Polybutylene Water Pipes ???? Timeframe: 1978 to 1996 PROBLEM Polybutylene is a grey plastic used for water pipes in homes as a cost-saving measure from 1978 to approximately 1996. Pipes made from polybutylene were installed in up to 10 million homes in the United States. https://www.nachi.org/pb.htm Why is polybutylene prone to failure? Manufacturers claim that the majority of leaks occur at joints and unions, which is where a leak would likely appear if a pipe were improperly installed. However, studies have shown certain disinfectants can react with the polybutylene and cause it to flake apart at any location within the …