Polybutylene Pipe Failure and Weather Changes

Polybutylene pipe failure occur year round. They are most related to chlorine breaking down the pipe and improper installation. Dry weather can increase the chance of a polybutylene pipe break. Dry weather causes soils to harden and there place more restraint on the pipe. Restraint of the pipe prevents the pipe from expanding and contracting with temperatures changes of the soil and water supply. Hotter temperatures also cause polybutylene pipe to decrease in bursting pressure. Plastics in general are stronger and more rigid when colder. Due to this fact, hot summer time temperatures cause and increase in polybutylene service line failures. The blue polybutylene appears to be more affected by temperature changes than the grey polybutylene. This can be accounted for by its chemical composition. Blue polybutylene is designed on for cold water applications while the grey polybutylene was designed for hot and cold. For more info visit us at
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