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 PB Pipe, Polybutylene Pipe in Buildings
Properties, uses, standards, defects, failure claims, class action
- PB Polybutylene (PB) Pipes - description of Polybutylene PB pipe use in buildings, installation, inspection, troubleshooting, leaks, failures, failure claims
- PB Pipe Failure Claims
- Recommendations (Specifications) for PB Polybutylene Water Pipe Installation
- PLASTIC PIPING ABS CPVC PB PEX PVC - home page
- Questions & Answers about PB or polybutylene plastic piping in buildings: installation, inspection, cracks, failures, leaks, hazards
- References
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InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.
PB polubutylene plastic plumbing pipes: this article describes the properties of polubutylene (PB) plastic piping and tubing used in buildings. We include information about failures and problems with some generations of plastic pipes (PB or polybutylene) and we describe good building practice installation details where plastic piping is being installed. The articles at this website will answer most questions about plastic building water supply and building drain piping products, failures, and claims as well as many other building plumbing system inspection or defect topics.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
PB Pipe: Polybutylene Plumbing Plastic Pipe Use, Installation Specs, Failures, Leaks, Claims, Settlements
Thumbnail: Polybutylene (Polybutylene) Plumbing (plastic pipes): gray plastic water supply piping cracked, leaked, and resulted in a class action and settlement.
PB or Polybutylene pipe material (photo at left, center horizontal piping) is gray plastic water supply piping that racked, leaked, and its early use resulted in a class action and settlement.
In 1995 a $950 million class action settlement, Cox v. Shell Oil Company, provided relief for damage due to leaks in Polybutylene plumbing (PB Plumbing) within certain age constraints. Periodic notices were to be provided to homeowners over a 12-year period (ending ca. 2007) as follows:
Owners who purchased a house, mobile home, or other structure in the United States after August 21, 1995, provided that the structure contained polybutylene piping with plastic or metal insert fittings when they purchased it, are included in the class. These individuals may have been entitled to free replacement of their plumbing if it leaked previously or in the future.
The Polybutylene Pipe Settlement case is now closed. Homeowners whose structures still contain problematic versions of PB plumbing may nevertheless find that their building or mobile home is damaged by leaks and needs repairs. However there is no longer relief provided under the class action suit.
By 2010 it would be uncommon to find problematic plastic piping in buildings as we expect that where leaks were a problem, they have in many if not most installations, been discovered and repaired by now.
However home inspectors and home buyers as well as building maintenance staff need to be alert for discovery of older problematic or leaky plastic piping in buildings.
When we see several types (colors) of plastic piping mixed together, especially on older renovation or handyman plumbing jobs we worry that amateur work may have omitted use of the proper pipe glues and sealants.
 But the majority of leak problems with polybutylene supply lines involve failure of plastic
fittings. Fitting failure may lead to the need for system replacement.
This type of
fitting was commonly used from the late 1970s until the late 1980s. Copper fittings were used
in most installations from the late 1980s until the late 1990s. Failure of copper fittings is rare.
Failure of the actual polybutylene piping also seems relatively uncommon.
For at least some of the extensive plastic pipe failure claims, an important factor in the PBS pipe failure mechanism included water that contained significant levels of chlorine. See Chlorine - sources in drinking water for related information.
Connections for PB or polybutylene water piping can be made without soldering, and the pipe is easy to work with, as Carson Dunlop's illustration (left) shows.
Our photo (below right) shows hot and cold water piping using these materials and fittings in a new building. |
Polybutylene Piping failures:
PB Pipe: Polybutylene Pipe Failures, Claims, Litigation, Contact Information
Our photograph of a broken white Schedule 40 PVC sewer line in a crawl area (left) illustrates what can happen to this material if a sewer line is blocked and exposed to freezing.
- PB (polybutylene with mechanical fittings) Piping leaks: especially in mobile homes and in the U.S. South, for example trailers and double-wides throughout Florida that were piped with this material - per M Cramer. See "Polybutylene Piping: Time Bomb?" Daniel Friedman, Journal of Light Construction, August 1996 [Technical Q&A].
- Plastic Supply and Drain Piping Failures: leaks, lawsuits, settlements
- If plastic water piping is installed, such as polybutylene water supply piping, it should be at least 18" from the water heater.
- New mobile home and trailer units: 3/4" supply piping, must be installed a minimum of 6" off the ground; a shutoff valve is required. Also see WATER SHUTOFF VALVE LOCATION, USE where to find and how to turn off the main water valve in buildings
Recommendations (Specifications) for PB Polybutylene Water Pipe Installation
Industry associations, including the Polybutylene Product Line Committee of the Plastic Pipe & Fittings Association have made recommendations for successful installation of polybutylene piping systems, including those listed below. Frankly by 2010 we were never seeing PB installations in buildings at which all of the recommendations below were followed and OPINION it may be that industry experts no longer consider all of the 1990 recommendations necessary. [Feedback invited - CONTACT us.]
- Piping shall comply with ASTM D 3309 (gray piping) Hot and Cold;
- Stored PB piping may be loosely coiled or bundled but should not be taped
- Use annealed copper crimp rings (note this may have changed since 1990)
- Use copper or brass insert fittings
- Compression fittings are permitted if of a type recommended for PB
- Manifold connections (such as for radiant heating) must be of a type recommended for PB
- PB piping should be free of cuts, gouges, or deep scratches, tar, kinks, grease, soldering flux, and should not be faded or discolored
- PB piping end cuts should be square and free of burs (use an approved PB pipe cutting tool)
- PB pipe crimp rings should be 1/8" to 1/4" from the end of the tubing and do not use multiple crimp rings at an individual fitting connection
- PB Crimp rings shall be perpendicular to the centerline of the pipe or tubing (not askew)
- Each PB crimp connection should be checked with a GO-NOGO gauge and any fitting that does not pass should be cut out and replaced.
- In making a run of PB piping allow 1/8" of slack per 12" of run
- The radius of a PB pipe bend should be 12 x the tubing diameter (or more).
- Protective sleeves or bushings should be installed at the beginning and end of straight runs of PB piping when penetrating studs
- Supports for PB piping shall be used at significant changes in direction
- Horizontal support for PB piping should be 32" o.c. for pipes from 3/8" to 3/4" diameter, and at 48" o.c. for pipes from 1" to 1 1/2" in diameter.
- Vertical pipes should be supported at every floor and at the mid-point between floors for pipes smaller than 1" in diameter
- Piping supports should not restrict the horizontal movement of piping
- With PB pipe use only hangers or supports recommended specifically for PB pipes
- Do not connect a hose bib directly to PB piping. Use anchored metal pipe for this transition to avoid strain on the PB pipe
- Transitions should be made with fittings approved for that use
- Keep PB piping at least 6" horizontally and 12" vertically from high heat sources such as heating flues or heating pipes
- Do not use PB piping in recirculating hot water plumbing loops; keep PB piping branch lines at least 36" off of recirculating hot water pipe loops; Hot water heater connections should be at least 18" away from the water heater (and separated by metal piping); do not install PB piping downstream from a demand-type or instant or "tankless" hot water heater.
- Test pressure for PB piping systems should be at least equal to normal system working pressure but also must be not less than 40psi nor more than 225 psi. NOTE that some plastic piping is marked with other maximum pressure ratings that must be respected when testing too.
- Pressure test piping for at least 15 minutes. Note that a light pressure drop in two hours is normal (due to slight expansion of the piping, not due to leaks).
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
- Eric Galow, Galow Homes, Lagrangeville, NY. Mr. Galow can be reached by email: ericgalow@gmail.com or by telephone: 914-474-6613. Mr. Galow specializes in residential construction including both new homes and repairs, renovations, and additions.
- Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. Mr. Cramer serves on the ASHI Home Inspection Standards. Contact Mark Cramer at: 727-595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com
- John Cranor is an ASHI member and a home inspector (The House Whisperer) is located in Glen Allen, VA 23060. He is also a contributor to InspectApedia.com in several technical areas such as plumbing and appliances (dryer vents). Contact Mr. Cranor at 804-747-7747 or by Email: johncranor@verizon.net
 Carson, Dunlop & Associates Ltd., 120 Carlton Street Suite 407, Toronto ON M5A 4K2. (416) 964-9415 1-800-268-7070 info@carsondunlop.com. The firm provides professional home inspection services & home inspection education & publications. Alan Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors. Thanks to Alan Carson and Bob Dunlop, for permission for InspectAPedia to use text excerpts from The Home Reference Book & illustrations from The Illustrated Home. Carson Dunlop Associates' provides:
- Commercial Building Inspection Courses - protocol ASTM Standard E 2018-08 for Property Condition Assessments
- Home Inspection Education Courses including home study & live classes at eleven colleges & universities.
- Home Inspection Education Home Study Courses - ASHI@Home Training 10-course program.
Special Offer: Carson Dunlop Associates offers InspectAPedia readers in the U.S.A. a 5% discount on these courses: Enter INSPECTAHITP in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
- The Home Reference Book, a reference & inspection report product for building owners & inspectors.
Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
- The Home Reference eBook, an electronic version for PCs, the iPad, iPhone, & Android smart phones.
Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference eBook purchased as a single order. Enter inspectaehrb in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
- The Illustrated Home illustrates construction details and building components, a reference for owners & inspectors.
Special Offer: For a 5% discount on any number of copies of the Illustrated Home purchased as a single order Enter INSPECTAILL in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space.
- The Horizon Software System manages business operations,scheduling, & inspection report writing using Carson Dunlop's knowledge base & color images. The Horizon system runs on always-available cloud-based software for office computers, laptops, tablets, iPad, Android, & other smartphones.
- [3] PB (polybutylene with mechanical fittings) Piping leaks: especially in mobile homes and in the U.S. South, for example trailers and double-wides throughout Florida that were piped with this material - per M Cramer. See "Polybutylene Piping: Time Bomb?" Daniel Friedman, Journal of Light Construction, August 1996 [Technical Q&A].
- [4] ABS Plastic Pipe: "All Black -hit," defective black ABS plastic waste pipe manufactured in the mid 1980's failed by cracking. Additional information: www.abspipes.com
- [5] Polybutylene Plumbing (plastic pipes): gray plastic water supply piping cracked, leaked, and resulted in a class action and settlement.
- [6] ABS Plastic Drain/Waste/Vent (DWV) pipe failures: reported for Centaur, Phoenix, Polaris, Gable, and Spartan pipe mfgs. for pipe made between 1985 and 1988. CPSC Hot Line: 800-638-8270 or ABS Drain Leaks/Failures-Class Action Settlement COX settlement through Shell Oil set up by a contractor involved in the settlement Plumbing Failures: Spencer Class settlement. 10% of replacement cost/damages, only for acetal (plastic)fittings Polybutylene plumbing info at U. Arizona Polybutylene piping lawsuit settlement website Polybutylene plumbing lawsuit proposed settlement-old site
- Eric Galow, Galow Homes, Lagrangeville, NY. Mr. Galow can be reached by email: ericgalow@gmail.com or by telephone: 914-474-6613. Mr. Galow specializes in residential construction including both new homes and repairs, renovations, and additions.
- [7] PB Technology Center (information about PB Pipes) Tel: 800-338-7732, also see the 1990 PB Pipe recommendations published by the Polybutylene Product Line Committee of the Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association.
- Polybutylene Plumbing Failures: Spencer Class settlement. 10% of replacement cost/damages, only for acetal (plastic)fittings
- [8] Polybutylene plumbing info at U. Arizona
- [9] Polybutylene piping lawsuit settlement website
- [10] Polybutylene plumbing lawsuit proposed settlement-old site
- [11] Polybutylene Plumbing Failures, Lots of Info about, but slow-loading busy site
- [12] Zurn Manufacturing, Zurn Pex, Inc., Highway 11 East, Commerce, TX 75428, Tel: (903) 886-2580
provides information about installing and using PEX piping including Type b PEX through their website. Quoting from the company's website
Zurn was founded in 1900 in Erie, PA. It originally manufactured a patented backwater valve, and it now manufactures and distributes one of the largest plumbing products packages in the world! Zurn includes: the Specification Drainage Operation, AquaFlush flush valves, AquaSense sensor-operated plumbing products, AquaSpec commercial faucets, Wilkins, Zurn Light Commercial, Flo-Thru, the Chemical Drainage Systems, Zurn PEX Plumbing Systems and Zurn Radiant Heat.
- [13] Zurn PEX Plumbing Design and Application Guide (PDF) - web search 12/23/2010, original source http://www.zurn.com/operations/pexrh/pdfs/installation/PEXDesApplGuide.pdf
- [14] Zurn Pex Plumbing
Products Liability Litigation, United States Court of Appeals
FOR THE EIGHTH CIRCUIT, No. 10-2267, Filed 6 July 2011, Quoting:
Minnesota homeowners brought this action1 against Zurn Pex, Inc. and Zurn
Industries, Inc (Zurn) alleging that brass fittings used in the company's cross linked
polyethylene (PEX) plumbing systems are inherently defective. In pretrial motions
the homeowners sought class certification for their consumer protection, warranty, and
negligence claims, and Zurn moved to strike the testimony of two of the homeowners’
experts. After denying Zurn's motion to strike the expert testimony, the district court2
granted the homeowner requests for class certification for their warranty and
negligence claims, but denied it for their consumer protection claims. Zurn appeals
from the district court's certification order. We affirm.
Web search 4/12/12, original source: www.ca8.uscourts.gov/opndir/11/07/102267P.pdf
- [15] Uponor, Inc., F1807 Plumbing Court File No. - United States District Court, District of Minnesota, In Re: Uponor, Inc., F1807 Plumbing Court File No. 11-MD-2247 ADM/JJK
Fittings Products Liability Litigation, "
Order Granting Motion to Certify Class for Settlement Purposes and for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement and Form and Dissemination of Notice to the Class" Quoting:
The Motion for Preliminary Approval of Class Action Settlement was heard on January 12, 2012. After review of pleadings and briefing, and having heard the arguments of counsel for good cause shown, it is hereby ORDERED that: (1) the Motion for Preliminary Approval of Nationwide Class Action Settlement Agreement; (2) preliminary and conditional certification of a settlement class; (3) approval of the form and content of Notice and Settlement; (4) an injunction and stay of all claims and actions against the RTI Defendants
Web search 4/12/12, original source: http://www.mnd.uscourts.gov/MDL-Uponor/
- [16] Bonnie Ransom Stern & Gustavo Lagos, "Are There Health Risks from the Migration of Chemical Substances from Plastic Pipes into Drinking Water? A Review", Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal
Volume 14, Issue 4, 2008, Abstract:
Plastic pipes used to convey hot and cold drinking water are synthetic polymers containing numerous additives that enhance durability, impact strength, and toughness, and resist material degradation. Although some research studies have been conducted to evaluate the type and levels of chemical substances migrating from polymeric materials into drinking water, the potential adverse health effects associated with these compounds in potable water have not been described. This review evaluates the literature on the occurrence of regulated and unregulated substances in drinking water related to the use of plastic pipes, characterizes potential health hazards, and describes uncertainties associated with human health and exposure in need of further research. Of particular public health concern is the potential for sensitive populations to be exposed to short-term elevations in leachates during critical periods, and for co-occurring leachates targeting the same organ(s) and/or sharing a common mode of toxic action to have additive or synergistic effects. Contaminants are measured in the distribution system, not at the tap where human exposure actually occurs. For increased health protection, it is important to identify compounds that migrate from plastic pipes into drinking water and to better quantify human exposures and health hazards to these substances and their degradates.
- [17] Andrew J. Whelton, Andrea M. Dietrich, Daniel L. Gallagher, "Chapter 6 Impact of Chlorinated Water Exposure on Chemical Diffusivity and Solubility,
Surface and Bulk Properties of HDPE and PEX Potable Water Pipe", in Advancing Potable Water Infrastructure through an Improved Understanding of Polymer
Pipe Oxidation, Polymer–Contaminant Interactions, and Consumer Perception of Taste, Andrew James Whelton
Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
In
Civil Engineering
Andrea M. Dietrich, Chair
Daniel L. Gallagher
Marc A. Edwards
Brian J. Love
James M. Tanko, April 2, 2009
Blacksburg, Virginia. Abstract: While more than 100 years of research has focused on removing acute and chronic health
threats from water, substantially less study has focused on potable water infrastructure and water
quality deterioration, monitoring technologies, and relationships between water taste and
consumer health. These knowledge–gaps have left infrastructure users, owners, regulators, and
public health professionals largely unaware of how premise and buried polymer water pipes
deteriorate and sorb/ desorb organic contaminants during normal operations and following water
contamination events. These knowledge–gaps also prevent infrastructure managers from
producing drinking water that optimizes mineral content for both water taste and health benefits,
and employing a monitoring tool capable of immediately detecting water contamination or
equipment failures.
Research was conducted to address these challenges using analytical chemistry,
environmental engineering, food science, polymer chemistry, public health, and material science
principles. This work was enhanced by collaborations with sixteen American water utilities and
the National Institute for Standards and Technology. These efforts were funded by the National
Science Foundation, American Water Works Association, and the Water Research Foundation.
Research results are unique and provide important scientific contributions to the public
health, potable water, and material science industries. Particular achievements include the: (1)
Evaluation of linkages between minerals, water palatability, and health useful for water
production and public health decisions; (2) Creation of a novel infrastructure and water quality
surveillance tool that has begun water utility implementation in the USA; (3) Development of an
accelerated chlorinated water aging method with stable water pH, free chlorine, and alkalinity
concentration that enables interpretation of polymer pipe surface and bulk characteristic changes;
(4) Discovery that polar compounds are 2–193% more soluble in PEX than HDPE water pipes;
(5) Finding that several polymer and contaminant properties can be used to predict contaminant diffusivity and solubility during sorption and desorption in new, lab aged, and water utility PE
pipes; and the (6) Discovery that chlorinated water exposure of HDPE and PEX pipes increases
polar contaminant diffusivity during sorption by 50–162% and decreases diffusivity during
desorption as much as 211%. Outcomes of this work have domestic and global significance, and
if engaged, can greatly improve public health protection, potable water infrastructure operations,
water quality, sustainability, and regulation.
- [18] Chemax, "Cross-Linked Polyethylene Tubing and Water Contamination", retrieved 2/17/2013, original source: http://www.chemaxx.com/polytube1.htm [copy on file as [Water Contamination chemical investigation.pdf]
- [19] Ingun Skjevrak, Anne Due, Karl Olav Gjerstad, Hallgeir Herikstad "Volatile organic components migrating from plastic pipes (HDPE, PEX and PVC) into drinking water", Water Research Volume 37, Issue 8, April 2003, Pages 1912–1920
Abstract:
High-density polyethylene pipes (HDPE), crossbonded polyethylene pipes (PEX) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes for drinking water were tested with respect to migration of volatile organic components (VOC) to water. The odour of water in contact with plastic pipes was assessed according to the quantitative threshold odour number (TON) concept. A major migrating component from HDPE pipes was 2,4-di-tert-butyl-phenol (2,4-DTBP) which is a known degradation product from antioxidants such as Irgafos 168®. In addition, a range of esters, aldehydes, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons and terpenoids were identified as migration products from HDPE pipes. Water in contact with HDPE pipes was assessed with respect to TON, and values ⩾4 were determined for five out of seven brands of HDPE pipes. The total amount of VOC released to water during three successive test periods were fairly constant for the HDPE pipes. Corresponding migration tests carried out for PEX pipes showed that VOC migrated in significant amounts into the test water, and TON ⩾5 of the test water were observed in all tests. Several of the migrated VOC were not identified. Oxygenates predominated the identified VOC in the test water from PEX pipes. Migration tests of PVC pipes revealed few volatile migrants in the test samples and no significant odour of the test water.
- [20] Andrew J. Whelton, Ph.D., M.ASCE; Andrea M. Dietrich, Ph.D., Aff.ASCE; and Daniel L. Gallagher, Ph.D., P.E., M.ASCE, ”Contaminant Diffusion, Solubility, and Material Property Differences between HDPE and PEX Potable Water Pipes.” J. Environ. Eng., 136(2), 227–237.
doi: 10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0000147
Abstract: the objectives of this work were to identify differences between the composition, bulk properties, contaminant diffusivity and solubility for new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe and crosslinked polyethylene (PEX) pipe, as well as determine which contaminant and polymer properties are useful for predicting contaminant fate in water pipe. Variations in PE pipe density (0.9371–0.9547 g/cm3) , crystallinity (69–72%), crosslinking (60 and 76%), and oxidative induction time (33 to >295 min .) were detected. While numerically these differences seem minor, results show that slight material differences have a notable effect on contaminant diffusivity and solubility. Nonpolar contaminant diffusivity and solubility were best predicted by bulk density. Polar contaminants were more soluble and diffused faster through PEX than HDPE pipes because PEX pipes contained a greater amount of oxygen. For all materials, dipole moment and Log Kow were good predictors of contaminant fate and molecular volume was only useful for predicting diffusivity and solubility values for haloalkane and nonpolar aromatic contaminants.
- [21] Jia Tang, Daniel L. Gallagher, and Andrea M. Dietrich. (2013) Predicting Permeation of Organic Contaminants into Polyethylenes. Journal of Environmental Engineering 139:2, 205-212
Online publication date: 1-Feb-2013.
Abstract:
A model was developed and validated for predicting solubility and diffusion coefficients for contaminants permeating polyethylene (PE) materials used for water pipes and geomembranes. Model development was based on diffusivity and solubility of 13 contaminants and six PE materials that were new and/or aged in chlorinated water. Physical and chemical properties of the contaminants and PEs were included as variables in the model. Tree regression was used to select variables, and multiple linear regression was used to develop predictive equations for contaminant diffusivity and solubility in PE. Organic contaminant properties, especially dipole moment and octanol-water partition coefficient, had greater predictive capability than PE properties. Coefficients of determination (R2)>0.8 were obtained for the multiple linear regressions. Model coefficients changed slightly between new PE materials and chlorine-aged PE, but these changes were not statistically significant. Good agreement was demonstrated between model predictions and measured data from an independent data set. These results provide guidance for material selection for both water pipes and geomembranes and assessing contamination potential.
- [22] Andrew J. Whelton, Andrea M. Dietrich, and Daniel L. Gallagher. (2011) Impact of Chlorinated Water Exposure on Contaminant Transport and Surface and Bulk Properties of High-Density Polyethylene and Cross-Linked Polyethylene Potable Water Pipes. Journal of Environmental Engineering 137:7, 559-568
Online publication date: 1-Jul-2011. Abstract:
The aim of this work was to determine if the aging of polyethylene (HDPE, PEX-A and PEX-B) water pipes by exposure to chlorinated water altered polar and nonpolar contaminant diffusivity and solubility by analyzing new, laboratory-aged, and exhumed water-distribution system polyethylene (PE) pipes. After 141 days of aging in pH 6.5 water with 45 mg/L free chlorine, the surface chemistry and bulk properties of PEX-A pipe were unaffected. Carbonyl bonds (σ=1,713 cm−1) were detected on the surfaces of HDPE and PEX-B pipe, and these oxygenated surfaces became more hydrophilic, resulting in statistically significant increases in diffusion rates. All 10 contaminant and four pipe material combinations had diffusivity increases on average of 50% for polar contaminants and 5% for nonpolar contaminants. Contaminant solubility was slightly increased for aged PEX-A and slightly decreased for PEX-B pipes. Toluene and trichloromethane diffusivity and solubility values for 7- to 25-year-old buried water utility pipes were similar to values for new and laboratory-aged HDPE-based materials. Because chlorinated water exposure alters how polar contaminants interact with aged PE pipes, results of this work should be considered in future health risk assessments, water quality modeling, pipe performance, and service-life considerations.
- [23] ANDREW J. WHELTON & TINH NGUYEN, "Contaminant Migration from Polymeric Pipes used in Buried Potable Water Distribution Systems: A Review", Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology, February 2012 posted online,
Abstract: Polymeric pipes are increasingly being installed in water distribution systems because of their many advantages. Contaminant migration from polymer pipes into drinking water is a growing concern in the United States and environmental engineers are evaluating the role of these materials on water quality, system operation, and regulatory compliance. To aid these efforts and serve as a source of background information, this paper critically reviews available literature on polymeric potable water pipes in use, known contaminants released from in–service and new piping, their perceived sources, and outlines future challenges in the U.S. and abroad.
- [24] Andrew James Whelton, "Advancing Potable Water Infrastructure through an Improved Understanding of Polymer
Pipe Oxidation, Polymer–Contaminant Interactions, and Consumer Perception of Taste", Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of the
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
In
Civil Engineering, April 2, 2009
Blacksburg, Virginia, retrieved 2/17/2013, original source
http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/ available/etd-04162009-113815/unrestricted/ FINALWheltonDissertationMay09.pdf#page=158
- [25] Website: GreenBuildingAdvisor.com, "PEX vs Copper", retrieved 2/18/2013, original source: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/ community/forum/green-products-and-materials/ 16256/pex-vs-copper [copy on file as PEX vs Copper _ GreenBuildingAdvisor.pdf]
- [26] Website: GreenBuildingAdvisor.com," How Safe is PEX tubing?", retrieved 2/18/2013, original source: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/ blogs/dept/qa-spotlight /how-safe-pex-tubing [copy on file as How Safe is PEX tubing_GreenBuildingAdvisor.pdf]
- [27] Lauren Hunter, "California’s PEX Battle Continues", Remodeling Magazine, June 2010, Website: Builderonline.com, "x", retrieved 2/18/2013, original souirce: http://www.builderonline.com/legislation/californias-pex-battle-continues.aspx [copy on file as California’s PEX Battle Continues - Plumbing, Legal Issues, Legislation - Builder Magazine.pd]
- [28] Contractor Magazine, "California approves PEX for plumbing — again- Contractor Magazine.pdf", retrieved 2/18/2013, original source: http://contractormag.com/news/ california-pex-plumbing-1234 [copy on file as California approves PEX for plumbing — again- Contractor Magazine.pdf]
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er- Plumbing Diagnosis & Repair: Water supply, drainage, septic systems, water testing, water contamination, defective plumbing materials & products.
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