By Jeff Butler, Repipe Specialists
Does your property still rely on old copper, galvanized, or even defective polybutylene drinking water pipes from decades past? It’s time to replace outdated drinking water pipes with a modern, reliable plumbing system designed for the future.
Modernizing Pipes for Colorado’s Extreme Weather
As Colorado’s weather becomes increasingly unpredictable, the impact on aging buildings, particularly those with plumbing systems over 30 years old, is a growing concern for homeowners, board members, and property managers. Extreme weather conditions and outdated materials in Colorado, like copper, galvanized, and polybutylene pipes, pose significant risks that can only be mitigated through proactive measures like repiping.
Colorado’s climate is known for its dramatic swings—from scorching summers to harsh winters. These temperature fluctuations can wreak havoc on plumbing systems, especially in older buildings. With approximately 50% of Colorado’s housing stock, including condominiums and multi-family properties, built before 1980 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021), many are likely to have outdated plumbing systems.Pipes expand and contract with changing temperatures, leading to wear and tear that can result in leaks, bursts, and costly repairs.
Winter is particularly problematic. When temperatures drop, the water inside pipes can freeze and expand, causing pipes to crack or burst. Older pipes, which may already be compromised by decades of use, are especially susceptible to this kind of damage. For properties with aging plumbing, these issues are not just inconvenient but can lead to severe water damage and expensive repairs.
Polybutylene Pipes Are So 30 Years Ago
Polybutylene pipes are made from a plastic resin called polybutylene, which is flexible and resistant to freezing temperatures. The pipes are typically gray in color and are often found in the water distribution system within the walls, ceilings, and floors of homes.
Polybutylene pipes were once a popular choice for buildings constructed between the 1970s, 1980s, and mid-1990s due to their affordability and ease of installation. If your property was built or repiped during this period, it's possible that polybutylene pipes were used.
These pipes have proven to be highly unreliable, particularly in the presence of chlorine and other chemicals in municipal water supplies. Over time, polybutylene pipes become brittle and prone to cracking, leading to leaks and water damage. The pipes were ultimately discontinued in 1996, but unfortunately, many buildings across the US are still experiencing frequent leaks and ongoing maintenance costs due to the presence of polybutylene.
For buildings over 30 years old, the risk of polybutylene pipe failure is high. The material degrades significantly over time, especially in Colorado’s variable climate, making it a ticking time bomb in many properties. Furthermore, many insurance companies either refuse to cover properties with polybutylene pipes or charge higher premiums due to the high likelihood of failure.
Future-Proof Your Community: The Advantages of Upgrading to Modern Plumbing
Repiping involves replacing outdated plumbing with modern, durable materials that can withstand the challenges posed by both time and the environment. For those managing aging properties in Colorado, the combination of extreme weather and outdated plumbing materials like polybutylene presents significant challenges. Repiping offers a proactive solution that addresses these risks, future-proofing your property while protecting both its safety and value.
Modern materials like PEX and copper are better suited to handle Colorado’s extreme temperatures and resist corrosion. PEX is flexible, reducing the risk of freezing and bursting, while copper offers long-lasting durability. Upgrading to these materials can help avoid costly repairs, lower insurance premiums, and enhance your community’s appeal to current and prospective residents.
Leave Copper, Galvanized, and Poly Pipes in the Past
If your property’s plumbing system is approaching or over 30 years old, and you're still unsure if you have polybutylene pipes, it's important to contact a repipe specialist to assess your piping system and discuss the benefits of repiping. By taking action, you can ensure that your property is equipped to handle Colorado’s unpredictable climate and avoid the headaches of plumbing failures down the road.
Jeff Butler founded Repipe Specialists in 1991, and has been working to constantly improve and refine the Repipe Specialists One Stop Repipe Process™ since. Repipe Specialists specializes in repiping occupied multi-family buildings and communities with minimal impact to residents and working closely with onsite property management to ensure a smooth project.
