Why Tampa Bay Homeowners Are Replacing Polybutylene Pipes—and Why You Might Need To

The short answer? If you’ve received a warning from your insurance company, had a recent four-point inspection, or just learned your home may have polybutylene pipes, you’re not alone. Thousands of Tampa Bay homes built between 1978 and 1995 were originally installed with this outdated piping—and more and more homeowners are learning the hard way that it’s time to repipe.

But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through what it means, why it matters, and what your options are.

What are Polybutylene Pipes?

Polybutylene piping is a type of plastic plumbing pipe that was once widely used in homes across Florida. These pipes were installed between the late ‘70s and mid-‘90s.

At the time, polybutylene was seen as a cost-effective alternative to copper—but over the years, it’s become clear that these pipes don’t stand the test of time. In fact, after a $1 billion lawsuit in 1995 (Cox vs. Shell Oil) polybutylene pipes were no longer accepted by U.S. building codes and manufactures stopped producing the pipes.

Why Are These Pipes a Problem?

Polybutylene pipes are known for:

Breaking at fittings or splitting inside walls
Reacting with common chemicals in city water, which weakens the pipe over time
Being chewed through by rodents like mice and rats
Causing unexpected water leaks or floods
Triggering water damage repairs

So even if your pipes seem fine, the risk of failure grows every year. And unfortunately, insurance companies know it.

Why Insurance Companies Are Dropping Coverage

Many Florida insurance companies are now refusing to renew or write policies for homes with polybutylene piping. If you’ve had a Four-Point Inspection (which is often required when buying or renewing insurance), and your plumbing system is flagged, you might be facing:

Policy non-renewal
Higher premiums
Total loss of coverage
Mortgage lenders requiring immediate repairs

That’s why more homeowners are getting ahead of the issue with a whole-home repipe before it becomes an emergency.

Not Sure If You Have Polybutylene Pipes?

You’re not expected to be a plumbing expert—but we are. If your home was built between 1978 and 1995, it’s worth scheduling a professional plumbing inspection. We can check your piping system and let you know what you’re working with.

SCHEDULE NOW

How to Tell the Home Has Polybutylene Pipes

If you’re looking at buying a new home, your inspector should let you know what type of pipes the home has.

But, if you want to see for yourself, you can also look at the pipe directly. Two features indicate that you have polybutylene pipes:

The color of the pipe: Polybutylene pipes are gray.
The letters “PB”: For example, look for the letters “PB” next to the numbers 2110.

The easiest places to see polybutylene pipes in your home are...

Near the Water Heater
Connecting to Sinks and Toilets
Running Across the Ceiling in an Unfinished Basement
At the Main Shut-Off Valve or Water Meter.

What Are Your Options?

If your home still has polybutylene pipes, here’s what we recommend:

Schedule a Plumbing Inspection
A licensed plumber can confirm whether your home has polybutylene and evaluate the condition of your system.
Talk to Your Insurance Company
If you’ve already had a four-point inspection, review your report and call your provider to find out where you stand.
Plan for a Repipe
Replacing the pipes now can prevent future headaches, give you peace of mind, and help keep your insurance coverage. We offer flexible financing to make it easier.

Don’t Wait for a Leak or Insurance Drop Notice

Don’t Wait for a Leak or Insurance Drop Notice

We’ve helped hundreds of Tampa Bay families repipe their homes the right way—professionally, cleanly, and with minimal disruption.

Fast, efficient repipe services
Licensed, insured, and experienced plumbers
Affordable financing options
Real reviews from happy homeowners

Schedule Your Free Plumbing Inspection

At Red Cap, we believe in protecting what matters most—your home, your family, and your peace of mind.