Plastic Pipe Problems

Plastics have several advantages when used in pipework --- they are lighter, more flexible, and less expensive than metal or concrete pipes. However, there are disadvantages to the material, especially in older plastics.

Temperature Problems

• Plastic pipes have poor resistance to temperatures, and will eventually break down and spring leaks if subjected to heat and cold for extended periods.

  Corrosion and Degradation

  • If repeatedly exposed to certain chemicals, such as those found in gasoline and oil, plastic pipes will corrode. Plastic is also subject to photo-degradation, meaning that it will gradually be damaged if subjected to light for extended periods.

    Older Plastics

    • The problems of chemicals, temperatures and light are even more pronounced in older plastics, such as polybutylene. This material was touted as the "pipe of the future" in the 1970s, but started to show widespread degradation in the 80s. Though much of this older plastic has been removed from plumbing systems, some homes still have the unreliable polybutylene pipework.