The problem with polybutylene pipes

I was out showing property the other day and came across a home that was in the process of having it's polybutylene pipes removed. Luckily the listing information had mentioned these repairs were being made so I had the opportunity to tell my clients about polybutylene before we entered the house.


If you're not familiar with polybutylene pipes, you're probably haven't lived in any of the Southwestern states. Polybutylene was a very popular type of plastic resin piping that was used for home plumbing systems in the "Sun Belt" states between 1978 and 1995. It was the material of choice in those days because it was cheap and easy to install. Problem is that several different factors can cause the pipes and their fittings to burst, in turn flooding your home and potentially causing mold. Chlorine and other chemicals in the water supply are the biggest contributors because they're known to cause the pipes to deteriorate, eventually causing leaks. Bad installation is another contributing factor.

Unfortunately there's not quick fix for a home that has polybutylene; the only remedy is to replace the pipes. It's really not a matter of "if" these pipes will burst, it's more a matter of when. Besides being expensive it's just a big hassle because plumbing companies must cut holes in various walls of your home to get access to the bad pipes. Estimates say that polybutylene pipes exist in anywhere from 6 to 10 million homes. I guess it's not hard to figure out that there are a lot of homes in the Tucson area that have polybutylene pipes. These homes tend to sit on the market longer because most buyers don't want to deal with them. Having a home inspection prior to buying is no guarantee that you'll know if the home has polybutylene pipes; some home inspectors have difficulty identifying them. You're best bet is to contact a local plumbing company that specializes in polybutylene replacement.

There are several sites that provide great information about polybutylene pipes

Everything you want to know about polybutylene (I'm not promoting the plumbing company, just their informative site!)

What you should know about polybutylene

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Rain Gutters in Arizona?

So many of my past clients have laughed when I've mentioned that some homeowners in Tucson really do install rain gutters on their homes, I just felt the need to mention here! Although Tucson averages about 325 days of sunshine a year, as you'll read in my past weather blogs we do get some heavy rains in the Old Pueblo.

Heavy rains in Tucson and other desert areas can easily cause flash flooding as the density of the ground prevents rain from being absorbed (as you'll see happening in my front courtyard area!) We're near the end of the desert's summer monsoon season, but we're awaiting the remnants of Hurricane Henriette, which should bring storms to Southern Arizona over the next few days. Another reason I'm glad we just had rain gutters installed. I actually hear rain on the roof right now. Better go check out the new gutters to see how they're working!

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When Desert Critters Come A Callin....

Maybe it's my imagination, but this has been one wet monsoon season for Tucson, and I've seen the critters to prove it! Tucson recorded 5.22 inches of rain for the month of July, and that's still only the sixth wettest July since records have been kept. Throughout the year most Tucsonans will see the occasional cricket or earwig (yes that really is an insect) scurrying across their floor, but when heavy rains make their way into the area, it's an insect free for all. On more then one occasion I've contemplated wearing a breathing mask for my morning run the day after a heavy rain so that I can breathe without inhaling a termite cloud. Understandably, desert natives like roaches, ants and scorpions head for higher and drier land when the ground gets saturated. Monsoon rains also increase termite activity. Local pest control companies have had a 20% increase in business as heavy rains flush insects from the desert floor. This is a good reason to have regular pest control treatments; it's better to take preventative measures before they become a problem. Also make sure to eliminate cracks around doors so that insects don't have a way in. And remember, these little critters are native to the desert and here to stay; just bear with them!

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Protecting Your Home From Monsoon Storms

As anyone living in Tucson can already tell you, the 2007 Monsoon season has struck with avengence. The season began July 8th with not much to-do, but mother nature has decided that she's let Tucsonans off easy the last few years and now she's trying to make her point! During the last two weeks Tucson residents have been submerged in heavy rains and practically blown away by micro bursts that have erupted in our city. A large number of Tucson homeowners have reported roof damage, flooding in their homes, loss of electricity, trees blown down in their yards, and some have even been stranded on top of their vehicles in the flooded roadways.

Though the monsoon season brings spectacular lightening displays and gorgeous sunsets, Tucson homeowners must take extra precautions to protect themselves and minimize damage to their homes that these fierce storms can cause. Here's a list of things you can do to protect your most expensive possesion from being ravaged by a Tucson Monsoon!

Roofing - If possible, climb onto your roof and inspect all seams, flashing and penetrations. If you have a tile roof it's wise to hire a professional roofing company to inspect as they are familiar with tile roofs and no how to avoid damaging tiles. Inspect and repair your roof in late Spring so that issues can be addressed before roofing companies become back logged in June and July. As roof leaks can become problematic quickly, take care of the "little issues" early and you'll save time as well as money.

Lighting - Most homeowners forget that lightening can cause severe property damage in an instant. New generations of surge protectors can prevent computers and other electronic equipment from being zapped by a lightening bolt.

Doors - Inspect all exterior doors before the rains begin! If you see gaps around doors, heavy rains can blow in and cause damage. Monsoon rains also drive in many of the desert creatures that like our dry Arizona climate. Just last night I found a "friendly" little scorpion had forged his way into my home thru the garage in search of a dry bed to sleep. Seal your doors early to prevent these guests from visiting you!

Trim Your Landscape - Though most newcomers expect a dry and desolate desert when visit Tucson for the first time, they're always surprised to find we have so many lush, green trees! Tucson homeowners should protect their trees from strong winds by "thinning out" the tops so that the wind can pass thru without causing damage. Many Tucson trees become top heavy because they are watered regularly. Occasionally trimming your trees and shrubs will keep them healthy and safe during summer storm.

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