Polybutylene plumbing

[Eric S.]

I just bought a small flip house with the gray polybutylene plumbing. I am trying to decide if it is worth the cost to replace, or if it is better to leave it be. It has the copper fittings and crimp rings (as opposed to plastic and aluminium) and looks like an excellent installation, however I am worried about a buyers home inspection calling it out. The bright side is that it is a single story with an unfinished basement, so 90% of the plumbing is easily accessible. Does anybody have experience selling homes with poly plumbing?

[J Scott]

Replace it. Especially if you suspect the buyer will be FHA. An FHA inspector will catch it, and the buyer will ask for it to be replaced (and the underwriter may require it as well). Better to do it during the rehab than after all the work is complete.