Polybutylene piping—widely installed in buildings from the 1970s through the mid-1990s—was once a popular, low-cost plumbing material. Over time, however, it became clear that common water treatment chemicals such as chlorine cause the material to deteriorate, making the pipes brittle and prone to sudden leaks or failures.
As a result—
- Most modern plumbing codes no longer allow polybutylene for new installations.
- Many standard insurance carriers will not insure properties that still have polybutylene piping.
- Associations often must obtain coverage in the non-standard insurance market, which can cost two to three times more than standard coverage.
The only reliable solution is full replacement of the piping system.
Preferred Insurance has extensive experience helping associations create practical plans to replace polybutylene piping and address other insurability concerns, including:
- Stab-Lok breaker panels
- Washer hoses
- Aging infrastructure risks
Addressing these issues can help your property qualify again for more affordable coverage with standard insurance carriers.
Please contact us if we can help your association evaluate next steps.
