How To Fix The Gray Line On A Mobile Home?

Repairs to gray plastic polybutylene (PB) waterlines are essential for maintaining proper plumbing systems and avoiding costly repairs. PEX, available in various colors such as red, blue, white, and clear, is the best option for replacing damaged sections or the entire plumbing line network. Many manufactured homes still contain gray polybutylene pipes, making repairs necessary.

In this video, we change out 28-year old polybutylene (AKA Poly B) plumbing supply pipes in our mobile home project and replace them with modern PEX piping. The only guaranteed repair for polybutylene is a complete repipe, but if the customer is unwilling to do so, they need a repipe.

Replacing old, damaged pipes in mobile homes is essential to ensure proper functioning and avoid costly repairs. Local regulations do not recommend or have banned using certain materials, but it is recommended to replace white, cream, or medium gray pipes.

When replacing parts on gray polybutylene pipes, transition to PEX pipe. Multiple manufacturers make PB x PEX adapters. When temperatures rise and fall, poly pipes will expand and contract, causing weakened pipes to rupture.

In summary, replacing old, damaged pipes in mobile homes is essential to ensure proper plumbing system function and avoid costly repairs. PEX, CPVC, or other options are available for replacing PB pipes.

Can you repair polybutylene pipes?

Polybutylene pipes, which have an average lifespan of 10 to 15 years, are prone to breaking, leaking, and causing extensive water damage. They can also cause rot and mold. To replace them, consider using copper, PEX, or PVC pipes, which are reliable and come with lifetime guarantees. Polybutylene pipes were installed in the late 90s in underground water mains and homes, often in basements, crawl spaces, or near water heaters.

They were fitted with valves, manifolds, and adapters to connect to other piping or major appliances. However, due to numerous issues, polybutylene pipes are no longer permitted for new plumbing installations.

How to unclog mobile home pipes?

Grease buildup in drains is a common issue in mobile homes due to their rapid aging and clogging process. To unclog a pipe, flush water, pour 3/4 cup of baking soda, wait 30 minutes, then pour vinegar, wait 10 minutes, and flush with boiling water. Repeat if necessary. If the drain is too clogged, call a professional plumber or mobile home repair service like Bulldog Rooter. In some cases, the drain may be too clogged to be fixed by yourself.

How to fix a pinhole leak in polybutylene pipe?

In the event of an emergency, it is advisable to contact a qualified plumber to assess the situation and determine the optimal course of action. In the event of a leak, a professional may remove the affected drywall, tile, or flooring, cut out the affected poly B line, and replace it with new PEX piping.

What is the grey water line called?

Polybutylene, also known as PB, Poly B, poly pipe, gray poly, and QUEST, was a popular substitute for traditional copper piping due to its low cost and ease of installation. The Shell Oil Company produced polybutylene resin from 1977 to 1996, making it flexible and chemical-resistant. However, homeowners now face issues with subpar piping due to oxidation and chlorine in the water supply, causing swelling and cracking over time.

What causes polybutylene pipe to fail?

Common municipal water additives like chlorine can cause stress fractures and catastrophic failure of poly pipes and fittings, leading to property damage, mold infestation, and higher insurance premiums. In 1995, manufacturers paid out a billion-dollar settlement due to these failures and alleged product defects. However, only a small percentage of properties containing polybutylene were repiped, leaving millions of building owners and managers to deal with failing systems. Polybutylene pipes reach the end of their useful life after 30-50 years, so it’s crucial to replace them.

Can polybutylene pipe be glued?

Polybutylene pipes, also known as gray poly, are prone to failure due to chemical reactions with sanitizing compounds used in drinking water. Over time, these pipes become brittle, forming tiny fissures that connect and form cracks. It is not recommended to attempt to repair polybutylene pipes yourself, as all repairs are unreliable and should be monitored for failure. Despite this, our company provides excellent service and good value to our clients.

How to clear a main line blockage?

To clear a main sewer line clog, loosen the main drain cleanout cap, remove the cap, allow water to backflow to the opening, insert the snake into the sewer line pipe opening, run the tool until all clogs are gone, clean up and replace the sewer cleanout cap, and don’t overtighten. This DIY method can be a simple fix, but it may require professional help if a sewer line cleanout is required. It’s important to avoid overtightening the snake and clean up the area after the process.

How do you fix a small hole in a poly pipe?

Two methods for joining are as follows: the use of Cobra clamps, Antelco clamps, and poly clamps.

What is the best way to repair a pinhole leak?

Pinhole leaks are caused by weak pipes, and a temporary fix like epoxy weld ignores the bigger problem. The entire pipe around the hole needs to be replaced, as it is weak. Compression wrap may fix the immediate issue but may cause a bigger leak if not replaced. Soldering is not ideal for pinhole leaks due to hairline trickles, longer installation times, and fire hazards. It requires dry pipe and is not suitable for wet lines. Pressing is space-consuming and difficult to maneuver, making it not ideal for pinhole leak applications.

What is the grey drain pipe called?

Poly-b Pipe, also referred to as grey plastic pipe, was a prevalent option in residential plumbing systems from the late 1970s to the late 1990s due to its comparatively economical cost in comparison to copper. It was commonly found in mechanical rooms and under kitchen sinks, and is likely to be present throughout a house unless a renovation or addition was made.

What is a grey water line?

Grey water reuse systems are a sustainable way to extend urban water supplies, especially during droughts when outdoor water use is limited. These systems harvest water from washing machines and pipe it outside for use on ornamental plants and fruit trees. Each load of clothes can produce 15 to 40 gallons of grey water, enough to keep most trees and plants alive. Advanced systems can pipe grey water over extended areas like lawns or flower beds. However, grey water should not be used on edible crops that touch the soil due to potential harmful bacterial contaminants, grease, or detergent residues.

It should be used within 24 hours of collection to prevent odors. Grey water cannot be used for drinking water or allowed to flow into storm gutters. California has legislated household use of grey water for irrigation since 1992, and has developed standards for plumbing design and equipment to ensure its safety and ease of use.