Ask Me Help Desk - Cheap plumbing

Cheap plumbing

June 18, 2007

Our neighbor told us that when they built our homes here in MD, 1989, they voted on using cheap plumbing instead of expensive plumbing

We already had to replace our water main line when it was leaking, the 2nd yr we were here. My neighbor said hers went too several yrs ago, and so did many others in our area.
They used blue poly. We replaced it with copper. So this confirms the cheap plumbing they used.

I noticed pvc piping under the sinks... but the pipes in the basement appear to be copper. Whey they say CHEAP, what did they use??

Thanks

Plumbing's inspected for shoddy workmanship and materials. For instance you can't substitute schedule#20 PVC for schedule#40 PVC in drainage just because it's cheap, just as you can't substitute type "M" copper for type"L".
We are held to standards in our industry. If Blue Poly water services failed then it was because of installation and not shoddy material. At the present time out in front of my house they are replacing water connections with Bl,ue Poly. What pipes ars copper in your basement? Drainage or water? And the PVC pipes pickinbg upthe sink?
It's my bet the basement pipes were water and the sink pipes were drainage. This sounds loke a normal installation to me. I think you're looking for fault where none exists. Regards, Tom

Okay, yes, I believe it is a normal installation. NOrmal meaning that is what they are using these days in new homes. Yes, we have PVC under the sinks, and the water lines look like they are copper.

I beg to differ with you about blue poly. The Company admitted they used the cheapest material vs copper. We just missed the 5 yrs warranty and had to pay $2K to fix it.

We are experiencing a leak in our copper pipe, YES. The drop ceiling tile has a circle of water and is damp. It will take a bomb before my husband calls a plumber to fix it though.

We we actually lucky, our home was very low when we purchased it, but we are stuck with bad plumbing now. My husband doesn't look at it that way. If I left, I bet he would see things for how they really are.

Denise

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeniGuti

June 18, 2007

Our neighbor told us that when they built our homes here in MD, 1989, they voted on using cheap plumbing instead of expensive plumbing

Well, cheap is in the eye of the beholder, I guess.

Quote:

We already had to replace our water main line when it was leaking, the 2nd yr we were here. My neighbor said hers went too several yrs ago, and so did many others in our area. They used blue poly. We replaced it with copper. So this confirms the cheap plumbing they used.

Well, it sounds like they definitely scrimped on the water line.

But you need to remember that in the 80's, 'Blue Poly' Polybutylene piping for waterlines was considered cutting edge technology.

It was only after it had been in service for about ten years that the problems with shear, abrasions and susceptibility to erosion when put into contact with chlorine started cropping up. Live and learn, I guess.

As for the $2K you spent replacing the Polybutylene, you could have spent far less if you'd shopped around for other products. I have Schedule 80 PVC waterlines that have been in service without any issues for over 25 years. Wirsbo's AquaPEX is another far less expensive piping material that has been in use in Europe for over 30 years without any major issues, beyond a few isolated extruded plastic fitting failures, of course.

Hi Iamgrowler,

I just hope the sewer line is made of something stronger. We are having problems with our toilet now too. Sometimes we have to flush it twice. I noticed this also in a Big Lots restroom down the block from us. They just built it 2 yrs ago. Must be the same kind of plumbing.

I just hope nothing bad happens. My husband has a very bad temper, and my MIL is always looking for ways to blame me for everything that breaks in this house.

Good grief, I hope we don't have to replace our sewer line. What do you think that is made of? PVC I hope. What is the standard PVC used for sewer lines? I don't mind spending the xtra, I don't like to be a guina pig when it comes to plumbing.

Thanks guys, your input is very helpful

Denise

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeniGuti

I just hope nothing bad happens. My husband has a very bad temper, and my MIL is always looking for ways to blame me for everything that breaks in this house.

I'll be the first person to admit that this isn't any of my business -- But we have a very kind, warm and helpful poster in the 'Relationships' forum named talaniman who you might find helpful in dealing with your spouse and your MIL.

Just my two pence.

Thanks for your help iamgrowler.. I certainly will check out "Relationships". If it will help, I will try anything.

Denise