Polybutylene piping comes in several colors and sizes but the most common found in residential homes are grey polybutylene from 1/2”-3/4”. Polybutylene may also be found in red, blue (mostly exterior), black (mostly manufactured homes), white, and cream. The writing, lines, or dots on the pipe may be white, black, blue (most common), and red. Common manufactures of polybutylene include QUEST, Vanguard by Thermoguard, and Rangeburg SILVR-MAX.

Common writing found on these pipes include the following:

• UPC
• SDR 11
• IAPMO
• ½” CTS X 5/8” OD .062
• PB2110
• D-3309
• B137.8

UPC is United Plumbing Code

SDR 11 is the Standard Dimension Ratio. The outside pipe diameter is the wall thickness times the SDR #. A 1/2” pipe that is SDR 11 will be stronger and more ridged than a 1/2” pipe that is SDR 17. SDR 17 has a thinner wall than SDR 11.

IAPMO International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) coordinates the development and adaptation of plumbing, mechanical, swimming pool and solar energy codes to meet the specific needs of individual jurisdictions both in the United States and abroad. IAPMO develops and publishes the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

1/2” CTS X 5/8” OD .062 is the pipe size. CTS is the inner diameter and stands for Copper Tube Size. OD stands for outer diameter. In this example the inner diameter is 1/2” and the outer diameter is 5/8” or .062 (.0625 millimeters)

B137.8 CSA B137.8, Polybutylene (PB) piping systems for pressure applications. The CSA mark on the product means it has been tested against applicable North American standards requirements. The CSA acronym once stood for the Canadian Standards Association but is not a private testing body. As the name implies, this is a Canada-based group that offers certification for mechanical and electrical products, as well as any general product that carries a high amount of user risk. In 1992, OSHA officials accredited the CSA, deeming it an NRTL alongside the UL.

Unlike the UL Mark, a CSA-Listed designation holds value all around the world, not only in its country of origin. For a product to receive this prestigious label, it must also pass extensive tests that align with standards from the following certifying bodies:

• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• UL
• NSF International (Formerly the National Sanitation Foundation)

CSA GROUP

Government of Alberta Fact Sheet

1978-1983

Polybutylene plumbing was installed with plastic acetal fittings and aluminum crimps between 1978-1983

1983-1989

Polybutylene plumbing was installed with plastic acetal fittings and copper crimps between 1983-1989

1989-1996

Polybutylene plumbing was installed with copper fittings and copper crimps between 1989-1996

POLYBUTYLENE WATER PIPES TIMELINE

• Late 1960’s — Celanese Corporation (brand: Celcon) and DuPont Corporation (brand: Delrin) developed the polymer Acetal Resin (a form of plastic).  It was to be used in the manufacturing of plastic products. Acetal Resin fittings were used in earlier PB pipes installations.     
• In 1965, a Celanese researcher said: ”Failure usually occurs when chlorine deposits build up on the Acetal Resin.”

• 1970’s — Shell Oil Company became the sole producer of Polybutylene resin.

• 1975  U.S. Brass Corporation designed, manufactured, and began selling PB water pipes systems with polybutylene pipe and acetal resin fittings.

• 1975   U.S. Brass bought polybutylene resin from Shell (for the pipe) and Celcon from Celanese (for the fittings).

• U.S. Brass sold its products under the Qest (pronounced “Quest” brand name.   This brand of PB pipe is stamped with “Qest-C-PB-1210”.

• 1980, Vanguard Plastics in Kansas began producing: PB Pipe & fittings under the brand name: “Vanguard Thermoguard”.  This pipe is stamped with: “Vanguard Plastics”.