pex or PB?

[John Dirks Jr]

I can't figure out if this is pex or PB. It's a 3/4 inch main supply line in a 1993 built home. I know it's within the PB timeline but I have not ever seen the blue PB main supply line in a 3/4 inch size. Maybe this is a first for me.

What is this material?

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[charlieb]

I'll take it you could not read any print on it. PEX or really really cold copper!

[John Dirks Jr]

I'll take it you could not read any print on it. PEX or really really cold copper!

My first thought was PB but the PB I've seen before is a lighter shade of blue and larger in diameter than this 3/4" one.

Some of the legible markings were 220psi, CTS-001, NSF PW , ATSM

[AHI in AR]

Looks like polybutylene to me. It's what they used to call "service blue" around here. I don't know if that's the official name or not.

It's subject to failure from damage by rocks, and most of it around here has been replaced...or needs to be. Then again, we have very rocky soil.

[MTL_Inspet_Man]

That typr of piping I've run across here in some newer condos for the main water service line. Allof it was Polybutelene (PB)

[msteger]

I'll take it you could not read any print on it. PEX or really really cold copper!

My first thought was PB but the PB I've seen before is a lighter shade of blue and larger in diameter than this 3/4" one.

Some of the legible markings were 220psi, CTS-001, NSF PW , ATSM

No mention of PB2110 or ASTM #?

[John Dirks Jr]

I'll take it you could not read any print on it. PEX or really really cold copper!

My first thought was PB but the PB I've seen before is a lighter shade of blue and larger in diameter than this 3/4" one.

Some of the legible markings were 220psi, CTS-001, NSF PW , ATSM

No mention of PB2110 or ASTM #?

I looked at other photos I had taken. With some editing and enlarging I was able to make out a faint PB2110 and an ASTM 02666... I think.

So, PB2110 does indentify it as polybutylene. Is the 2110 less problematic than the "Big Blue"?

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[AHI in AR]

For the record, the main problem with the PB delivery piping was the early generation plastic fittings, not so much the piping itself. The fittings were made of a harder plastic material (If I remember correctly -- Delrin?) to withstand the clamping force that soft PB wouldn't. Unfortunately, they were eaten up fairly quickly by the high free chlorine levels present in SOME municipal water supplies. Later installations used copper and brass crimp fittings; they were fine.

PB also had some advantages over copper. No green junk in your water lines to flavor your ice and clog your aerators, and the ability to freeze, swell, and then return to normal size without bursting.

[msteger]

Kevin, just to get this straight, are you saying PB with copper or brass fittings isn't an issue?