Blue Max water lines make sure your inspector catches this

Published on 4 November 2024 at 20:18

Blue Max water lines, which were used in plumbing from the 1970s to the 1990s, have become a concern for homeowners due to their tendency to fail prematurely. Here are some of the main issues with Blue Max water lines:

1. Material Degradation: Blue Max pipes are made from a type of polybutylene, which was initially popular because it was cheap and easy to install. However, the material is prone to chemical degradation, especially when exposed to chlorine and other common water treatment chemicals. Over time, these chemicals can cause the pipes to become brittle, making them more likely to crack, split, or burst.

2. Leaks and Water Damage: Due to the brittle nature of aged Blue Max pipes, they are prone to develop small leaks that can quickly lead to significant water damage in homes. These leaks can often go unnoticed until major damage has occurred, making it a costly problem to address.

3. Installation Vulnerability: Blue Max pipes were often joined with plastic or metal fittings, which are also susceptible to deterioration and breaking down over time. Even if the pipe itself holds up, the fittings might fail and cause leaks.

4. Insurance Concerns: Many insurance companies are reluctant to cover homes with Blue Max pipes due to the high failure rate. Some may deny coverage or charge higher premiums, which can complicate real estate transactions when trying to buy or sell a home.

5. Class-Action Lawsuits: Due to widespread issues, several class-action lawsuits were filed against the manufacturers of Blue Max pipes. Although settlements have been reached, they typically only covered a limited timeframe and specific circumstances. Homeowners now may have to bear the full cost of replacing these lines themselves.

For these reasons, many experts recommend that homes with Blue Max piping replace it with more durable materials like PEX or copper to avoid future issues.

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