Talk:Polybutylene terephthalate
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[edit] PB Plumbing
This type of plastic gained noteriety when builders began using it for interior plumbing in the late 70s. PB or PolyB pipes are flexible and easier to work with than copper or PVC pipes, as well as being cheaper. However, the plastics degrade when exposed to UV and chlorinated water. The acetal resin-based fittings eventually degrade, and the aluminum crimp rings, used to hold the pipe to barbed fittings, eventually become loose and leak.
A number of class action lawsuits were opened to address damages to consumer's houses.
The rings were changed to copper, the crimp design was changed, and the fittings were changed to copper or brass. This has made PB fittings much more stable. There are still questions about the actual pipe, however. It is thought that the pipe may be permanently damaged if it is left exposed to sunlight for extended periods while in storage or on the job site.
Good information, including pictures: http://accuspec.biz/PB%20Plumbing.htm
Class action lawsuit information: http://www.pbpipe.com/
--Mdwyer 19:23, 2 October 2005 (UTC)
