Most prospective homeowners are familiar with the more common findings during a whole-home inspection, such as unaddressed roof leaks, outdated plumbing, or pest infestations. However, there’s also a chance we might find unexpected risks, such as hidden polybutylene.
Remember that the quality of your inspector’s attention to detail is directly related to their experience and dedication to the client. That’s why Volusia County Real estate agents and experienced home buyers trust us, SIP, when they need a complete home inspection.
Hiring Experienced Home Inspectors is Essential For Finding Hidden Threats
When making decisions about an investment as significant as a home purchase, you need to know all the information ahead of time. And, while information about a home’s critical systems is essential, it can be equally important to learn about some of the hidden details – like polybutylene – that may alter real estate negotiations.
What To Know About Polybutylene In Your Prospective Home
First, we want to be clear that despite its chemical-sounding name, the risks of polybutylene are structural rather than health or safety-oriented.
Polybutylene is a plastic that was considered an innovative pipe material between 1978 and 1995 because it was far more flexible than the previous plumbing materials (like lead, cast iron, or galvanized steel).
However, by the mid-1990s, it was clear that while polybutylene pipes were affordable, easy to install/repair, and flexible, they were also highly prone to rupturing. Repeat home insurance claims due to ruptured polybutylene pipes that caused significant structural damage made it clear it wasn’t a miracle plumbing material after all.
Unfortunately, homes built between 1978 and 1995 may still have polybutylene pipes in all or specific areas of the house, putting your home at risk for leaks and flooding. The good news is that polybutylene pipes can and should be replaced, but they are something that any prospective buyer should know about ahead of time.
Risks of Polybutylene Pipes
The risks of having polybutylene pipes in all or a single section of a home include:
- Pipe ruptures and leaks. A ruptured pipe makes itself known pretty quickly by flooding the surrounding area (of course, these things also tend to happen when people are out of town, which can lead to more significant water damage). However, these pipes can also spring leaks that may not be as obvious until substantial structural damage is done or mold/mildew has set in.
- It must be disclosed during a home sale. Current Florida real estate law dictates that any polybutylene pipes must be noted on the seller’s property disclosure forms. This can make a home less attractive to potential buyers or provide extra wiggle room for price reductions or repair credits.
- Issues with homeowners insurance. If a home inspection reveals polybutylene pipes, there is a good chance home insurance carriers will refuse coverage or charge you exorbitant rates. Replacing the pipes may be necessary to complete the real estate transaction before the home is sold – especially if lenders are involved.
Polybutylene pipes and other outdated plumbing materials don’t announce themselves. It requires the dedicated efforts of an experienced home inspector who goes beyond a courtesy “walk about,” intentionally looking behind panels, in the attic, and underneath other covered areas in case anything is hidden.
In fact, we recently inspected a home where we discovered polybutylene pipes hidden behind a panel and painted (to mask their appearance). That’s the extra-level sleuthing required to find the hidden red flags you need to know about before making a solid offer.
SIP’s Home Inspections Uncover Polybutylene & Other Hidden Red Flags
Finding an experienced, reputable home inspection company is key when it comes to going beyond checking standard home inspection boxes and uncovering the hidden red flags.
The team at Super Inspection Pros (SIP) is Inter-NACHI-certified and the go-to inspectors for the areas’ most successful real estate agents. Our dedication to the industry and attention to detail mean taking the time to look in all the hidden nooks and crannies, so we guarantee 100% accurate inspection reports for our clients.
While houses built before 1995 are more likely to have outdated home systems, like plumbing, any home 10 years old or older is likely to have issues you’ll want to know about before making your final decision or offer.
Schedule your home inspection with SIP, and we guarantee fast inspections (within three business days) and an accurate home inspection report in 24 hours or less. We’ll make sure you know everything you need to so you can make informed real estate decisions.
META: Accurate, full home inspections are key to catching hidden red flags like polybutylene pipes. Learn about polybutylene risks and what to know before you buy.
