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Which water pipes are an insurance problem and possibly uninsurable?

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Galvanized steel water pipe was used extensively in residential construction from the 1950s through the late 1970s. Another problematic pipe material is polybutylene, often referred to by the acronym “PB,” and it was installed from the mid-1970s to mid-1990s. Then there’s PEX (Cross-linked Polyethylene), the most recent addition.

    Many insurance companies do not want to write a policy on properties with any of these three types of pipes because of the higher-than-normal likelihood of leakage that will end up as an expensive insurance claim. To get all the facts about galvanized steel pipe, go to our blog post Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers?. And see our blog post What does polybutylene pipe look like? Why is it a problem? for more information on the history and problems with PB pipe. For PEX, Can I get insurance with PEX piping?

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Here’s 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?

Can galvanized steel pipe still be used for new water lines in a house? 

How can I tell if I have cast iron pipes in my house? 

Why can't a sanitary tee be used for a horizontal-to-horizontal drain pipe connection? 

What is the difference between green and white sewer drain pipes?

Is a washing machine drain hose required to be secured at the standpipe?

What are the abandoned pipes sticking out of the wall in my house?  

What are the code requirements for plumbing vent terminations?

What are the code requirements for layout of drain piping under sinks?

What is the difference between water service pipe and water supply pipe? 

What are the pipes on my roof? 

• How can I find out what type of water pipe runs underground from the water meter to the house (service pipe)?

What is a P-trap?

Why is old galvanized steel water pipe a problem for homebuyers?

What does polybutylene pipe look like? Why is it a problem? 

     Visit our PLUMBING  and INSURANCE pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.

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