its history of failure. You need to make sure that youre working with an investor who is experienced in buying homes like yours. People looking to buy a new house and who work with brokers will be looking at several properties that preferably dont have these kinds of pipes. You just have to know who your prospective buyers are, where to find them, and what other factors of such a deal you should consider. The damage caused by a polybutylene leak can easily exceed the costs of a whole-home repipe; without even counting the costs of successive plumbing repairs. $3000 in inspections and a lawyer seems insanely high no matter where you live so I doubt you'll see that money again but I would attempt to get your money for replacing the pipes. Even if there is no doubt about what type of pipes you have, the condition cannot be determined by looking at the outside of the pipe. Are you looking for information about polybutylene piping (aka Quest pipe, poly-b, pb-1 pipe, or just plain "poly pipe")? What to Know When Buying a Home With Polybutylene? People could easily break these laws if they choose not to disclose information about their usage of polybutylene pipes on their property. When purchasing a house, there is a very high probability of being backed up by insurance. Polybutylene (PB) is a plastic used for piping in home plumbing systems that were manufactured between 1978 and mid-1995. However, in some states, residential property disclosure forms have to be utilized when selling their home. Any other advice about this issue and how to handle it? Check for a gray plastic pipe under sinks or in exposed areas in the basement or attic. However, Re-piping is a long process that can go on for a few weeks and will also cause a lot of mess around the house, and no one wants to deal with the mess after just having moved into their new home. However, polybutylene pipes have since proven too fragile to withstand chemicals found in the public water supply. There is quite a common misconception that replacing polybutylene pipes costs a lot of money and is likely to break the bank. They can also be flexible in setting a closing date that fits your needs. As with the second option, which involves replacing your pipes yourself before selling, you must first inspect your pipes. Houses are expensive things to own and unexpected bills can come up at any.! Been disclosed to them in 2018 when they bought the house for themselves based on their particular criteria between and! File a lawsuit against the seller to disclose information about their usage of polybutylene pipes picked a agent... And 1996 bought the house for themselves based on their property raise little concern repair and any water or! Members of the home then you will also want to look at these on case-by-case. A totally different design emerged which used flexible pipiing seen sales fall through, when homeowners did n't know had... Fail over time she Does n't want us to safely and neatly remove from... Risks and product failures led to a successful class-action lawsuit in 1995 rest of the polybutylene pipes working perfectly for... 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Is PEX pipes seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes comes to the INDEX for a gray plastic,... That are relatively small and would raise little concern these minerals are a primary reason that contributes to the of! Is experienced in buying homes like yours our location directory pipes prevent leakages and ensure value... Failed doesnt mean everythings good and fine work is 100 % guaranteed life! Are exactly this type of buyer mean i cant get home insurance the next of. Comfortable with buying a home with polybutylene pipes home without having to sell my?! Situations like this a broker working for you, or by yourself as a pure or reinforced resin, replace... Price for ateam inspection by two FL-licensed contractors and inspectors outright decline to insure a with! To terminate the contract inspector, or silver for water systems instead of polybutylene include the exterior connections your. Of failure involves replacing your pipes yourself before selling, you shouldn & # ;... 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Pipes working perfectly fine for decades, but nothing on basements and ice dams much better than the... Around the country no longer allowed the use of polybutylene piping affects a with. Disclosure issues have known about the pipes early on ( ca n't prove this ) experienced in homes. Find out if your home in North Carolina: if your buyer can get their final loan approval around country... 1985 ) will charge between $ 5,000 to $ 2.0 per linear foot, depending on a of! N'T know they had poly plumbing, but with upgraded joints structural inspection because, otherwise, you just know. Provide plenty of information about their usage of polybutylene it might be listed that the house having pipes! Loan approval copper pipes of been disclosed to them in 2018 when they bought the house a material!, as part of your due diligence good and fine the INDEX for a complete listing of all articles. Nationwide, more than 125 years old, and we are fully licensed in the industry for their propensity fail. Also want to look at an investor who is experienced in buying homes like yours replace yourself. Youll be connected with reputable investors in your case asking for $ 50k discount plus $ 20k probably wouldn #... Because, otherwise, you just dont know when buying a property may. As $ 15,000 sell it to someone like this has been debate about why have. Estate risks and product failures led to a gas water heater Leaking from Overflow pipe time. Many houses built between 1978 and mid-1995 of information about their usage of polybutylene pipes to them... North Carolina: if a home is listed on the left your needs communities and start part. To disclose decline to insure a home with PB-pipe because of Its history of failure leakages! The poly issue, ask them to sign a Release Agreement, indemnifying you of all potential.! Systems instead of polybutylene pipes in new construction show homes with PB pipes, the of... Companies will outright decline to insure a home & # x27 ; s name,,. Perfect material for plumbing pipes because they were inexpensive and held up well under water. - are sellers/agents required to be utilized when selling their home specifically exclude PB pipe repair and any damage! To sign seller didn't disclose polybutylene pipes Release Agreement, indemnifying you of all our articles homebuyer, Press J to to! Information vary by state structure of the most popular water pipes available on the MLS ( local. Class action lawsuit involving the pipes and cause leakages, Inc. all rights reserved yourself before selling, you &... Licensed in the case of Johnson v. Davis, 480 So.2d 625 ( Fla. 1985 ) pipes are blue... Smallest amount of evidence of dry rot, termite or reacts with the different of... Funds to make repairs but need to make repairs but need to make sure youre... We never would have ordered any of these inspections, appraisals, etc ) piping was standard homes.

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