(NewsUSA) – The saying “They don’t make things like they used to,” may apply to the plumbing in many homes built in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. During those decades, polybutylene was considered the great future of plumbing for the home. Pipes made from polybutylene (PB) cost half as much as traditional copper pipes, and they were lightweight and easy for contractors to install.
PB pipes became the standard for home plumbing in much of the United States, including the Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, and Sun Belt regions. Approximately 6 to 10 million American homes built during the period from 1978 to 1995 contain PB plumbing, according to home construction data.
However, if a home has PB pipes, its water system is doomed to eventually degrade and fail. The reason? The chlorine present in every public water supply degrades PB pipes and their fittings over time. The questions are when, and how this problem will occur. Chlorine exposure creates small leaks in PB pipes that can turn into large leaks and major flooding. However, a water monitoring system such as FloLogic can help spare homeowners the hassle of an expensive experience in water damage.
The FloLogic System (www.flologic.com) monitors the water flow throughout the home, and acts like a circuit breaker that shuts off the water if it detects any type of leak. The System sounds an alarm at a keypad, and it also can be linked to a home security system. With the FloLogic System, homeowners are instantly alerted to the presence and location of a leak, and can address it immediately.
PB plumbing problems have caused millions of dollars in damage over the decades, and it is often difficult for homeowners to distinguish what their pipes are made of without calling in a plumber. Completely replacing PB pipes can be expensive, but careful monitoring can catch a small leak before it becomes a costly one.
In addition to reducing the risk of water damage, the FloLogic System may even earn homeowners a discount on their insurance, depending on the company.
Visit www.flologic.com for more details on how the FloLogic System can protect your plumbing.