coppper vs. polybutylene

[John Martin]

We are currently building a new house and are considering using polybutylene pipe. However our plumber prefers copper. We dont mind using copper but in our current house we are experience noise from the copper pipes, especially with the ceramic disc valves on our tapes. Also the noise from water hammer is annoying. Are there any remedies to reduce noise when using ceramic disc valves and copper pipe? Will polybutylene pipe reduce noise and water hammer or does it have other drawbacks.Thanks.

[John VerbakelParticipant]

We loved installing it when it was available. However, you should know that Shell Oil the company manufacturing it, was sued so often that it stopped manufacturing it. Or at least we cant get it in Michigan. It is a shame, because the reason they were sued was due to leaks that were not their fault. To install many plumbers used plactic ferrels to join the pipe and they were eventually eaten away by the chlorine in the water…thus causing leaks. We never used the plactic connections, we always used copper fittings, so our jobs never had problems. There is a new product called PEX, your plumber could look into. However, everyone got sued who installed polybutylene and so many people are not interested. Copper is noisy,and we know use CPVC piping. We love it, its cheaper and quieter. Copper is still preferred by many so we do what ever the customer wants. As for noise there are remedies you can talk it over with your contractor. Good Luck and keep your humor about you. Take a break from your job site and remember to be kind to your trades. They are very skilled and compassion goes a long way towards a wonderful job.

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