PB Versus PEX Piping

Many home remodels used PB (Plolybutylene) water supply lines - widely used before 1996. Since then, PEX (Crossed-Linked Polyethylene) is more common.

The old PB pipe has a tendency to deteriorate from the inside out due to chlorines added to water systems. However, being on well for a water supply eliminates this specific issue.

Other problems with the old PB pipe relate to the clamps used at the joints. Tools used to install clamps can over tighten and cause stress cracks on the pipe, or on the actual clamp, resulting in leaks. Most leaks are located at joints due to poor installation or faulty connection clamps.

Be aware that if your home is plumbed with these PB-types of water supply lines, they may need to be replaced.

About J&S Home Inspections

J&S is the premier home inspection company in Missoula, MT. The company’s slogan is “Missoula home inspections you can trust.” We have been in business in the area since 2004 and look forward to several more decades of serving our real estate clients.

J&S home inspections are the most thorough available in Missoula. We take as much time as needed to inspect every possible detail, and with years of experience in the area, we are extremely familiar with the types of issues that are common to Montana homes. In addition, the company utilizes highly specialized reporting software that provides the client with the most understandable, prioritized, readable, and presentable reports available in the industry.

This blog aims to provide free, helpful information to our clients and the public. We hope that it will be a beneficial resource to home sellers looking to prepare their property for sale, and to homebuyers who want to make sure they are making an informed decision.

Look for a new blog post at least once a week. We look forward to sharing, and we are proud to be an established member of the Missoula business community!

Regards,

John Jacobs

Owner, J&S Home Inspections